⏱︎ 5 mins
Ethical hacking involves authorized professionals, known as “white-hat hackers,” who simulate cyberattacks to test and strengthen an organization’s security systems. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers operate with permission, aiming to protect rather than exploit.
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The global demand for ethical hackers is soaring due to rising cyber threats, digital transformation, and strict regulations. Companies urgently need defenders to secure their rapidly expanding digital footprint. To be proficient, an ethical hacker must possess strong technical fundamentals, including knowledge of networking, operating systems, and scripting or automation, along with sharp analytical skills and a mindset of continuous learning to effectively counter ever-evolving cyber risks.
This urgency is underscored by the constantly evolving threat landscape, as illustrated by tools like Radware’s Live Threat Map, which visualizes cyberattacks happening in near real time around the world.
A Brief Look at Cyber Threats Over the Last 15 Years:
2010s: Dominated by antivirus, perimeter firewalls, and phishing.
2015: Saw significant spikes in Ransomware (eg. Wana Cry). The attack affected over 300,000 computers across 150 countries, causing potential damages ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
2020 – Rise of zero-day exploits and supply chain attacks.
2023 – 2025 : Witnessing the emergence of AI-generated attacks, deepfake fraud and AI-enhanced malware.
The Staggering Cost of Cybercrime
The financial impact of cybercrime is immense:
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- According to a 2024 prediction by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to cost the world $9.5 trillion in damages.
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- “In 2024, the total number of scam cases was 51,501, with total losses amounting to at least $1.1 billion. While more than $182 million was successfully recovered, the scale of the problem remains immense,” according to The Straits Times, February 25, 2025.
Despite these challenges, Singapore’s cybersecurity sector is booming, with its market size skyrocketing to S$2 billion in 2022, more than tripling from an estimated S$570 million in 2015. (published by SkillsFuture Singapore)
But at the same time, there is shortage of cybersecurity workforce as reported by non profit ISC2, that there is a global shortage of cybersecurity workers widened by 26.2 per cent to 3.4 million.
An Introduction to The Phases of Ethical Hacking Process
The practice of using hacking techniques with permission to identify and address security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It follows a structured methodology to thoroughly identify and address security vulnerabilities:
1 – Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)
2 – Scanning & Enumeration
3 – Gaining Access (Exploitation)
4 – Maintain Access
5 – Covering Access
Source: EC-Council, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) curriculum
Ethical Hacking vs. Unethical Hacking
The fundamental difference between ethical and unethical hacking lies in intent and authorization.
| Aspect | Ethical Hacking (White Hat) | Unethical Hacking (Black Hat) |
| Permission | Fully approved by owner | Illegal, no permission |
| Goal | Improve security | Steal data, disrupt services |
| Outcome | Secured System, Digital Assets | Damage, theft exploitation |
| Accountability | High code of ethics, follow laws | Criminal action, legal consequences |
Ethical Hackers Wanted: The Career that is Exploding in 2025!
According to Global Skills Development Council (GSDC) report, Ethical hackers earn an annual salary of $101,934 in the US.
The statistics clearly show that ethical hacking is a career in high demand. According to a Global Skills Development Council (GSDC) report, ethical hackers in the US earn an impressive annual salary of $101,934.
As such, launching your cybersecurity career is a strategic move, and courses like the SCTP Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity can provide an excellent foundation. This program equips learners with the latest networking skills and knowledge, preparing them to be proficient network defenders, penetration testers, and vulnerability analysts. Students will also develop essential decision-making and problem-solving skills, enabling them to effectively manage network security and configure/troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
A key module within the (SCTP) Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (SF) certification. This latest version of CEH integrates advanced AI capabilities, offering 20 comprehensive modules and covering over 550 attack techniques. CEH v13 is designed to equip you with the essential skills to excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
Written by Breyvan Tan, Managing Director, Wissen International, EC-Council Exclusive Distributor.
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