Using computer skills and techniques to test and safeguard computer systems and networks is known as ethical hacking, commonly referred to as “white hat” hacking. While ethical hackers employ the same techniques and tools as malevolent hackers, their objective is to enhance security rather than cause harm.
Ethical hacking is a technique that can be used to find weaknesses in computer systems and networks and to create plans for resolving those weaknesses. It is a useful tool for companies and organizations who want to safeguard their data and computer systems against unwanted access or attacks. By spotting and removing potential hazards, ethical hackers aim to guarantee the privacy, accuracy, and accessibility of systems and data.
Ethical hacking is distinct from malevolent hacking, commonly referred to as “black hat” hacking, which is the use of computer know-how and techniques to obtain unauthorized access to systems and networks for financial gain or to do harm. While harmful hacking is carried out without consent and is prohibited, ethical hacking is typically carried out with the owner of the system or network being tested’s permission.
What is the difference between ethical hacking and hacker?
In order to test and secure computer systems and networks, ethical hacking is the practice of applying computer skills and techniques. Because the intention is to increase security rather than do harm, it is frequently referred to as “white hat” hacking.
However, they do it with the owner of the system or network being tested’s consent and with the aim of detecting and resolving vulnerabilities to defend against unauthorized access or assaults. Ethical hackers employ the same techniques and tools as criminal hackers.
A hacker is a person who uses their understanding of computers and networks to access systems secretly or to steal data. Hackers may use their talents for a variety of things, such as monetary gain, political action, or just general mayhem.
Hackers can be categorized into two types: ethical hackers and malevolent hackers, commonly referred to as “black hat” hackers, who utilize their expertise for illegal or malicious objectives, respectively.
A hacker is a general term for someone who utilizes their understanding of computers and networks to gain unauthorized access or steal information. Ethical hacking is a specific type of hacking that is done with the aim of improving security.
Types of ethical hacking
There are several types of ethical hacking, including:
- Penetration testing: This involves simulating an attack on a computer system or network to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. Penetration testers use a variety of tools and techniques to try to gain unauthorized access to systems and data.
- Vulnerability assessment: This involves identifying and analyzing vulnerabilities in a computer system or network, but without attempting to exploit them. Vulnerability assessments are typically less invasive than penetration tests and are often used to identify potential vulnerabilities that may need to be addressed.
- Network security assessment: This involves evaluating the security of a network and its components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices. Network security assessments can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious hackers.
- Web application security assessment: This involves evaluating the security of web applications, including web-based applications and websites. Web application security assessments can help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or to launch attacks on a web application.
- Mobile application security assessment: This involves evaluating the security of mobile apps, including those that run on smartphones and tablets. Mobile application security assessments can help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or to launch attacks on a mobile device.
- Wireless network security assessment: This involves evaluating the security of wireless networks, including Wi-Fi networks. Wireless network security assessments can help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or to launch attacks on a wireless network.
What are the 7 types of hacking? | What are the 3 types of hacking?
There are several types of hacking, but it is important to note that many of these categories can overlap, and there is often debate over how to define and categorize different types of hacking. Here are two possible lists of types of hacking:
Seven types of hacking:
- White hat hacking: Ethical hacking that is done with the permission of the owner of the system or network being tested, and with the goal of improving security.
- Black hat hacking: Malicious hacking that is done without permission and is illegal.
- Gray hat hacking: Hacking that falls somewhere between white hat and black hat, often involving the unauthorized exploitation of vulnerabilities for the purpose of alerting the system owner to the vulnerability.
- State/nation-state hacking: Hacking sponsored or carried out by a government or state-sponsored organization.
- Hacktivism: Hacking that is motivated by political or social activism.
- Insider hacking: Hacking that is done by a current or former employee of an organization.
- Crime ware hacking: Hacking that is done for the purpose of committing cybercrime, such as stealing sensitive data or extorting money.
Phases of ethical hacking
The process of ethical hacking typically involves several phases or steps. Here are the general phases of ethical hacking:
- Planning and reconnaissance: In this phase, the ethical hacker defines the scope of the testing and gathers as much information as possible about the target system or network. This may involve tools such as network scanners, port scanners, and web crawlers to gather information about the target’s network architecture, hardware and software, and open ports and services.
- Scanning: In this phase, the ethical hacker uses tools and techniques to scan the target system or network in order to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This may include using tools such as vulnerability scanners and port scanners to identify open ports and known vulnerabilities.
- Gaining access: In this phase, the ethical hacker attempts to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to the target system or network. This may involve using tools such as password-cracking software, exploit frameworks, and social engineering techniques to gain access.
- Maintaining access: Once the ethical hacker has gained access to the system or network, they may attempt to maintain access and continue to explore the system or network in order to identify additional vulnerabilities. This may involve installing backdoors or other methods of maintaining access in case the initial access is discovered and closed.
