If you’re a professional who appreciates the joys of the world of computers and relishes a challenge, then a career in ethical hacking can be an enticing prospect. You get the opportunity to use your skills to break into computer systems, and you get paid good money for doing so. Like many careers, it is not easy to get started in the field, but if you put in the effort, initially, you will be able to shape a very lucrative career for yourself. Besides, ethical hackers are always on the right side of the law!

The best way to become an ethical hacker if you lack computer science knowledge is to earn a degree. One can:

1. Obtain an IT security certification 
2. Obtain an IT security certification, enroll in a four-year computer science school
3. Enroll in a two-year programme that is especially concentrated on IT analysis and security.

Some of the most popular ethical hacking tools are listed below:

1. Nmap: A security scanner and network investigation tool. utilized to locate hosts and services on a network and to spot security flaws.
2. Wireshark: A packet analyzer with applications in network analysis, software development, and other areas.
3. Metasploit: An instrument for checking the security of systems and identifying vulnerabilities.
4. Burp Suite: It is used to identify weaknesses in web applications.
5. A Debian-based Linux distribution with a large selection of security and penetration testing tools is called Kali Linux.

Once you have embarked on a role as an ethical hacker, you will put all your technical and security expertise into trying to breach the network security of the business or organization that has hired you. The business will require a detailed analysis of your findings and your suggestions for the improvement of its network security. This work protects them from the hacking activities of those with illegitimate and illegal motives. The average salary you can expect as an ethical hacker is $71,000, with bonus payments often amounting to $15,000 - $20,000.

Ethical hackers must get familiar with vulnerability testing tools such as Metasploit, OpenVAS and Nessus as they provide a worthwhile framework for scanning and managing vulnerabilities. Move on to simulated manual attacks directed toward the target for practicing ethical hacking. 

• Practice resolving vulnerable machines from Hack The Box and Vulnhub to progress from basic to advanced concepts related to vulnerabilities in a system or network.
• Next, try bug bounty platforms for practicing real-life scenarios.
• Then progress to hacking on real environments. It can be challenging initially as the machines ethical hackers practice on are made vulnerable, but real websites implement every possible trick to enhance security.

Pursuing a career as an ethical hacker usually begins as a member of an organization's security team extending defensive security services. Proficiency and good performance can lead to a higher position as an ethical hacker through the ranks of the department: 

security specialist → security administrator → security software developer

Knowledge of social engineering and physical penetration tests helps understand the threatscape, reach top positions, and acquire experience. Several attacks begin with intel gathered via extended social engineering campaigns.