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What is Ethical Hacking? Meaning, Importance & How It Works
- August 17, 2023
- Posted by: Sandhya
- Category: ethical hacking
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What is Ethical Hacking? Meaning, Importance & How It Works
Do you want to make your career in ethical hacking after learning “What Is Ethical Hacking?” If yes, then you are at the right place. Here, you will learn about its definition, benefits, uses, and many more.
In the end, we have also mentioned one of the most reputed & renowned training grounds working in the IT Industry and offering a dedicated training program. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!
What is Ethical Hacking?
The act of lawfully testing computer networks, applications, or systems to find and address security flaws is known as ethical hacking. Professionals in cybersecurity, referred to as ethical hackers, carry it out with the system owner’s consent.
Improving security and defending against malevolent attacks are the objectives. Now we will talk, “What Is Ethical Hacking?” in depth. Let’s move forward!
How Does Ethical Hacking Work?
In the following steps, ethical hacking works:
- Authorization: Before performing any security assessments, ethical hackers must get the organization’s or individual’s express consent.
- Reconnaissance (Information Gathering): This entails gathering data about the target system or network, including network topology, IP addresses, and domain names.
- Scanning: To find weaknesses in the target system or network, such as open ports, out-of-date software, and weak passwords, ethical hackers employ a variety of tools.
- Gaining Access: After vulnerabilities are found, ethical hackers try to take advantage of them to access the system or network without authorization.
- Maintaining Access: Once they have access, ethical hackers might attempt to keep it up-to-date to mimic the actions of a malevolent actor.
- Covering Tracks: Although it’s not always required, ethical hackers may try to hide their activities to evade detection.
- Reporting: Lastly, ethical hackers record their discoveries and send a report to the company or person describing the weaknesses and suggesting fixes to strengthen security.
Types of Ethical Hacking?
S.No. | Types | What? |
1. | Web Application Hacking | Focuses on web application vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection. |
2. | Network Hacking | Focuses on locating holes in network hardware, such as routers and firewalls. |
3. | Wireless Network Hacking | Seeks to identify weaknesses in security protocols and Wi-Fi networks. |
4. | System Hacking | It entails breaking into specific computer systems without authorization. |
5. | Social Engineering | Manipulates people into disclosing private information or taking actions that jeopardize security. |
6. | Mobile Platform Hacking | Focuses on weaknesses in mobile apps and operating systems. |
7. | Physical Hacking | It entails physically entering buildings or equipment without authorization. |
8. | Cloud Security Testing | Evaluates cloud services and infrastructure security. |
9. | IoT Hacking | Focuses on finding vulnerabilities in Internet of Things devices’ security. |
10. | Reverse Engineering | Examines hardware or software to find flaws or learn how it operates. |
Core Concepts of System Hacking
Following are some of the core concepts of system hacking:
- Reconnaissance: Obtaining details about the target system, such as its operating system, software versions, and IP address.
- Scanning: Employing instruments to search for weaknesses in the target system, such as open ports, out-of-date software, and weak passwords.
- Gaining Access: Utilizing methods such as password cracking, software flaw exploitation, or social engineering to obtain unauthorized access to the system.
- Maintaining Access: Installing rootkits or backdoors to gain continuous access to the compromised system.
- Escalating Privileges: Obtaining greater system access levels, like root or administrator rights.
- Covering Tracks: Removing logs, altering timestamps, or utilizing encryption to conceal the hacker’s presence and actions on the system.
- Exploitation: Committing malevolent acts on the compromised system, like data theft, system attacks, or service interruption.
Why is Ethical Hacking Important?
S.No. | Factors | Why? |
1. | Proactive Security | It finds weaknesses before bad actors can take advantage of them, preventing expensive data breaches and system outages. |
2. | Vulnerability Assessment | To find flaws in networks, applications, and systems, ethical hackers mimic actual attacks. |
3. | Improved Security Posture | Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities can greatly enhance an organization’s overall security posture. |
4. | Compliance and Regulation | Ethical hacking helps meet the regulations in many industries that demand regular security assessments. |
5. | Risk Management | Organizations can better understand and control their security risks with the aid of ethical hacking. |
6. | Incident Response Planning | Plans for incident response can be enhanced and informed by the knowledge obtained from ethical hacking. |
7. | Security Awareness | Employee awareness of security threats and best practices can be increased through ethical hacking. |
8. | Protecting Reputation | By preventing security breaches through ethical hacking, businesses can preserve their good name and clientele. |
Ethical Hacking Skills
Following are some of the ethical hacking skills:
- Technical Skills: Finding and taking advantage of vulnerabilities requires a solid understanding of networking, operating systems, programming, and security tools.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ethical hackers need to be able to evaluate intricate systems, spot possible flaws, and come up with original fixes.
- Communication and Reporting Skills: Effective remediation requires that findings and recommendations be communicated in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ethical and Legal Awareness: To ensure responsible and legal hacking activities, a deep comprehension of ethical principles and legal regulations is essential.
- Continuous Learning: Since the field of cybersecurity is always changing, ethical hackers must keep up with the newest tools, threats, and vulnerabilities.
Benefits of Ethical Hacking?
