All told, the average cost of securing and cleaning up an online data breach is around $4m. [2] X Research source Think of hiring a white hat as taking out an insurance policy. Whatever their services command is a small price to pay for your peace of mind.

For example, your financial company might need increased protection from content spoofing or social engineering, or your new shopping app may put customers at risk of having their credit card information stolen. [4] X Research source Your statement should function as a kind of reverse cover letter. Not only will it advertise the position, but also describe the specific experience you’re looking for. This will allow you to weed out casual applicants and find the best person for the job.

An inflated pay rate is a small financial setback compared to having a hole blown in the IT system that your company depends on to make a profit.

The odd consulting job may be perfect for freelance hackers, or those who have recently received their certification. If you’re pleased with your cybersecurity expert’s performance, you can offer them a chance to work with you again on future projects.

While hacking credentials can be difficult thing to verify, your candidates should be held to the same rigorous standards that all other applicants would. Avoid hiring anyone who can’t provide proof of CEH certification. Since they don’t have a third party to vouch for them, the risks are just too high.

Ethical hacker marketplaces only promote legal, qualified specialists, which means you can sleep easy knowing that your livelihood will be in good hands.

Have your tech team cook up a series of puzzles modeled after common IT systems, or purchase a more sophisticated simulation from a third party developer. [10] X Research source Assuming that devising your own simulation is too much labor or expense, you could also try getting in touch with past winners of international competitions like Global Cyberlympics. [11] X Research source

The program is structured as a 5 day hands-on class, with a 4 hour comprehensive exam given on the last day. Attendees must make a score of at least 70% in order to pass. [13] X Research source It costs $500 to sit for the exam, along with an additional fee of $100 for students who opt to study on their own. [14] X Research source

Any type of criminal behavior that pops up in the results of a background check should be considered a red flag (and probably grounds for disqualification). [16] X Research source Trust is key to any working relationship. If you can’t trust the person, they don’t belong in your company, no matter how experienced they are.

Meet face-to-face, rather than relying on phone or email, so you can get an accurate idea of the applicant’s character. If you have any lingering concerns, schedule one or more followup interviews with another member of management team so you can get a second opinion.

Having an ethical hacker there to check each and every new feature may slow down the development process slightly, but the new airtight security features they devise will be worth the delay. [20] X Research source

Ask your consultant to submit regular, detailed briefings on what they’ve uncovered. Another way to brush up is to analyze their findings with the help of your IT team. [22] X Expert Source Mitch HarrisConsumer Technology Expert Expert Interview. 23 June 2021. Encourage your hired hacker to explain the measures they’re implementing rather than just leaving them to do their thing unquestioned. [23] X Expert Source Mitch HarrisConsumer Technology Expert Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.

An unwillingness to explain their exact plans or methods to you may be a warning sign. [25] X Expert Source Mitch HarrisConsumer Technology Expert Expert Interview. 23 June 2021. If you have reason to suspect that an outsourced specialist is harming your business, don’t hesitate to terminate their employment and search for a new one.