Hacking was once a term used to describe tech-savvy experts who could increase the efficiency of mainframe systems. Nowadays, though, it primarily refers to experienced programmers using bugs & weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This can involve creating algorithms to crack passwords or disrupt networks for malicious or financial gains.
However, there is a second type of hacking, which is ethical. In this article, you will learn the meaning of ethical hacking & why it is necessary.
Before talking about ethical hacking, let us get a clear idea about hacking.
What is Hacking?
Gaining unauthorized access to a system is known as hacking. This includes logging into an email account without permission, accessing a remote computer without authorization, or reading information that should not be accessible. The first known instance of hacking occurred at MIT in 1960 & this is when the term ‘hacker’ was coined. There are numerous ways to hack into a system.
Types of Hacking
Hacking can be divided into a few categories, depending on what is being hacked.
These categories include the following:
Network Hacking
Network hacking involves using tools such as Telnet, NS lookup, Ping, & Tracert to collect information about a network to damage the system & disrupt its operations.
Website hacking
Hacking a website involves gaining unauthorized access to a web server database, & altering the information stored there.
Computer hacking
Computer hacking is the unauthorized access of a computer to steal information, such as computer IDs & passwords, using different methods.
Password hacking
The process of password hacking involves retrieving passwords that have been stored in a computer system.
Email hacking
Hacking an Email account without the owner’s permission is known as Email hacking.
Advantages of Hacking
I am pretty sure that when you hear the term, “hacking,” you do not have a positive feeling, and sometimes, you might get goosebumps. But still, there is a bright side to hacking when that skill is used positively.
Let me mention a few benefits of hacking.
Important:
Please consider that I have personally experienced all these benefits throughout my journey as a Cybersecurity expert.
Hacking can retrieve lost information, especially when you have forgotten your password.
Penetration testing is used to improve the security of computers & networks.
Security testing is used to measure the effectiveness of a network’s security measures.
Disadvantages of Hacking
It can invade someone’s privacy.
Illegal activities such as hacking are not allowed.
Criminals can utilize hacking to gain an advantage.
Hindering the functioning of the system.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking uses authorized methods to detect weaknesses in a system, organization, or application’s security. It is a legal process in which cybersecurity engineers investigate potential vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit & recommend solutions to prevent data breaches. Companies hire ethical hackers to strengthen their security & protect them from attacks. It is like having a thief catch a thief— with high-tech tools instead of traditional methods.
They check for critical vulnerabilities, such as, but not limited to:
· Injection attacks
· Changes in security settings
· Revealing private information.
· Breach of authentication protocols.
· Components of the system or network can be used as entry points.
Now that you understand ethical hacking, it is time to explore the different types of hackers.
Who are the different kinds of hackers?
The practice of ethical hacking is called “White Hat” hacking & those who perform it are known as White Hat hackers. In contrast, “Black Hat” hacking involves illegal security violations designed to compromise or destroy a system. Grey Hat hackers do not ask for permission before penetrating systems, but unlike Black Hats, they lack malicious intent & often inform the system owner of any discovered threats. Both Black Hat & Grey Hat hacking are illegal since they represent unauthorized system breaches, although intentions differ between them.
Comparison between White Hat & Black Hat Hackers
White Hat hackers use their skills to protect computer systems from malicious attacks. In contrast, Black Hat hackers are motivated by personal gain & use their skills to exploit system vulnerabilities.
Other ways to differentiate between White Hat & Black Hat hackers include:
· White Hat hackers use the same techniques & methods as malicious hackers to identify system vulnerabilities. They look for weak points in the system or network & upon finding them, immediately report & fix them.
· White Hat hacking utilizes the same techniques & methods as Black Hat hacking, but only White Hat hacking is considered legal. Black Hat hackers are breaking the law by gaining unauthorized access to systems.
· Organizations hire white Hat hackers to find any security issues in their systems. Black Hat hackers do not work for or own the system they are trying to access.
Let us look at the roles & responsibilities of ethical hackers now that we know what ethical hacking is, the types of ethical hackers, & the difference between white-hat & black-hat hackers.
What are the duties & obligations of an Ethical Hacker?
Ethical Hackers must abide by specific rules in order to do hacking legally. A responsible hacker is aware of their obligations & follows all ethical standards. The following are the fundamental principles of ethical hacking:
· An ethical hacker must get permission from the organization that owns the system before performing any security assessment. Authorization should be obtained before starting the process.
· The assessors must decide the extent of their assessment & inform the organization of their plan.
· Report any security issues discovered in the system or network, such as breaches or vulnerabilities.
· Ethical hackers should keep their findings confidential & abide by their non-disclosure agreement to secure the system or network.
· After checking the system for any vulnerability, erase all traces of the hack to prevent malicious hackers from exploiting any identified loopholes.
The Advantages of Ethical Hacking
Learning ethical hacking involves studying the methods & techniques used by malicious hackers to identify & fix vulnerabilities in networks. Security professionals can utilize this information to protect networks from potential threats in areas such as risk management, network defense, & quality assurance. Having experience or credentials in ethical hacking can provide individuals with more job opportunities in the security field or prove their capabilities to employers.
To become an ethical hacker, you need to understand what ethical hacking is & the various responsibilities that come with it. Here are some of the skills required for this role:
Skills Needed to Become an Ethical Hacker
An ethical hacker needs to have detailed knowledge & understanding of systems, networks, programs, and security protocols to carry out their work effectively. Necessary skills include:
· Security professionals working in application security & SDLC need to know programming.
· Knowing scripting is essential for professionals who are dealing with network & host-based attacks.
· Having good networking skills is essential to preventing & recognizing network-related threats. You should be familiar with all the devices on the network, how they are connected, & how to tell if they have been compromised.
· Attackers often target databases, so understanding database management systems such as SQL can help you identify & prevent malicious operations in your databases.
· Being familiar with operating systems such as Windows, Linux, & Unix.
· The capability to utilize various hacking tools available on the market.
· Familiarity with search engines & servers.
Conclusion
Ethical hacking is a complex field of study focused on computer systems & networks. Acquiring an ethical hacking certification can demonstrate knowledge in this area & increase job prospects. The Advanced Executive Program in Cybersecurity certification from Simplilearn provides essential skills to design secure business environments, which is increasingly important as cyber threats become more sophisticated. Professionals with the necessary certifications can help startups protect against cyber threats & may be able to command higher salaries than those without such credentials.