S.No. | Advantages | How? |
1. | Proactive Risk Mitigation | Reduces the possibility of security breaches by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers can take advantage of them. |
2. | Vulnerability Identification & Remediation | Identifies flaws in programs and systems, enabling prompt mitigation and patching. |
3. | Improved Security Posture | Improves overall security by fixing vulnerabilities found and putting in place more robust defenses. |
4. | Compliance with Regulations | Aids businesses in fulfilling legal obligations for penetration testing and security evaluations. |
5. | Cost Savings | Avoids expensive data breaches, system outages, and harm to one’s reputation. |
6. | Enhanced Incident Response | Offers insightful information for creating and enhancing incident response plans. |
7. | Increased Security Awareness | Increases staff knowledge of security risks and recommended procedures. |
8. | Protection of Brand Reputation | Prevents security incidents, protecting the company’s reputation and client trust. |
Ethical Hacking Certificates
Following are some of the popular ethical hacking certificates:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): A well-known entry-level certification that covers the principles of penetration testing and ethical hacking.
- CompTIA PenTest+: Your proficiency in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and report writing is validated by this vendor-neutral certification.
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): A well-respected and extremely difficult certification that emphasizes practical penetration testing abilities and the capacity to think like an attacker.
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): A certification that proves your proficiency with a range of tools and methods for conducting penetration tests.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The CISSP covers a wide range of security concepts, such as penetration testing and vulnerability management, but it is not exclusively focused on ethical hacking.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): The management facets of information security, such as risk management and incident response, which are intimately linked to ethical hacking, are the focus of this certification.
How to Become an Ethical Hacker?
S.No. | Factors | How? |
1. | Build a Strong Foundation | Begin with a firm grasp of programming (Python, scripting), operating systems (Windows, Linux), and computer networking. |
2. | Formal Education | Think about getting a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a similar discipline. This creates a disciplined learning atmosphere. |
3. | Gain Practical Experience | To practice hacking techniques in a secure environment, set up a virtual lab environment using programs like VirtualBox or VMware. |
4. | Learn Security Tools | Learn how to use popular ethical hacking tools such as Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite. |
5. | Pursue Certifications | To verify your abilities and knowledge, get pertinent certifications such as OSCP, CompTIA PenTest+, CEH, and others. |
6. | Practice, Practice, Practice | To improve your skills, take part in bug bounty programs and work on Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges. |
7. | Network and Connect | Participate in local meetups, conferences, and online forums to interact with the security community. |
8. | Ethical and Legal Awareness | Recognize the legal requirements and ethical standards of ethical hacking. Never carry out any hacking operations without express authorization. |
9. | Job Shadowing/ Internships | Seek out internships or opportunities to observe seasoned, ethical hackers to obtain practical experience. |
10. | Continuous Learning | Because the field of cybersecurity is always changing, keep abreast of the most recent tools, threats, and vulnerabilities. |
Careers in Ethical Hacking
Following are some of the job profiles after the completion of the Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi:
- Penetration Tester,
- Security Analyst,
- Security Consultant,
- Information Security Manager,
- Vulnerability Assessor,
- Security Auditor,
- Incident Responder,
- Security Engineer,
- Application Security Engineer, and
- Threat Intelligence Analyst.
Conclusion: The Future of Ethical Hacking
Now that you have read about “What Is Ethical Hacking?” you might be wondering where you could get the best learning experience for a deeper understanding of ethical hacking knowledge & techniques.
For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering a dedicated training & certification program, “Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi,” for IT Aspirants who want to start their career in the IT Industry with ethical hacking skills.
During the sessions, students will be able to test their knowledge & skills on live machines via the virtual labs under the supervision of professionals on the premises of Craw Security. With that, online sessions offered by Craw Security will benefit students with remote learning.
After the completion of the Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi offered by Craw Security, students will get a certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
About What Is Ethical Hacking? Meaning, Importance & How It Works
1. What is ethical hacking, in simple words?
Finding weaknesses in networks and systems and using them to simulate real-world attacks to strengthen their security is known as ethical hacking.
2. What is the ethics of hacking?
Hacking ethics revolve around getting express consent before testing systems, handling vulnerabilities responsibly, and never using hacking techniques maliciously.
3. What is an ethical hacker’s salary?
An ethical hacker in India typically makes ₹51,251 per month.
4. Is ethical hacking a job?
Yes, ethical hacking is a specialized field within cybersecurity, where experts are employed to identify system weaknesses to strengthen security.
5. Is ethical hacking legal?
Yes, as long as the system or network owner gives their express consent, ethical hacking is acceptable.
6. Is ethical hacking hard?
To stay ahead of changing threats, ethical hacking can be difficult and calls for a combination of technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and ongoing education.
7. Can I be an ethical hacker?
Yes, you can become an ethical hacker if you put in the necessary effort, receive the appropriate training, and have a strong sense of morality.
8. What is an example of ethical hacking?
A penetration test, in which a security expert, with authorization, tries to take advantage of flaws in a business’s web application to find vulnerabilities before attackers do, is an example of ethical hacking.
9. What is white hacking?
White hacking, another name for ethical hacking, describes security experts who, with authorization, apply their expertise for defensive objectives.
10. Is ethical hacking a good career?
Because of its high demand, competitive pay, and the fulfilling nature of defending systems against cyberattacks, ethical hacking is a good career choice.
11. What is the qualification for ethical hacking?
Becoming an ethical hacker typically requires a combination of technical skills, certifications (such as CEH), and real-world experience rather than a single prerequisite.
12. What does an ethical hacker do?
Following are some of the roles & responsibilities of an ethical hacker:
- Find Weaknesses,
- Think like a Criminal,
- Test Security,
- Report Findings, and
- Help Improve Security.
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