Unraveling the Mystery of White Hat Hacking: A Look at Why Companies are Embracing Ethical Cybersecurity Practices
As the digital landscape continues to expand, so do the threats posed by cyberattacks. With the Dridex malware cleaning out an estimated $100m from banks and more online heists expected towards British banks before Christmas, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent.
To address this pressing issue, companies are turning to various methods to upskill their IT staff in ethical hacking, a constantly changing area that requires ongoing learning and refreshing of knowledge.
One such method is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council, a widely recognized certification for ethical hacking and penetration testing. This certification focuses on penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention strategies, and requires either two years of information security work experience or completion of official EC-Council training. The cost for the CEH certification ranges from approximately $950-$1199, depending on location.
Another option is Advanced Ethical Hacking Bootcamps, such as Zero To Mastery. These intensive courses delve into advanced network attacks, offering hands-on labs for real-world offensive and defensive skills. They are continuously updated to reflect the latest attack techniques and defenses.
Comprehensive online courses and professional programs, like those offered by Simplilearn, cover fundamental to advanced ethical hacking topics. Designed for beginners and working professionals alike, these courses offer flexible learning options with live webinars, recorded tutorials, and practical labs.
SANS Institute Training Events provide immersive in-person or virtual experiences, offering multiple courses focused on ethical hacking, penetration testing, cloud security, and specialized areas like ICS/SCADA security. These events offer hands-on labs and interaction with expert instructors and security professionals, providing a collaborative learning environment.
Google, for instance, has a team of dedicated ethical hackers who are rewarded for spotting vulnerabilities in its products. However, employees can also unknowingly put their company's IT infrastructure at risk by logging onto public Wi-Fi networks with company devices or streaming content.
The average cost of a cyberattack per organization is estimated to be $15 million, making it crucial for businesses to identify weak points in their cybersecurity and improve their defenses. Every employee should be aware of how to prevent putting the company at risk through weak passwords, unsafe links, or unauthorized personal devices.
HR can play a role in bridging the knowledge gap by educating employees about cybersecurity risks. Understanding the threat and ensuring everyone has the necessary skills and knowledge is crucial for a business to protect itself from cyberattacks.
No industry seems to be immune to cyber-attacks, from social networking sites to complex banking systems. IT professionals prefer learning at their own pace and in any location, making online courses an effective solution.
Moreover, the statement "IT security should not just be the priority of the CSO or IT department; it should be a priority for all, from the CEO to the receptionist" rings true. As cyberattacks intensify, it is essential for businesses to invest in their cybersecurity resilience by training their IT staff effectively.
Sources: [1] Simplilearn: https://www.simplilearn.com/certifications/ceh [2] Zero To Mastery: https://www.zerotomastery.io/ [3] EC-Council: https://www.eccouncil.org/certifications/certified-ethical-hacker [4] Simplilearn: https://www.simplilearn.com/cybersecurity-training [5] SANS Institute: https://www.sans.org/event/sans-raleigh-2025
Cybersecurity education and self-development are crucial for tech professionals in the current digital landscape, as they help individuals learn advanced network attacks and defensive strategies for cybersecurity. For instance, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) by EC-Council is a widely recognized certification that focuses on penetration testing and requires ongoing learning to keep up with ever-evolving cyber threats.
Online courses like those offered by Simplilearn provide comprehensive training on ethical hacking for both beginners and working professionals, offering flexible learning options. They cover topics from fundamental concepts to advanced security techniques, allowing tech professionals to learn at their own pace and from any location.
