Hearing the word ‘hacker,’ you might think of cyber crimes such as hacking or data piracy. Even though it is synonymous with a negative image, did you know that there are hackers with good intentions?
Ethical hacking is a term for hacker activity that is positive and constructive. Along with the rise of cyber attacks, many companies are working with ethical hackers.
The presence of ethical hackers is claimed to be the best step in protecting database systems, both applications and company websites.
So what is ethical hacking? What skills do ethical hackers need? Don’t worry. In this article, Dewaweb will answer these questions in sentences that are easy to understand.
What is Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, is the practice of using the same methods and techniques as malicious hackers to identify and address vulnerabilities in a computer system or network.
In a nutshell, ethical hacking is the practice of using the same methods and techniques as malicious hackers, but with permission from the organization being tested.
Think of it like a security check-up for your computer systems. Just like how you get a physical check-up to make sure your body is healthy, ethical hacking allows companies to make sure their digital systems are safe and secure.
Ethical Hackers Tactics and Game
By using the same tactics as bad actors, ethical hackers can identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a company’s IT infrastructure, giving the organization a chance to fix them before they can be exploited by someone with malicious intent.
Another benefit of ethical hacking is that it keeps companies ahead of the game. With new digital technologies emerging all the time, it can be hard for organizations to keep up with all the potential security risks.
But by hiring ethical hackers, companies can test out these new technologies and identify any potential vulnerabilities before they become a real problem.
So, in short, ethical hacking is like a friendly game of cat and mouse, where the ethical hacker is the cat, playing the role of a malicious hacker, but with the intention of helping the organization strengthen its security.
Ethical Hackers
Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers or security consultants, use their skills to test the security of a system and provide recommendations for improving it.
They are hired by organizations to help them protect against potential security breaches and data loss. The goal of ethical hacking is to improve the overall security of a system and to prevent unauthorized access or use.
1. Back Hat Hacker
A black hat hacker is a cybercriminal who uses their skills to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal sensitive information, and cause harm to organizations.
They use various techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems, with the intention of causing harm or financial gain.
They operate outside of the law and are often associated with hacking groups or criminal organizations.
2. White Hat Hacker
A white hat hacker is an ethical hacker who uses their skills and knowledge of hacking techniques to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
They work to protect organizations from potential cyber threats by simulating real-world attacks and identifying weaknesses in their defenses.
They act as a defensive measure, helping to keep systems and data secure. Unlike black hat hackers, white hat hackers are not motivated by financial gain or other malicious intent.
3. Grey Hat Hacker
A grey hat hacker is someone who falls in between a white hat and a black hat hacker. They may use methods and techniques that are similar to those used by black hat hackers, but they do not have malicious intent.
They may use their skills to find vulnerabilities in a system, but rather than exploit them, they notify the owner of the system and offer suggestions for how to fix them.
They may also use their skills to test the security of a system on behalf of the owner, but without explicit permission. They operate in a moral grey area, hence the name.
Ethical Hacking Benefits
Ethical hacking is a practice that involves testing the security of a computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious hackers.
By simulating an attack on a system, ethical hackers can uncover potential security risks and help organizations take steps to improve their defenses. Some benefits of ethical hacking include:
1. Provides an outside-in perspective on the state of security in an enterprise
2. Reveals hidden vulnerabilities and weaknesses
3. Helps the enterprise to protect against specific criminal tactics
4. Helps protect new and emerging digital technologies
5. Can reveal gaps in infrastructure that would otherwise be overlooked
6. Helps organizations stay ahead of potential threats and cyber attacks
7. Helps organizations to meet compliance and regulatory requirements
8. Improves overall security posture of the organization
9. Helps organizations to stay competitive in the market.
What Does The Ethical Hackers Do?
Ethical hacking is all about using the same skills and tools as malicious hackers, but for a good cause.
These professionals, also known as white hat hackers or penetration testers, are hired by companies and organizations to find and fix security vulnerabilities in their systems.
They do this with permission and under a legal framework, unlike malicious hackers who do it without permission.
Ethical hackers typically have a background in computer science or information technology and use their knowledge to identify and report weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
By doing so, they help organizations prevent cyber attacks before they happen. They may also be hired by government agencies to test the security of critical infrastructure.
How To Choose The Right Ethical Hacking Certification
When considering a certification in ethical hacking, ensure that the certifying organization is reputable and the certification covers topics of interest. Additionally, consider the cost of the certification before making a decision.
A list of top ten ethical hacking certification:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
- Certified Network Defender (CND)
- SANS Institute’s GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials) certification.
Please note that this list is not ranked in any particular order and the popularity of the certification may vary based on region and industry.
It’s always a good idea to research and check the relevancy of the certification to the field you are working or planning to work in.
Why Become Ethical Hackers?
Hey, have you heard about the booming demand for ethical hackers in the financial services sector? It’s crazy!
With new regulations in place, financial institutions are scrambling to beef up their cybersecurity measures and that means more job opportunities for people like us.
And the best part is, the demand is so high that salaries and benefits are pretty sweet. I’ve seen job listings from some of the biggest companies in the financial world like JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, Bank of America, and Allstate.
But here’s the catch, to even be considered for a job as an ethical hacker, most employers want to see some kind of certification.
It’s like a stamp of approval that says you not only know your stuff when it comes to technology, but you also understand the ethical responsibilities that come with the job.
A lot of employers don’t have the technical know-how to evaluate candidates themselves, so a certification gives them the peace of mind that the person they’re hiring is qualified.