The Role of Ethical Hacking in Cybersecurity

When we think of the term ‘hackers’, we usually think of malicious individuals undertaking criminal activity. However, what would you say if we said that hacking wasn’t always associated with negative connotations?  This is where ethical hacking comes in. Often referred to as ‘white hat’ hackers, they are individuals who have decided to use their skills for the better to help organisations stay protected from the dangers of the dark web.  

In this blog, we explore the role of ethical hacking in cybersecurity, why it is important in the fight against cybercrime, and how a BSc (Hons) Computing degree can give you the knowledge and skills to pursue a successful computing career. 

The Importance of Ethical Hacking  

If you have any knowledge of ethical hacking already, you’ll be aware of Kevin Mitnick. He has become one of the world’s most well-known ethical hackers after his time spent in prison for invading computer systems at several high-tech companies. However, he’s remembered as a reformed ‘white hat’ hacker after his release in 1989 as he began to use his expertise to help businesses find vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This makes ethical hacking a vital element of cybersecurity as it helps companies identify and eradicate potential security risks before they become too big of a problem. Additionally, a key reason why ethical hackers are becoming a key component in businesses’ IT departments is because their level of knowledge means that they are more likely to find hidden vulnerabilities in a computer system that would usually go undetected. 

Becoming an Ethical Hacker 

With the constant advancement in technology, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is only getting higher. There’s no limit to the level of security system that people can now hack into; from invading someone’s personal laptop or bank account to hacking the internal systems of a multinational corporation. 

To put a figure on it, there are expected to be 10 million cybersecurity jobs available in 2023, so there’s never been a better time to enter the industry. There are just a couple of things you would need to consider before entering this challenging yet essential sector: 

- You need a comprehensive understanding of computer science and networking   

- You will need to be aware of different programming languages and operating systems   

Let’s explore how the computing degree at the University of Bolton can help support your ambitions:

Why Study Computing? 

First and foremost, Bolton University was the first UK university to become a RedHat academy, incorporating RedHat Linux certification training into our modules. Our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security students also have the opportunity to take on Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exams on-campus as we deliver the industry-standard CCNA curriculum into our networking modules. 
 
Our team of expert lecturers offer a module dedicated specifically to ethical hacking. This means that our students learn both the theoretical and practical skills underpinning computer forensic and cybersecurity activities, and develop problem-solving skills based on first principles to enable them to commence their careers as an effective cybersecurity and forensic practitioner. Our students also receive a practical learning experience; 50% of the assessment on our ethical hacking module shows our strong industry links as our students get to work on live briefs, offering them the real-world context and application they need to best prepare them for a long-lasting computing career. 
 
Additionally, to boost our student’s employability, we provide them with the opportunity to study several different programming languages and approaches; which is a key skill for becoming a successful ethical hacker. Meaning that our students graduate with the skills and knowledge that top industry employers are looking for.   
 
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Have any questions? Contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call us on 01204 903807.