Hackers have mostly been associated with cyber criminals. However, a new industry of hacking, called ethical hacking, has helped numerous companies around the world protect themselves from cyber crimes. The job of ethical hackers is to try and break into a company’s network and access data that should be locked away. With such an instrumental role in data security, the profession is in high demand. Business News Daily notes how the median salary is around $80,000 per year, with the possibility of making up to $100,000 for senior roles. With such a high demand, many people are trying to learn the relevant skills through taking online courses. Udemy demonstrates how there is a wide variety of courses dedicated to ethical hacking, with some lessons providing over 27 hours of tutoring. This makes it easier to learn the skill all on your own. Another, more unusual way to learn is through video games, with hacking simulators becoming more popular in RPGs.
Game developers have embraced this by making more video games and simulators that feature hacking as part of the gameplay. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top games to try out for those who want to learn the skill of hacking.
CyberPunk 2077
CyberPunk 2077 is an up and coming RPG adapted from the 1988 tabletop game Cyberpunk 2020. Set in the year 2077, players find themselves in the dystopian Night City. Players assume the role of the mercenary V whose skills lie in hacking, machinery and armed combat. The game will allow players to hack their enemies through V, with character classes that help them succeed in the skill. With much anticipation from fans, the game is set to release its single player version in April 2020. However, a recent Twitter post confirmed that CyberPunk 2077will have a multiplayer experience post-launch, which has got fans even more excited. They may even be able to hack their online opponents.
Hacknet
In Hacknet, you’re in the role of a computer user trawling through IP addresses and interacting with the underground hacker community. One day however, a mysterious benefactor assuming the name of ‘Brit’ grants you a strange new OS that’s basically a hacker’s toolkit. The fun comes in using the command-line to run programs and basically just wreaking havoc. While the game has been mostly overlooked, this is definitely one of the most realistic game simulations when it comes to hacking out there, and anyone who wants a more hands on lesson in hacking should definitely try this out.
else Heart.Break()
Colorful Scandinavian design marks this quirky adventure that puts you in the shoes of Sebastian, who’s just recently moved to the city to try his luck as a soda salesman. After a while of going around the big city trying to sell soda cans to citizens, you meet new friends who turn out to be a group of hacktivists fighting against the vile Computer Ministry. Soon after you even get your own modifier, which is a device that allows you to hack any usable object in the game. Don’t let the quirky design fool you, as Rock Paper Shotgun says that this is the smartest game you’ll ever play. This soulful and clever game will make learning hacking fun and exciting.
DC Fanboy! Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time. Favorite movies are Man of Steel, Goonies, Back To the Future
