Hacking the Hacker: An Unusual Computer Networking Education
Remember the "I Love You" virus? It wasn't as sweet as it sounds-- many computer networks crashed from the malicious code. Businesses don't ever want that to happen to their computer networks again, and some adopting unusual strategies to combat it. "Hackers camps" have been created across the country. These unorthodox training programs teach computer networking engineers to think like the people they work so hard to ban from their networks.
The Hacker's University: Not Your Normal Degree Program
For a solid $3500, qualified engineers can enroll in a five-day intensive computer training program. They are given varied tasks, such as hacking into a server and stealing fictional bank account information. The challenges force the engineers to think outside the computer networking box. In some ways, it's a re-education of their networking skills. Now, the technology pros are attacking weaknesses instead of building networking strongholds.Corrupt Computer Networking: An Education in Being Bad
In the bank exercise, the engineers use a technique called sequel injection to get into fictional account info. They learn to find ports that aren't protected by a firewall, create tunnels into the network, and then send commands to retrieve the information. In a couple of hours, the students will have hacked the servers.Certified Ethical Hackers
Since 2001, the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants has been running programs to certify engineers in hacking. Around 30,000 computer gurus have since been trained. If this kind of work sounds fascinating, you could enroll in a computer networking program to become a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The program teaches a variety of hacking techniques including:- DDoS Attacks
- Buffer Overflows
- Virus Creation
Distance Learning Networking Degree
You will need a minimum of two years in an information security field to be accepted in a hacking program, and earning a university degree in computer networking is almost a prerequisite to be in the computer security field. A distance learning degree program help you work and gain experience while attending an online university. A distance learning degree is great if you prefer independent learning. You can receive your networking education through satellite, cable TV, or your computer delivery in a distance learning degree program.With a university degree and hacker certification, you'll stop hackers and maintain company network security, which is vital to running its business.
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About the Author
James Tolles is a freelance writer and holds two B.A. degrees, one in Creative Writing and the other in History.