A guide to ethical hacking

Everything about Ethical Hacking

By implementing new technology and learning how to respond to unforeseen circumstances, businesses are still navigating the aftershock of surviving a global pandemic. These adjustments will eventually make businesses stronger and more creative, but they will also introduce new threats and vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Evidently, the concept of “ethical hacking” is put into perspective in light of ongoing security breaches from the previous year.

As of December 2021, there were 2,686 incidents involving ransomware, up 82% from this previous report. Evidently, it is a problem that has sparked calls across all industries for an innovative strategy for safeguarding corporate networks. And for that, the right talent and skills are needed.

But, first of all:

Ethical Hacking is…

Any hacking technique that has the owner of the target system’s consent. Furthermore, it’s the process of actively implementing security measures to protect systems against hackers with malicious motives regarding data privacy.

This procedure aids in locating security flaws that can subsequently be fixed before a potential hacker has a chance to take advantage of them.

Types of Ethical Hacking

1. Web Application Hacking

Web application hacking is the process of using the visual chrome browser, tampering with the

URI, or collaborating with HTTP.

Web applications offer an interface between end users and web servers. There are ways to hack these web applications: exploiting programs through HTTP, which can be done by manipulating the application’s graphical user interface, tampering with the URI, or fiddling with HTTP components not found in the URI. SQL Injection assaults, Cross Site Scripting (XSS), Cross Site Request Forgeries (CSRF), Insecure Communications, etc. are techniques that can be used to get into web systems.

2. System Hacking

Hackers gain access to personal computers over networks by hacking into systems. To mitigate these risks, IT security experts employ defensive strategies such as packet sniffing, privilege escalation, and password cracking.

3. Web Server Hacking

A server that is running databases and application software creates real-time web content. Attackers use social engineering techniques, ping deluge attacks, port scanning, sniffer attacks, and gluing to obtain passwords, passcodes, and business information from the online application.

4. Wireless Network Hacking

Wireless networks employ radio waves to convey data, therefore hackers can easily access the system from a nearby location. In order to determine the wireless network’s identification, these attackers usually use network snorting.

How do you become an Ethical Hacker?

You can stand out if you possess key qualities that an employer is looking for, such as self-discipline, critical thinking, time management, and professional drive, or if they have earned a bachelor’s degree or above. Computer science, IT, cybersecurity, and engineering are the most popular majors.

For a 73% of ethical hacker jobs demand a bachelor’s degree.

Recruiters most frequently want cloud-related knowledge. As more businesses switch to the cloud-based business model, they become vulnerable to more advanced attacks. Because of this, all ethical hackers are knowledgeable about cloud security. Furthermore, it’s critical to comprehend themes like malware, compliance rules, security standards, especially PCI security requirements, and programming systems (such as Linux, Python, and Perl).

Tools like Metasploit and Wireshark are important and set you apart from the competitors, even if they are occasionally featured in job adverts.

Certifications and Skills to obtain as an Ethical Hacker

An ethical hacker should be proficient in a variety of computer functions. They frequently specialize in one particular aspect of the ethical hacking field, becoming subject matter experts (SME).

All ethical hackers need to have:

  • Proficiency with scripting languages
  • Expertise with operating systems
  • A profound understanding of networking
  • A strong basis in information security principles.

The following are some of the most well-known and obtained certifications:

  • Certified Ethical Hacking Certification from the EC Council
  • Certification for Offensive Security Professionals (OSCP)
  • CCNP Security
  • SANS GIAC and Cisco’s CCNA Security

Do you want to advance your tech career right now? We’ve got the opportunity for you! Check out our open positions.

About ITJ
ITJ is devoted to serving fast-growing and high-value market sectors, particularly the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), working with innovative medical device companies looking to improve people’s lives. With a unique BOT (build, operate, and transfer) model that sources only the best digital talent available, ITJ enables companies in the US to create technology centers of excellence in Mexico. For more information, visit www.itj.com.

software engineering career and how to go the extra mile

As a Software Engineer, how do you go the extra mile at a job?

Are you seeking to boost your career as a software engineer? Do you want to know the skills tech recruiters are looking for? We’ve got you covered.

There is some exciting news. Demand for software developers is growing fast, and programming skills are required for business in all industries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in software development is going to increase by 25% between 2021 and 2031. When compared to all other IT occupations, this one is most likely to experience the fastest growth rate.

