What is Ethical Hacking?

The term “Hacker” was created to refer to professionals who redeveloped mainframe systems, boosting their productivity and enabling multitasking. Nowadays, the phrase is frequently used to refer to skilled programmers who, driven by malice or mischief, exploit weaknesses or use bugs to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. For instance, hackers can develop algorithms to break networks, access passwords, or even impair network functions.

Stealing important data or achieving financial gain is the main motivation behind malicious or unethical hacking. But not all hacking is harmful. The second kind of hacking is ethical, which brings us to this topic. What is Ethical Hacking? And Why do we need it? You will discover everything there is to know about ethical hacking in this article.

Ethical Hacking: Explained

To identify potential data breaches and network threats, ethical hacking is a legitimate practice that involves finding vulnerabilities in an application, system, or organization’s infrastructure and getting around system security. Ethical Hackers search the system or network to find vulnerabilities that malicious hackers can exploit or destroy. As a result, they can enhance security to withstand attacks better or deflect them.

Organizations employ Ethical Hackers to investigate the flaws in their systems and networks and create defenses against data breaches. Think of it as a technological twist on the proverb, “It takes a thief to catch a thief.” Taking an online hacking course will boost your practical skills that will in turn reflect in resume for better job opportunities.

Phases of Ethical Hacking

Any complex hacking process involves several stages. Let’s examine each one in turn.

Reconnaissance: Before any hack, you should learn a little about the intended system. This data may include specifics about the host system, the target network, or information about the individuals or groups connected to the target. This step’s main goal is to design a hack based on the target system’s precise technology and security precautions.

Scanning: Most of the time, network access is used to commit hacking. Most of our devices are network-connected, whether used at home or in an office. This network typically takes the form of a WLAN or Wi-Fi. Ethernet connections are also set up in offices to ensure maximum effectiveness. As a hacker, you can take advantage of this and concentrate on breaking into the target host’s network. The network topology and vulnerable ports are exposed during this process.

Gaining Access: The information-gathering phase is finished with the two steps mentioned above. Now that you have that knowledge, you must begin your hack. In this step, the target system is accessed by bypassing security measures or cracking the password.

Maintaining access: After gaining access, you must ensure that you can continue using the target system after your initial session. This is accomplished using a backdoor. An exploit or hack left in the target system for later access is known as a backdoor. Without a backdoor, the target system may apply an updated security patch or reset its security settings, requiring you to perform or create the hack once more.

Clearing your tracks: Once the attack or hack is complete, it’s crucial to eliminate any evidence of your intrusion. This step entails getting rid of any backdoors, executables, or logs that might make it possible for the attack to be linked to you or discovered in the first place.

Types of Hackers

1. White Hat Hackers
   

These are the right people who help us on the dark web. White hat hackers, also called Ethical Hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who help the state and businesses by conducting penetration tests and locating security flaws. Ethical Hackers employ various strategies to defend themselves from black hat hackers and other cybercriminals. They break into our system to identify weaknesses and help you remove malware and viruses.

2. Grey Hat Hackers
   

Black hat hackers are the primary cybercriminals of today. The primary goal of a black hat hacker is usually financial. These cybercriminals scan individual computers in commercial and financial systems for security holes. By taking advantage of any security holes they discover, they can break into your network and obtain your financial, commercial, and personal information.

3. Black Hat Hackers
   

Between white hat and black hat, hackers are grey hat hackers. Grey hat hackers might not use their skills for self-promotion, but they can still have good and bad motives. For instance, a hacker infiltrating a company and discovering a vulnerability might disclose it online or notify the company. However, hackers turn into black hat hackers once they use their hacking abilities for profit.

Roles and Responsibilities of Ethical Hackers

Ethical Hackers need to adhere to a set of rules to hack lawfully. A good hacker is aware of their obligations and follows all moral standards. The following are the key guidelines for ethical hacking:

• An Ethical Hacker needs permission from the company that controls the system. Before performing any security assessments on the system or network, hackers should get full approval.
• Establish the parameters of their assessment, then inform the organization of their plan.
• Inform the appropriate authorities of any system or network vulnerabilities and security lapses.
• Keep their findings a secret. Ethical Hackers should consent to and abide by their non-disclosure agreement because they aim to secure the system or network.
• After examining the system for any vulnerabilities, remove all evidence of the hack. It stops malicious hackers from exploiting the system’s vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Ethical Hackers ensure all connected systems and devices remain safe within an organization. Their presence is crucial to ensure data security and protection.

I hope reading this article has helped you learn the basics of Ethical Hacking, what Ethical Hackers do, their roles and responsibilities, and the phases of hacking they perform.