Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is a prevalent practice or process that protects an organization's network, system, and data from cyber theft or crime. It prevents many issues, including data breaches, illegal system access, and hostile assaults. Cyber security operates through four major phases: Identify, Protect, Detect, and React.

1. Different Categories of Cyber Security: 

• Cloud Security
• Network Security
• Mobile Security
• Information Security
• Application Security
• Identity Security
• Endpoint Security
• Data Security
• Operational Security (OpSec)
• Blockchain & Crypto Security
• AI & ML Security

2. Purpose of Cyber Security Experts:

• Prevent cyber crimes such as data breaches, hacking, and unauthorized access
• Ensure robust organizational systems, networks, and data protection from malicious attacks
• Safeguard sensitive information from being stolen, leaked, or misused
• Identify and respond to potential threats through well-defined processes
• Stay ahead of hackers who use advanced methods like phishing, malware, ransomware, and viruses
• Support organizations in maintaining trust, security, and compliance with data protection regulations

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What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is done legally and for good purposes: to find and fix security weaknesses in a system or network. It helps organizations protect their data and systems from hackers. Ethical hackers are 'the good guys' famous by the name white hat hackers.

1. Types of Hackers:

Here is a quick table that covers some of the types of hackers:

2. Role of Ethical Hackers:

• Identify and resolve vulnerabilities within an organization's system or network
• Protect sensitive data and valuable information from being carried off or lost due to various cyber attacks
• Inform organizations about flaws and help create strategies to weaken these risks
• Regular assessments to track the current security control status
• Use penetration testing to resolve vulnerabilities and strengthen security systems
• Prevent potential attackers from gaining insights into the organization's security posture
• Help maintain robust and secure systems that can withstand malicious attempts and breaches

Key Differences Between Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking

The table below is a cyber security vs ethical hacking comparison in detail:

Career Opportunities and Certifications

There are several job roles and certifications concerning cyber security vs ethical hacking.

1. Cyber Security Job Roles

• Security Analysts

• They investigate, analyze, identify, and resolve issues that are occurring in the security systems. They recommend ways to prevent cyberattacks

• SOC (security operations center) Analysts

• They identify, track, and address security threats and stop network intrusions
• They monitor the network for indications of infiltration. When a SOC analyst identifies an attack, they investigate it with other team members

• Network Security Engineers

• Network security engineers are responsible for protecting an organization’s network. They design, configure, and manage security systems to keep the network safe
• They handle both hardware and software related to network security. The primary roles of a network security engineer are to prevent cyber threats, ensure secure data flow, and maintain a strong defense against attacks

2. Ethical Hacking Job Roles

• Penetration Testers

• They take a proactive, offensive approach to use the weaknesses that real attackers could exploit in systems and applications. This is how they prevent actual attacks by acting on the vulnerabilities beforehand.

• Red Team Specialists

• They mimic real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities and improve an organization's security posture. They take on the role of attackers, trying to get past security measures and take advantage of flaws to figure out how a data breach or other malevolent act could be successful.

• Bug Bounty Hunters

• Ethical hackers who use their skills to find and report security flaws or bugs in software, applications, and systems. They are rewarded for doing so by companies running bug bounty programs.

3. Certifications for Cyber Security

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): This certification is widely recognized in information security. It demonstrates an IT professional's ability to curate, apply, and manage an organization's cybersecurity. You must pass the CISSP exam, complete an endorsement process (at least five years of relevant experience), and pay the annual maintenance fee to earn it.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): This certification is globally recognized for IT professionals who wish to pursue a career in information security management. It is offered by ISACA, which validates. The certification displays an IT security manager's skills to manage and develop an enterprise information security program.
• CompTIA Security+: A global certification that proves the baseline skills necessary to carry out core security functions and pursue an IT security career. The certification covers the most in-demand skills related to current threats, zero trust, automation, IoT, risk, etc.

