Ethical hackers don't need to scuttle out through the back door after breaking the system and causing havoc. They are paid by companies to spot the flaws in their security system to stop attacks from less welcome visitors. Ethical hacking was virtually unknown 10 years ago, but it is now used by many of the world's largest companies. It is not exactly listed high on the traditional career options of law, accountancy or banking. In general hackers do not suddenly turn evangelical - poachers rarely turn gamekeeper.
Most ethical hackers have a military background.
They've lived with a real threat which few people in sales or marketing have. These people work within sensitive environments and on sensitive projects that are at the very heart of some businesses. The ideal candidate is young, predominantly male, with knowledge of corporate computer software such as Unix and NT, but above all curiosity. This includes scanning publicly available information. We also use 'social engineering' to glean information.