[Godfather112]

I have always wanted to be a white hat hacker but I don't know where to start. Basicly what I want to know is what should I major in to become a white hat and is there another name for it. Maybe there are certain classes I should be taking. Please let me know if anyone knows.

[Vaqxine]

Same situation here but things work differently in the UK.. A few universities here offer IT Security courses which would be ideal.

[iBruteforce]

I've gained my knowledge in security over the last 4 years or so, It's amazing what you learn without actually going to college, I just pick it up from testing out things, reading on the internet, I'm not a white hat though. As vaqxine said, IT course is the other option, depends which way you learn best.

[Godfather112]

Wow ya that would be awesome. I'd be willing to go out of the country to learn

[Vaqxine]

I wasn't saying leave the country (:D), but aren't there any IT courses you can take where you live?

[Jetwall]

CEH anyone?

http://www.eccouncil.org/education.htm

[whiterabbit7500]

google "ethical hacking"

[dues ex machina]

maybe take some classes by distance ed if you can? heaps of courses have stuff that you can do online like CCNA networking or something?

[Omniscient]

There is security certifications that you need to look into. Microsoft has classes you can take and tests for certification.

[Godfather112]

ok thanks all you have been extremely helpfull. I am looking into the EC-Council University, it seems like it has some really good classes. It would give me my MMS which is master of security science. Thanks omni ill have to check out microsoft also.

[Phius]

There are many training centres worldwide that provide ethical hacking courses, here are just a few...

http://7safe.com/ethical_hacking_passport.htm

http://www.net-security-training.co.uk/

http://www.appinonline.com/

http://www.learningtree.com/courses/537.htm

[Viral Dragon]

I disagree. IT is not automatically the best
way to learn. I found it easier to learn on my own
rather then listening to some boring people drone on
and on about some weird history of Linux I could have
just looked up on my own and memorized it all in about 7 minutes.

I actually think it's better to learn on your own. You learn at your own speed
no pressure. Easier to get help and easier to learn. Less time consuming.
Doesn't cost money.

[n3xus]

Umm.....make sure you don't get suckered into a scam ethical hacking course, like the ones where they teach you how to use task manager and call it hacking. I recommend seeking education and using tutorials from Security Communities such as Bugtraq, Atalavista, etc.

[Aaron*1]

Personally I learn better by Reading on the Internet for things to do with computers but for school subjects (maths as an example) I prefer having a teacher and actually revising it, mathd is VERY useful subject... ;)

[Soldier of Fortune]

Pen testing for example? Probably the best go.