So, you are right now anticipating consistent job opportunities to advance your tech career. New doors are opening as you gain experience and develop your technical talents. You are able to choose and keep writing code or use your knowledge of the software development lifecycle to manage teams. It’s completely up to you the path you take, but here are some tips to really go that extra mile at a job:

5 keys to go the extra mile in your software development career

1. Continuous learning

To become a great software engineer, first, become a consistent learner. This industry specifically is the one where you have to invest in your education the most; and we are not talking about money here. The more knowledge and firsthand experience you have, the more valuable you’re going to be. Therefore, your career path is flexible and easily scalable. 

  • Enroll in new classes: Be curious and keep signing up in classes that catch your attention, even if you consider yourself an expert. Relearning the fundamentals or learning something new forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and question some preconceived notions you have had about software development.
  • Learn new programming languages: While it’s possible to be successful as a specialist in just one programming language, the majority of very successful software developers are fluent in several. Not only does it make you a more versatile developer, it also helps you think and solve problems in more creative ways. There are several well-liked programming languages available, so there is always something fresh and intriguing to learn.
  • Stay updated: The standards for many programming languages are frequently changing. To stay current on the most recent best practices, make sure you continue to subscribe to the most recent industry news and communicate with your colleagues. In this industry, knowledge quickly becomes outdated.

2. Strengthen your soft skills

No software engineer is an island. Technical proficiency alone is no longer a strict requirement for success in the sector. Employers are increasingly looking for that blend of technical and soft abilities. 

Take every chance you get to sharpen those talents. Invest in effective stress management, public speaking, teamwork, work ethics, a positive attitude, time management, self-confidence, and a host of other skills you need to have a hold on. Furthermore, strong social and interpersonal skills are essential as you are going to be interacting with people on a daily basis. To become a better software engineer, master these crucial soft skills:

  • Critical thinking: You are able to evaluate a topic from all angles and come up with multiple solutions if you have strong critical thinking abilities.
  • Problem solving: Whether it’s faulty code or a faulty communication channel, a software engineer’s existence is fraught with challenges. The more adept you grow at identifying such issues and coming up with practical solutions, the more in demand you’ll be.
  • Communication: Software developers frequently communicate with others. Strong communication abilities are therefore crucial. 
  • Flexibility: Open-minded and adaptable engineers are eager to accept new notions and ideas. This way you realize that even if a new strategy doesn’t work, you still learn from the experience. Additionally, it improves your ability to collaborate with others, making you a better colleague, and open up more job prospects for you.

3. Collaboration and networking

It takes more than just developing your technical expertise or gaining additional experience to advance your career. You also need to be aware of the social dynamic:

  • Find a mentor: Think about asking a mentor for assistance. A more seasoned, professional programmer is able to assist you, offer you career guidance, and perhaps even put you in touch with influential individuals in the business.
  • Attend social meetings: Join groups and frequent meetups to become active in your community. Simply by going, you enhance your own brand, and you’ll probably pick up something new in the process.
  • Join forces with others to work on side projects: Consider reaching out to nearby software engineers and working together on a few side projects. In addition to enhancing your own creativity, it’s a great opportunity to see how other people work.

4. Set goals

Maybe one of the most important keys for succeeding. Setting goals for yourself and developing a future work vision are vital first steps. How does one “improve their career”? What particularly are you looking for?

You need to visualize the route  and map it out. Establish short-term objectives, dates, and a clear path of reachable benchmarks. Moreover, making a chart outlining your current situation and three future stages of your life is extremely useful.

It’s easier to keep the process grounded if you remain realistic within the limits of your capabilities. Setting realistic, doable goals that are supported by a timetable that holds you accountable gives you something to fight for. Furthermore, you still have a ton of room in your strategy once you’ve established your bigger objectives. Break down those bigger concepts into smaller objectives that are achievable by carrying out particular tasks. Consequently, the addition of these new checkpoints to your plan encourages action and builds momentum.

5. Develop your brand

It’s hard to make any career progress unless you’re actively marketing yourself, the same way you market a product or a business.

The most effective methods to get you there include:

  • Invest in your professional portfolio: Put your mind to it. The majority of hiring managers for software developers are interested in your actual skills; a degree or certification alone does not mean that you are qualified for the position. Therefore, display the software you’ve developed in the past, and keep your portfolio updated with your most recent projects.
  • Develop your differentiators: There are countless numbers of software developers worldwide. So what makes you the better candidate for a job at a company? Find your distinctive qualities. Do you wish to focus on developing AI, for instance? Do you possess a unique ability to solve challenges that others lack? Do you have expertise that few others can match?
  • Create your own personal brand: Create and sell your personal brand, which is the brief, packaged image of you that you wish to use to stand out in the job market. On social media and a personal website, you need to showcase your abilities, knowledge, expertise, and even personality. This way, you get more visibility and status the more you network and participate in software development groups.

