What Is Ethical Hacking and How Does It Work?

10-Aug-2022

In the times and the world that we live in, using the internet and other digital technology has become commonplace. Even if a person does not use a smartphone or the internet at home, there is a good probability that they will need to use computers, automatic equipment, or digital tools in order to do their professional obligations. In a situation like this, when cutting-edge technology is prevalent, cyber security and the possibility of hackers are also major concerns.

Because there is a growing demand for ethical hackers in the cybersecurity and IT sector firms around the world, ethical hacking has consequently become one of the most sought-after job possibilities. Let us learn more about Ethical hacking and all that one needs to know about this area of cyber security. 

What is Ethical Hacking? 

Ethical hacking implies the hacking activities carried out explicitly motivated and bounded by moral or ethical principles and is performed with goodwill. Any type of hacking that involves the owner of the target system's permission is referred to as Ethical hacking. A certified ethical Hacker is a hacking specialist who deals with ethical hacking. This activity also entails actively implementing security measures to protect systems against hackers with nefarious motives regarding data privacy. 

Technically speaking, ethical hacking is the process of getting around or breaking the security safeguards put in place by a system to identify weaknesses, data breaches, and potential dangers. In order for it to be considered ethical, the cyber laws of the respective location must be adhered to. In a nutshell, a legitimate hacker has access to the target system before a malicious hacker can. This enables the organization's security staff to effectively close a security loophole that would otherwise allow an attacker to access the system or carry out a hack. 

Types of Ethical Hacking

Web Application Hacking: Hacking a web application involves manipulating HTTP characteristics not stored in the URI, tampering with the URI, or taking advantage of the software's built-in visual chrome browser.

System hacking: Through the use of a network, hackers can access personal computers. IT security professionals can utilize packet sniffing, privilege escalation, password cracking, and other defensive techniques to counteract these dangers.

Web Server hacking: Real-time web content is produced by application software database servers. In order to steal credentials, passcodes, and corporate information from the web application, attackers employ social engineering tactics, ping deluge assaults, port scans, sniffing attacks, and gluing.

Hacking Wireless Networks: This method employs radio waves to convey information, making it simple for hackers to access the system from a nearby place. 

Network sniffing is a common technique used by these attackers to locate the Identifier and compromise a wireless network.

Social engineering is the practice of persuading large groups of people to reveal confidential information. Criminals utilize eugenics because it is typically simpler to target your natural difficulty trusting than it is to recognize how to counterfeit your gadget.

Types Of Hackers

A hacker is a person who uses a computer, networking, or even other skills to solve a technical problem. A hacker is somebody who employs their talents to access a system or network with the intention of breaking the law.

There are variants of Hackers as categorized below:

White Hat Hackers: They are ideal and appropriate who help us on the dark web. White hat hackers are also commonly referred to as Ethical hackers. They are cyber security professionals who help the state and corporations by carrying out penetration tests and finding security drawbacks. In order to defend themselves from black hat hackers and other cybercriminals, Ethical Hackers employ a range of strategies. They enter into our system with the goal of identifying weaknesses and helping you remove malware and viruses.

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

Grey Hat Hackers: These hackers that go by the appellation of "Grey Hat hackers" fall between white hat and black hat hackers. Although these "grey hat" hackers might not use their knowledge for personal gain, they are nonetheless capable of acting with both beneficial and detrimental intentions. For instance, a hacker who breaches a firm and finds a weakness may post it online or alert the business. If hackers use their skills to make money, they are considered black hat hackers.

What training and credentials are needed to be a Certified Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker should be proficient in a variety of computer functions. They frequently specialize in one particular aspect of the ethical hacking field, becoming subject matter experts (SME).

A few of the major skills that Ethical Hackers must possess:

• Proficiency with scripting languages

• Expertise with operating systems

• A profound understanding of Networking

• A strong basis in information security principles 

• The best-known certifications that are suitable for Ethical Hackers:

• Certified Ethical Hacker Certification

• Offensive Security Certified Professional Certification (OSCP)

• CompTIA Security+

• Cisco's CCNA Security 

Among the numerous certification, professionals with CEH or Certified Ethical Hacker certification will suit the job profile of anyone looking for career progression.

What are the tasks of a Certified Ethical Hacker?

Ethical Hacking is best performed by a Certified Ethical Hacker who is well-trained and possesses certifications validating their prowess and knowledge. The duties of a Certified Ethical hacker involve the following:

• Meeting with clients to discuss the security measures in place

• Examining the system, network typology, and weak points of the organization

• Performing system penetration testing (s)

• Locating and recording security holes and weaknesses

• Evaluating the network's security level

• Determining the best security options

• Making reports on penetration tests

• Performing penetration testing after putting new or Proposed security measures in place

• Identifying replacements for ineffective security features

Drawbacks in the Ethical Hacking Landscape

small in scope. The scope of an attack cannot be expanded by ethical hackers in order to be successful. It is reasonable to talk to the organization about potential outside-the-scope attacks, though.

resource limitations. Malicious hackers are not subject to the time constraints experienced by ethical hackers. Additional ethical hacker restrictions include money and computing power.

restricted techniques Some businesses advise specialists to steer clear of testing scenarios that could cause servers to crash, such as DoS attacks.

Ways to become a Certified Ethical Hacker

If you're considering becoming a certified ethical hacker, sign up for a course and obtain the Certified Ethical Hacker Certification.  It might end up being among the most inventive and fascinating professional paths. This is partially due to the weekly changes in the hacking environment. You need to continually investigate and keep up with the latest viruses and exploits available on the market. This effort is not in vain since the more effective and knowledgeable you are, the greater the demand will be for you, and you will also receive compensation in line with that demand.

Certified Ethical hackers employ their expertise to safeguard and advance an organization's technology. They provide these businesses with an essential service by looking for flaws that could lead to a security breach.

An organization is informed of the discovered vulnerabilities by a certified ethical hacker. They also offer advice on corrective action. The ethical hacker frequently conducts a re-test with the organization's approval to make sure the risks are completely fixed. Hence, the role of a certified ethical hacker is crucial for any organization.

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