Hacking is the unauthorized access to a computer system or network. It’s done by using techniques like exploiting software vulnerabilities, guessing login credentials and using advanced tools.
Hackers can use their skills to steal sensitive information, disrupt the normal functioning of a system or even take control over it.
Some hackers do it for personal gain, while others do it for political or ideological reasons. Not all hackers are bad actors.
There are also ethical hackers who help organizations to find vulnerabilities in their systems and improve their security.
Who are Hackers?
Hackers are individuals or groups who use their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
They can range from individuals with a personal interest in technology to organized criminal groups.
Hackers use a variety of techniques, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, guessing login credentials, and using advanced tools, to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt the normal functioning of a system.
While some hackers engage in illegal activities such as theft or disruption, there are also ethical hackers who work to help organizations improve their cybersecurity.
The term “hacker” has a wide range of connotations, often referring to self-taught whiz kids or rogue programmers who modify computer hardware or software.
However, there are many different motivations and reasons why someone turns to hacking, including money, power, and ego.
Hacking Tools
Hacking is the overarching term for various methods used in malware and cyberattacks, aimed at individuals, businesses, and governments.
Common hacking techniques include social engineering, malware and malvertising, as well as various other techniques such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, guessing login credentials and using advanced tools.
- Botnets
- Browser hijacks
- Denial of service (DDoS) attacks
- Ransomware
- Rootkits
- Trojans
- Viruses
- Worms
Types of Hackers and Classification
Many people have a misguided view of hackers as “cool” individuals who are admired for their spirit of mischief and sneaking.
However, those in the IT industry who work hard to build and secure business and government networks, as well as anyone who has had their personal information or money stolen by a hacker, would disagree.
Hacking is a serious crime that can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations, it is not something to be trivialized or romanticized. There are types of Hackers that is common:
1. Black Hat Hackers
These are hackers who engage in illegal activities, such as stealing sensitive information or disrupting the normal functioning of a system. They may do this for personal gain or to cause harm.
2. White Hat Hackers
Also known as ethical hackers, these are individuals or organizations who use their skills to test the security of systems and help organizations improve their cybersecurity.
3. Grey Hat Hackers
These are hackers who fall in between black hat and white hat, they may engage in illegal activities, but also use their skills to help identify vulnerabilities in systems.
4. State-Sponsored Hackers
These are hackers sponsored by a government to perform espionage or cyberwarfare on other countries and organizations.
5. Script Kiddies
They are novices who use pre-written scripts and tools to launch attacks, They don’t have deep understanding of how hacking works, but just utilize already available tools to hack into systems.
6. Hacktivists
These are hackers who engage in cyber attacks for political or social reasons. They may disrupt websites or steal sensitive information in order to draw attention to a cause.
How to Become Professional Hacker
Becoming a professional hacker typically requires a combination of technical skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to use those skills ethically and legally. Here are a few steps that can help you become a professional hacker:
1. Get a strong understanding of computer systems and networks
Learn programming languages, operating systems, and network protocols, as well as the latest security technologies and practices. Understand common vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
2. Build a reputation as an ethical hacker
Show that you can use your skills to help organizations improve their security. Participate in bug bounty programs, contribute to open-source projects, and publish your findings.
3. Get certified
Obtain relevant certifications in areas such as ethical hacking, incident response, or penetration testing. This will help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
4. Gain practical experience
Use virtual machines, online resources, and simulated environments to practice your skills and test your understanding of different systems and networks.
5. Stay current
Keep up with the latest developments and trends in the field by reading industry publications, attending conferences and workshops, and joining online communities and forums.
6. Be aware of legal aspects and ethics
As a professional hacker, it’s important to understand the legal and ethical boundaries of your profession, and to avoid any activities that could be considered illegal or unethical.
7. Network and find the right opportunity
Network with other professionals in the field, and keep an eye out for job opportunities in the cybersecurity industry. Consider volunteering or interning in order to gain experience and to meet professionals in the field.
Technical Skills and Learning
Becoming a hacker typically involves learning a variety of technical skills and gaining a deep understanding of computer systems and networks.
1. Learn programming: Familiarize yourself with programming languages like C, Python, and JavaScript. These languages will be essential for understanding how systems and networks work, as well as for developing your own tools and scripts.
2. Learn about operating systems: Understand the inner workings of different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS. This will help you understand how different systems are put together and how they can be exploited.
3. Learn about networks: Understand how networks work and how they can be used to gain unauthorized access to systems. Learn about network protocols and how to use tools like Wireshark and Nmap.
4. Practice your skills: Use virtual machines and online resources like hackthissite.org and overthewire.org to practice your skills and test your understanding of different systems and networks.
5. Learn about security: Understand the latest security technologies and practices, and learn about common vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
6. Learn about social engineering: gain knowledge about how hackers use social engineering to trick people into giving away information, personal or financial.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional hacker requires a deep understanding of computer systems and networks, as well as the ability to use those skills ethically and legally.
It’s important to learn programming languages, operating systems, and network protocols, and to stay current with the latest security technologies and practices.
To build a reputation as an ethical hacker, one can participate in bug bounty programs, contribute to open-source projects, and publish their findings.
Obtaining relevant certifications and gaining practical experience can also help demonstrate one’s knowledge and skills to potential employers.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of legal and ethical boundaries and to network and find the right opportunity in the cybersecurity industry.
Remember, it’s an ongoing process, but with dedication and willingness to learn, you can become a professional hacker.