4. Certifications for Ethical Hacking

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): This certification provides an in-depth grasp of ethical hacking phases, different attack vectors, and protective solutions. CEH v13, with AI capabilities, explains how hackers operate and considers better placement for building security infrastructure and defense concerning attacks.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): Offensive Security offers this ethical hacking certification. It teaches how to use the tools that come with the Kali Linux system and penetration testing techniques. Holders effectively breach and infiltrate various operational machines within a secure laboratory setting. It demands proof of realistic penetration testing abilities and is more technical than other ethical hacking certificates.
• GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester): This certification concerns a practitioner's proficiency in conducting a penetration test according to best practices. Certification holders have the know-how to carry out exploits, perform in-depth environmental research, and approach penetration testing projects methodically.

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Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking Salary Comparison

The cyber security vs ethical hacking salary comparison in the USA is as follows:

Both careers offer high earning potential, with cybersecurity slightly higher on average.

Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking Career Path: Which is Right for You?

Cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers have different but critical roles in protecting sensitive information. A person who has yet to consider a career in this field must understand both clearly to choose the right path.

• Cybersecurity professionals act as architects and defenders. Their work is proactive and defensive. They identify risks within an information system and design strategies to protect against them.

On the other hand –

• Ethical hackers are like testers and attackers. They think like malicious hackers to find loopholes before they do. Their work is offensive and investigative. They use penetration testing and other methods to assess system weaknesses.

Both are great career options that require problem-solving skills and a thing for cybersecurity. The deciding factor between the two will be your choice:

Do you prefer creating security systems (cybersecurity) or challenging them to find flaws (ethical hacking)?

Future Trends in Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking

1. AI & Automation in Cyber Security

AI and automation greatly help in cyber security. They offer advanced tools and techniques significantly boosting threat detection and response capabilities. Some key aspects are as follows:

• Threat Detection and Hunting
• Behavioral Analysis
• Predictive Analytics
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
• Adaptive Authentication
• Zero-day Vulnerability Detection

2. Rise of Zero Trust Security Models

Zero Trust security models are gaining prominence as traditional perimeter-based security becomes obsolete. Some key features are as follows:

• Least Privilege Access
• Continuous Verification
• Micro-Segmentation

3. Increased demand for Bug Bounty Programs and Red Teaming

Bug bounty programs and red teaming have become increasingly common as organizations look to find and treat weaknesses before they can be exploited. 

• Bug Bounty Programs: These programs reward ethical hackers with compensation, one way or another, for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities. They give organizations insights into weaknesses and help strengthen overall security posture.
• Red Teaming: The most common solution to secure your systems is penetration tests or red teaming that simulate real-world attacks and how will the specific organization defend itself; it basically prevents gaps and areas from improvement. By considering a proactive stance, organizations can identify and address potential risks before they escalate.

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Conclusion

Now you know the actual cyber security vs ethical hacking comparison in detail. Together, these roles form a cycle of improvement. Cyber security experts build defenses, and ethical hackers test them. This process continues until the system is as secure as possible. You need to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals to combat increasing cyber threats for either of the two.

Simplilearn brings several certifications for professionals or beginners in different tech fields. Cyber security and ethical hacking courses are also available in a very interactive online format.

1. Cyber Security Expert Masters Program:

Through the Cyber Security Expert Masters Program, you can become a cybersecurity expert.

• Prepare for CEH, CISSP, and CompTIA certifications with the latest curriculum.
• Access CEH v13 AI, CEH exam vouchers, and integrated hands-on labs.
• Architect cloud-based security to achieve optimization and compliance. 

2. CEH Certification Course:

Through the Certified Ethical Hacking Course, you can master cybersecurity with EC Council's CEH course and accredited trainers.

• Learn AI-driven processes and tools with the CEH v13 AI certification course by the EC-Council.
• Explore AI-powered threat detection and countermeasures to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
• Master network packet analysis and system penetration testing to prevent cyberattacks.
• The course includes official e-courseware and an exam voucher from the EC Council.

Staying equipped with the best training programs is helpful once you decide which way to go.