What Is an Ethical Hacker? Skills, Potential Career Paths, and How to Prepare

What Is an Ethical Hacker? Skills, Potential Career Paths, and How to Prepare

Security threats to organizations are growing in both frequency and sophistication. As a result, many companies, government agencies, and financial institutions have turned to a specialized type of security professional to help identify weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them: ethical hackers.

If you are exploring a career path in cybersecurity, understanding what ethical hackers do, where they work, and what skills they need can help you make a more informed decision about your education and career path.

What Is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker, sometimes called a "white hat" hacker or penetration tester, is a cybersecurity professional who is authorized to test an organization's systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities. Rather than exploiting weaknesses for harmful purposes, ethical hackers document what they find and report it to the organization so that security teams can address the gaps.

The work is closely related to the broader field of information security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems, monitor for breaches, research emerging security trends, and recommend improvements to management.1 Penetration testing and ethical hacking represent a specialized skill set within this broader professional landscape.

What Ethical Hackers Do

Ethical hackers typically work through a structured testing process to evaluate an organization's security posture. Their work may include1:

  1. Planning authorized security tests based on the organization's systems, goals and testing boundaries.
  2. Identifying potential weaknesses in networks, applications, devices or system configurations.
  3. Testing whether vulnerabilities could be exploited under controlled conditions.
  4. Documenting findings, including the potential risk and technical details of discovered issues.
  5. Recommending mitigation steps that security teams can use to address identified weaknesses.

This kind of work requires both technical depth and a strong understanding of how attackers think. It is not a role that exists in isolation; ethical hackers typically work alongside broader IT and information security teams.

Industries That Employ Security Professionals

Organizations across many sectors recognize the value of proactive security testing. Some of the industries where information security professionals, including those with penetration testing skills, may find opportunities include:

  • Government and defense: Federal and state agencies have long prioritized security testing to protect sensitive systems and infrastructure.
  • Finance and insurance: Banks, investment firms, and insurers handle large volumes of sensitive data and are frequent targets of cyberattacks.
  • Technology companies: Many technology firms run structured programs that invite security researchers to identify and report vulnerabilities in their products.
  • Healthcare: As patient data becomes increasingly digital, healthcare organizations have a growing need for professionals who can identify and address security risks.
  • Consulting: Many organizations hire third-party security consultants to conduct independent assessments of their systems.

Skills and Education for a Career Path in Cybersecurity

Pursuing a career path in information security or penetration testing typically begins with a strong educational foundation. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is often cited as a common starting point for those entering the field.

According to the BLS, information security analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in a computer science field, along with related work experience.2 Employers may also prefer candidates who hold professional certifications in areas such as security analysis or penetration testing.

Beyond technical knowledge, professionals in this field may benefit from developing:

  • Analytical skills: The ability to assess systems, identify risks, and determine appropriate responses
  • Problem-solving skills: Security professionals must respond to alerts and uncover flaws that may not be immediately obvious
  • Communication skills: Explaining technical findings to both technical and nontechnical audiences is important
  • Attention to detail: Cyberattacks can be subtle, and being able to detect small changes in system behavior may signal a larger issue
  • Continuous learning: The threat landscape evolves constantly, and staying current with emerging methods and tools is essential

How AIU's Cybersecurity Program Can Help You Prepare

AIU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity is designed to help students study the foundational concepts and practical skills relevant to career paths in digital security. The program includes courses such as:

  • Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: Covers ethical hacking concepts, methods, and best practices, with opportunities for hands-on experience with penetration testing tools
  • Linux Fundamentals for Cybersecurity: Introduces Linux fundamentals with a focus on cybersecurity, including hands-on scripting for penetration testing and threat detection
  • Network Defense and Countermeasures: Focuses on intrusion detection, network security, and security incident management
  • Cybersecurity Operations: Covers incident response methodologies, digital forensics, and the legal aspects of cybersecurity

The program is available online, as well as at AIU's Atlanta and Houston campuses, offering flexibility for students balancing work and other commitments.

Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS.1 This projection reflects national figures and is not based on school-specific data. Conditions in your area may vary.

If you are ready to explore how a cybersecurity education might support your academic goals, learn more about AIU's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Cybersecurity.

1 National Institute of Standards and Technology, Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment, Special Publication 800-115, at https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/115/final (visited May 19, 2026)
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited May 18, 2026).This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2226594 05/2026