- Covering tracks: In this phase, the ethical hacker attempts to clean up any evidence of their activities and cover their tracks to avoid being detected. This may involve deleting log files, removing software tools, and restoring any changes made to the system or network during the testing.
- Reporting: In this final phase, the ethical hacker prepares a report detailing their findings and recommendations for addressing any vulnerabilities or weaknesses identified during the testing. This report is typically shared with the owner of the system or network, who can use the information to improve the security of their systems.
Ethical hacking course
A training program called an ethical hacking course instructs students on how to use their understanding of computer networks and systems to test and secure those networks and systems. These classes often cover a variety of subjects, such as:
- Networking: Basic concepts of computer networking, including protocols, topologies, and network security.
- Operating systems: Knowledge of various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, and how to configure and secure them.
- Security concepts: Basic concepts of computer and network security, including types of attacks, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures.
- Ethical hacking tools and techniques: An overview of the tools and techniques used by ethical hackers, including port scanners, vulnerability scanners, and password-cracking software.
- Legal and ethical considerations: An overview of the legal and ethical considerations involved in ethical hacking, including issues related to privacy and consent.
The levels of ethical hacking courses range from beginner to advanced, and they can be presented in person, online, or as self-study materials. To give students real-world experience with the tools and techniques discussed in the course, some ethical hacking courses may also incorporate lab sessions or hands-on tasks.
How to become an ethical hacker
Here are some steps you can take to become an ethical hacker:
- Gain a strong foundation in computer science and networking: Ethical hacking involves a deep understanding of how computer systems and networks work, so it is important to have a strong foundation in these areas. This may involve taking classes or earning a degree in computer science or a related field.
- Learn about security concepts and technologies: Ethical hackers need to be well-versed in security concepts and technologies, such as encryption, firewalls (or WAF), and authentication protocols. You can learn about these topics through classes, online resources, or by earning a security-related certification.
- Get hands-on experience: Ethical hacking involves the use of a variety of tools and techniques, and it is important to have hands-on experience using these tools. You can gain experience by setting up a home lab or participating in online challenges and hackathons.
- Earn a certification: There are several certifications available for ethical hackers, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.
- Build a portfolio: As you gain experience and skills, it can be helpful to build a portfolio of your work. This may include documents or reports detailing your findings and recommendations from ethical hacking engagements, as well as any certifications or awards you have earned.
- Consider joining a professional organization: Joining a professional organization, such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT) or the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), can provide networking opportunities and access to resources and professional development opportunities.
It is crucial to keep in mind that ethical hacking entails a high level of responsibility and that it is crucial to act morally and within the boundaries of the law at all times. Ethical hackers should be dedicated to enhancing security and safeguarding the privacy, accuracy, and accessibility of systems and data.
Advantages of ethical hacking
There are several advantages of ethical hacking:
- Identifying vulnerabilities: Ethical hacking can help identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks that could be exploited by malicious hackers. This can help organizations take steps to protect against unauthorized access or attacks.
- Improving security: By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, ethical hacking can help improve the overall security of systems and networks. This can reduce the risk of data breaches (against data security), unauthorized access, and other security incidents.
- Protecting sensitive data: Ethical hacking can help protect sensitive data, such as customer information or proprietary information, from being accessed or stolen by unauthorized parties.
- Ensuring compliance: Many organizations are required to meet certain security standards, such as HIPAA for healthcare organizations or PCI DSS for businesses that handle credit card transactions. Ethical hacking can help organizations ensure that their systems and networks meet these standards.
- Demonstrating commitment to security: By demonstrating a commitment to security through activities such as ethical hacking, organizations can build trust with customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
- Professional development: Engaging in ethical hacking can provide opportunities for professional development and help individuals gain valuable skills and experience in the field of security.
- Legal and ethical: Ethical hacking is generally done with the permission of the owner of the system or network being tested, and is therefore legal and ethical. This is in contrast to malicious hacking, which is illegal and unethical.
By using the above technique one can know about the vulnerability of the system and plan to mitigate it to get protection against threats and attacks.
Ethical hacker example
A person who works for a business or organization to test and safeguard its computer networks and systems is an example of an ethical hacker. They may employ a range of methods and technologies, such as network scanners and vulnerability scanners, to find weaknesses and create plans for resolving them.
In order to make sure that networks and systems are configured correctly and securely, ethical hackers may collaborate with an organization’s IT and security departments. They might collaborate with software engineers to find and solve coding flaws.
Organizations may also employ ethical hackers to evaluate their networks and systems from the outside. In these circumstances, the ethical hacker will ordinarily be granted authorization to test the company’s systems and networks in order to find vulnerabilities and offer suggestions for mitigating them.
Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data, as well as helping organizations defend against unwanted access and assaults, are all important tasks that ethical hackers aid with.
Top 25 ethical hacking tools
There are a variety of tools available for ethical hacking, and which ones are chosen will depend on the objectives and requirements of the company or person conducting the testing. The following list of 25 tools that can be utilized in ethical hacking includes:
- Nmap: A network mapping tool that can be used to scan networks and identify open ports and services.
- Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer that can be used to capture and analyze network traffic.
- Metasploit: A framework for developing and executing exploits that can be used to test the security of systems and networks.
- Aircrack-ng: A suite of tools for wireless network security testing, including tools for cracking wireless encryption keys.
- Burp Suite: A web application security testing tool that can be used to test the security of web-based applications.
- John the Ripper: A password-cracking tool that can be used to recover lost or forgotten passwords.
- SQLMap: A tool for automating the detection and exploitation of SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- Maltego: A tool for visualizing and analyzing data from a variety of sources, including social media, DNS records, and other data sources.
- Malwarebytes: A tool for detecting and removing malware from infected systems.
- OSSEC: A host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) that can be used to detect and alert on suspicious activity on a host.
- Nikto: A web server security scanner that can be used to identify vulnerabilities in web servers.
- Nessus: A vulnerability scanner that can be used to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
- Netcat: A utility for reading and writing data across networks.
- Kismet: A wireless network sniffer that can be used to detect and analyze wireless traffic.
- Hashcat: A password-cracking tool that can be used to recover lost or forgotten passwords.
- Ettercap: A tool for sniffing and manipulating network traffic.
- Elasticsearch: A search engine for storing and analyzing large volumes of data, including logs and other security-related data.
- Elastic Stack: A collection of tools for centralizing and analyzing data, including logs and other security-related data.
- Cryptcat: A utility for encrypting data transmitted over networks.
- Core Impact: A tool for simulating attacks and testing the security of systems and networks.
- Burp Suite Professional: An advanced version of Burp Suite with additional features and capabilities for web application security testing.
- AppScan: A tool for testing the security of mobile apps.
- Angry IP Scanner: A tool for scanning IP networks and identifying active hosts.
- Aircrack-ptw: A tool for cracking wireless encryption keys using the PTW method.
- Acunetix: A web application security scanner that can be used to identify vulnerabilities in web-based applications.
What is an ethical hacker’s salary?
The degree of education and experience of the employee, their industry of employment, and the location of their employment all have an impact on the ethical hacker’s pay.
As of the current year, the average yearly wage for an ethical hacker in the United States is $71,331, according to pay information from Glassdoor (approx.). However, depending on their unique talents and expertise, ethical hackers may earn much more or less than this amount.
Better compensation could be expected from an ethical hacker with a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience as opposed to one with only a high school education and less work history. Similarly to this, an ethical hacker working in a highly specialized field or in an area with a high cost of living might make more money than one in a less specialized field or in a lower cost-of-living area.
It is also important to note that there is a significant need for ethical hackers and that this profession is anticipated to expand over the next few years, which could result in higher pay for ethical hackers.
FAQ
1. Is ethical hacking easy?
Ethical hacking can be a difficult field to break into because it necessitates a thorough grasp of computer systems and networks, as well as experience with a variety of tools and techniques. Additionally, ethical hackers need to be capable of critical and analytical thinking as well as good communication of their results.
However, it is possible for people to become proficient in ethical hacking with the correct instruction and experience. Classes, online courses, and certification programs are just a few of the many tools accessible for learning about ethical hacking.
As new technology and attack strategies are continually being developed, it is equally crucial to keep in mind that ethical hacking is a discipline that calls for ongoing learning and development. To successfully test and safeguard systems and networks, ethical hackers must keep up with the most recent tools and techniques.
In general, ethical hacking is a fulfilling field that offers a variety of job prospects and the chance to improve the security of systems and networks, even though it can be difficult at times.
2. Do ethical hackers get jobs?
Ethical hackers, also known as “white hat” hackers, are in high demand as organizations seek to protect their systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. Ethical hackers use their knowledge of computer systems and networks to test and secure systems and are often hired by organizations to conduct assessments of their systems and networks.
Ethical hackers have access to a variety of employment options, including positions in enterprises’ IT and security departments as well as roles at consulting firms and other businesses that focus on security services.
Ethical hackers may operate independently or as contractors in addition to applying for conventional jobs, offering their services to a variety of customers. Many ethical hackers also work as independent contractors, charging clients for their services as needed.
Overall, there is a significant need for ethical hackers, and there are several work opportunities accessible for people who possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to be successful in this industry.
We also covered the below topics in the above article.
- Difference between ethical hacking and unethical hacking
- What are the two types of hacking?
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