Information Security - Ethical Hacking

When I was in school, I used to watch movies and read stories where there would be one character who was like the God in working on the computer networks. I dreamt of becoming one hell of a computer wiz some day. So, I joined the Engineering course in Computers after high school. Then I became just another software engineer!!!

Where did the computer wiz vanish? That dream remained a dream for me. But there are people who have done exactly what I once wanted to do. They are into Information Security (Ethical Hacking).

According to a survey done by International Data Corp (IDC), the worldwide demand for information security professionals is expected to grow to around 1,88,000.

In the wake of growing threat of terrorism, even cyber security is a major concern. The terrorists involved in the Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts had hacked into wi-fi networks of individuals to send mails. Companies like Wipro, Infosys, Airtel and Reliance have set up separate security divisions for this. Government agencies too are encouraging their officials to learn about ethical hacking. As an increasing number of individuals and companies become dependent on the Internet, the grave threat of cyber attacks comes to the foreground.

All this stresses the need for ethical hackers in today’s time. Currently there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of such professionals worldwide. So, if you are computer savvy and gadget friendly, with an interest in the Internet and basic knowledge of networking and programming, then you should try your hand at ethical hacking once. Since this is a dynamic industry, you will get the opportunity to constantly learn new tools, techniques and methods. So what are you waiting for? It’s all for a good cause – start hacking !!

Currently, there are very few courses available in India. A one month course called the Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacking course (Run by the famous computer security expert Ankit Fadia) is available at a nominal cost at Reliance Webworld Outlets across the nation. IMT – Ghaziabad also provides distant learning course in association with Ankit Fadia. The course is one year PG diploma in cyber security.