Ethical hackers use their computer and network security expertise to identify vulnerabilities in applications, networks, and physical systems, then recommend a course of action to avoid problems caused by those flaws. Those interested in entering the field can learn computer security concepts and tools through a variety of online ethical hacking training methods. To learn the material, one can enroll in an accelerated ethical hacker boot camp program, a computer-based training course, a college course, or an online practice exam. Beginners benefit most from online courses and boot camps, and practice exams are especially useful for those studying for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam.
A live online course known as a boot camp is a popular method of online ethical hacking training. These courses make use of a web-conferencing platform that allows instructors to broadcast their lectures in real time and interact with students in real time. Courses last about a week and require students to be online for a certain amount of time each day. Boot camps typically include online labs and projects with other students in the class, in addition to video lectures on ethical hacking topics. Students may take the CEH exam at a physical location after completing the boot camp.
Computer-based training courses, which may include comprehensive videos, reading materials, practice exercises, and online labs, are another option for online ethical hacking training. These courses, unlike boot camps, are typically completed at the student’s own pace and are a good option for students who are new to ethical hacking and need more study time than a boot camp allows. Some courses include a mentor who can be contacted with any course-related questions.
Many universities offer ethical hacking online college courses that students can take as part of a degree program or as a stand-alone course. These courses are especially beneficial for students who need college credits and prefer more structure and interaction with their classmates and instructor. If you have no prior experience in information security, you may need to take prerequisite courses. Online college courses usually require labs, group discussions, tests, and papers, and you may need to take prerequisite courses.
Other options for online ethical hacking training include practice exams and online study guides. These tools are best used in conjunction with an online course, boot camp, or computer-based training course, and they provide CEH exam practice questions. A limited course component is included in some online practice exams.