What qualification is needed to become a hacker?

Answer 1

The specific requirements will depend on the exact job but they usually fall into just a few categories:

Technical

• knowledge of how computers work
• knowledge of how security appliances like firewalls function
• knowledge of how networks work
• knowledge of how specific computer hardware functions (printers, routers, wireless devices, usb, SATA, EIDE, etc.)
• understanding of cyber-security principles such as CIA (confidentiality, integrity & availability), encryption (including symmetric and asymmetric keys), digital signatures, ports, protocols & services, policies, procedures, physical security, risk management, configuration management, ethics, access control, security architecture, continuity of operations, contingency planning, disaster recovery, application security, and cyber-security rules, laws, and regulations.

Training

• usually some kind of degree in computer science, information management, software engineering, computer engineering or something closely related. Sometimes a certificate is all that is required, others jobs require a bachelor's, masters, or even (rarely) a doctoral degree - or the equivalent in whatever country you live in (the degree examples given here are typical for the USA).
• on-the-job training and experience can substitute for a degree up to a point. The higher level jobs almost always require a degree.

Certifications

• often cyber-security specific certifications will be required such as CISSP, Security+, GSEC, CISM, GSLC, CEH, CISA, GCFA or the like. Look them up if you are not familiar with them. The appropriate cert depends on what aspect of Cyber-security you want to be involved in.
• technical certs can be helpful such as MCSA, MCDBA, MCITP, MCP, A+, CCNA, CCNP, Linux+, Oracle OCP DBA, etc. Again, the appropriate certs depend on what you will be involved in

Personal history of trustworthiness

• Most cyber-security jobs require at least a criminal background check to make sure you are at least minimally trustworthy
• Many government jobs require a security clearance which involves a more extensive review of your background including interviews with people from your past. A few agencies also do polygraph examinations (lie-detector tests).
• Most cyber-security jobs require drug screening. It's best if you've never done drugs, but if you have ever done drugs it should be in the comparatively distant past. Alcohol abuse is also a no-no.
• A decent credit score helps too - to show that you can handle money and are (hopefully) not a risk to use your cyber-security position to steal money and will not be likely to take bribes to allow others to

Answer 2

IT and PE