How to Become a White Hat Hacker

White hat hacking involves a great deal of problem-solving, as well as communication skills. A white hat hacker also requires a balance of intelligence and common sense, strong technical and organizational skills, impeccable judgment, and the ability to remain cool under pressure.

At the same time, a white hat hacker needs to think like a black hat hacker, with all their nefarious goals and devious skills and behaviors. Some top-rate white hat hackers are former black hat hackers who got caught, and for various reasons, decided to leave a life of crime behind and put their skills to work in a positive (and legal) way.

There are no standard education criteria for a white hat hacker – every organization can impose its own requirements on that position – but a bachelor's or master's degree in information security, computer science or even mathematics provides a strong foundation.

For those who aren't college-bound, a military background, especially in intelligence, can help your resume get noticed by hiring managers. Military service is also a plus for employers who require or prefer to hire employees that already have a security clearance.