What does a certified ethical hacker do?

A certified ethical hacker helps safeguard the integrity and security of systems. With an expert understanding of hacking methodologies, they proactively identify and address potential security threats. Additionally, certified ethical hackers investigate security breaches and cyber incidents to mitigate the impact and prevent future occurrences swiftly.

They possess an excellent understanding of high-tech tools and techniques to assess network and system vulnerabilities, recommending effective remediation strategies. The pivotal role of a certified ethical hacker is to develop and implement robust security plans, policies and procedures, aligning with company policies and industry regulations.


Certified ethical hackers educate users on best practices, empowering them to contribute to a secure computing environment. They regularly verify the effectiveness of security measures to strengthen the cybersecurity of an organisation's digital ecosystem. Their role varies from that of a security engineer focusing only on designing, developing and implementing security systems and architecture.


Other job titles for a certified ethical hacker in India are cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester and cyber defence analyst. As their career evolves, they can secure top positions such as a senior ethical hacker, lead penetration tester and cybersecurity director.


In India, where the digital landscape is rapidly evolving, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is more critical than ever, as it helps companies stay ahead of potential cyber threats, comply with regulatory requirements and safeguard their reputation.

Job Description: Template

We seek a skilled and competent certified ethical hacker for our IT department at [Company A].

As a certified ethical hacker, you will be responsible for securing our digital assets and infrastructure. This role contains identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in our systems and networks, web application security and mitigating them using ethical hacking techniques and methodologies.

You will collaborate closely with our IT and security teams, providing valuable insights to enhance our cybersecurity posture. It includes educating and training employees on cybersecurity best practices to nurture a culture of heightened awareness.

Objectives of this role

  • Conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments, penetration testing and ethical hacking activities to strengthen the organisation's cybersecurity defences.
  • Performing penetration testing to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within the company’s infrastructure.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement robust security measures, policies and procedures.
  • Providing technical expertise and guidance to internal stakeholders on secure coding, system hardening and cybersecurity best practices.
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations and data protection laws.

Your tasks

  • Perform detailed vulnerability analysis and exploit-known vulnerabilities to assess the resilience of our systems against real-world threats.
  • Assess and analyse the effectiveness of existing security controls and propose improvements.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and methodologies to simulate potential cyber-attacks and identify prone areas.
  • Continuously monitor, analyse and respond to emerging security threats and trends to ensure proactive protection of our systems.
  • Provide recommendations for improving security controls and implementing effective remediation strategies to address identified vulnerabilities.
  • Document findings, suggestions and remediation plans in clear and concise reports.
  • Provide training and awareness programs to educate employees on cybersecurity risks, safe computing practices, and incident response protocols.
  • Participating in red teaming exercises to assess the effectiveness of the organisation's overall security posture.
  • Contributing to the development and enhancement of cybersecurity frameworks and methodologies.
  • Stay updated with the latest security technologies, tools and industry trends to enhance the effectiveness of our security posture. 

Required skills and qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or related fields.
  • 3+ years of experience in the cybersecurity or related field, with a preference for certified ethical hacker roles.
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification or equivalent.
  • Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, methodologies and frameworks, including internet protocols, applications, IP networks and routing.
  • Familiarity with common vulnerabilities and exploits and their prevention and mitigation strategies.
  • Proficiency in using a variety of security assessment and penetration testing tools.
  • Knowledge of programming languages, operating systems, and network protocols, including Linux and Windows and security frameworks like NIST.
  • Competent with encryption, cryptography, malware analysis, cloud technologies and security.
  • Good understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, IDS/IPS and VPNs.
  • Proficiency in using scripting languages such as Python, Ruby, or PowerShell.
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify and address security vulnerabilities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey complex security concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • High ethical standards and the ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines.

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification or other relevant certifications.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
  • Efficient in writing scripts and programs in varied languages.
  • Aptitude to analyse and interpret security logs and events.
  • Experience in conducting security assessments, penetration testing in diverse environments, incident response and handling security incidents.
  • Familiarity with cloud security testing concepts and technologies.
  • Strong understanding of cryptography and cryptographic protocols.
  • Continual learning mindset and a passion for staying updated on the latest advancements in cybersecurity.