The career path of a software engineer can take many different turns and typically takes time to complete. You have plenty of time to develop your abilities, widen your contact base, and finally land the job you want. It’s simply a matter of time if you work hard.

To achieve the success you want, you must put effort into it, make plans for it, and try to become a better version of yourself in every way. Your perseverance will pay off, and you’ll find that both your profession and your personal development are advancing.

Are you currently seeking to amp your tech career? We’ve got the opportunity for you! Check out our open positions.

About ITJ

ITJ is devoted to serving fast-growing and high-value market sectors, particularly the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), working with innovative medical device companies looking to improve people’s lives. With a unique BOT (build, operate, and transfer) model that sources only the best digital talent available, ITJ enables companies in the US to create technology centers of excellence in Mexico. For more information, visit www.itj.com.

Flexibility The key to curating tech talent

Flexibility: The key to curating tech talent

Organizations are still searching for advanced scientific knowledge in the form of academic degrees and years of engineering experience when it comes to tech talent.

Workers with this kind of knowledge have been in greater demand than ever in the recent year, as more than half of IT executives had trouble filling open positions. There are numerous articles on the Great Resignation, and it frequently seems like businesses are bidding fiercely for top tech talent. However, hiring locally for current needs is not a winning long-term strategy.

Leaders would be wise to think about an abundant strategy where technological talent can be curated, generated, and cultivated rather than competing for the limited pool of available tech talent. In other words, look out instead of competing.

Flexibility: Why is it the best ability?

In the US, the shortage of tech skills continues to have an effect on the bottom line during the following two years. Organizations that want to safeguard and advance their transformation initiatives need to hire employees using a differentiated, strategy-driven approach. 

Therefore, due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness, nearshoring may be required in addition to a team’s move from on-site to remote working. Especially when a company discovers they are significantly behind schedule in their digital transformation process but still need to move forward. 

Nearshoring is a flexible solution that can be adjusted to a company’s specific needs and enables enterprises to grow very efficiently (without incurring pointless investments).

 5 concrete examples of nearshoring flexibility

1. You are more agile

Effective, iterative, and collaborative programming approaches and principles are referred to as agile software development. As it implies a more flexible and customer-focused procedure, it is growing in popularity today. Agile nearshoring is the practice of assigning programming duties to specialized teams in a neighboring nation to boost business success and accelerate project delivery.

2. You become adaptive to changing market conditions

Due to the ease of quickly scaling up or down with nearshore partners, nearshoring enables your company to be more adaptable and responsive to shifting market conditions. Moreover, it shortens your time to market. 

Organizations need to concentrate on reducing their time to market in a competitive landscape. This entails shortening the time between product development and commercial launch as much as possible. Therefore, businesses that become faster and more responsive to customers’ needs and demands quickly evolve to top leaders.

3. You don’t need to worry about communication issues

It’s essential to be available anytime you need your team throughout the workday so that any potential problems or unexpected changes are handled right away.

For instance, there is a significant time zone difference if your staff is headquartered in India and you are in Germany. This will affect communication, timetables, and team productivity. On the other hand, let’s say a US company nearshores software development to Mexico, the communication is seamless as you share the same time zone and are close to one another.

4. You gain access to a bigger talent pool

By becoming more flexible and implementing nearshoring, you have unlimited access to a much wider talent pool. Furthermore, you learn about the prior work and accomplishments of a nearshore development team when you recruit them. By connecting with them, you forge a link that expands your network globally. 

It either directly or indirectly enables you and your business to view things differently and come up with fresh, original solutions to your difficulties.

5. You become more efficient

The entire hiring process requires time, effort, and money. You may hire a highly skilled software engineer in about 40 days. If we’re talking about a unique tech stack or an entire team, it can take even longer. However, when you work with a nearshore partner, you automatically speed up your hiring times and enroll employees more quickly.

To sum up, everything’s about overcoming the fear factor in hiring tech talent. Flexibility is a frequently repeated solution to the shortage of tech talent and, even though it could mean to take a risk, it is like everything else when you are upgrading a business plan or heading towards digital transformation.

Looking for tech talent? We can become your nearshore trusted partner. Get in touch!

About ITJ

ITJ is devoted to serving fast-growing and high-value market sectors, particularly the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), working with innovative medical device companies looking to improve people’s lives. With a unique BOT (build, operate, and transfer) model that sources only the best digital talent available, ITJ enables companies in the US to create technology centers of excellence in Mexico. For more information, visit www.itj.com.