What is Ethical Hacking, and How Does it Work?

In this ever-evolving globe, cyber-attacks are no longer a new term. Since everything has shifted to the online globe, businesses, organizations, and individuals — anyone can become a victim of having their data security compromised. This is where ethical hacking comes into play.

If you wish to explore more about ethical hacking, keep reading!

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking means gaining access to a computer system, application, or data with the owner’s permission. Ethical hackers use similar tactics and methods as malicious attackers to uncover security weaknesses.

Through this, they can easily spot vulnerabilities that could be exploited by various malicious hackers and help organizations fix them before they are exploited.

What Are the Types of Hackers?

Hackers are primarily grouped into three types:

• White hat hackers
• Black hat hackers
• Gray hat hackers

White hat hackers, also popularly known as ethical hackers, are responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks. Black hat hackers use their skills for unethical purposes, like stealing information. At the same time, Gray hat hackers are somewhere in between and use their skills for both ethical and unethical reasons.

What Are the Benefits of Ethical Hacking?

When it comes down to the benefits of ethical hacking, the list can be quite a long one. By identifying all the vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, companies can improve their cybersecurity posture and protect sensitive data.

Ethical hacking can also help organizations comply with regulations and industry standards, alongside helping them avoid costly data breaches, reputation damage, and legal liabilities.

What is the Process of Hacking?

The process of hacking typically involves several steps. The first step is reconnaissance, where the ethical hacker gathers information about the target system or network. This may involve scanning for open ports or identifying software versions. The next step is to identify vulnerabilities, such as outdated software or weak passwords.

Once vulnerabilities have been identified, the ethical hacker attempts to exploit them. This may involve running scripts or using specialized tools to gain access to the system or network. Once access has been obtained, the ethical hacker may escalate privileges to gain additional access. Finally, the ethical hacker will document their findings and provide recommendations for improving the security of the target system or network.

What Are the Limitations of Ethical Hacking?

While ethical hacking can be an effective way to identify vulnerabilities, it does have its limitations. These include:

• It doesn’t replicate real attackers’ level of sophistication and determination
• May not identify unknown vulnerabilities or those requiring physical access
• It is not a one-time fix for cybersecurity
• Organizations must continue to monitor and update their security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Wrapping Up

Ethical hacking is a valuable practice for organizations that wish to enhance their cybersecurity posture. By identifying multiple vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors, organizations can protect sensitive data and avoid costly data breaches.

You can easily head to Education Nest and enroll in various informative courses to learn more about cyber security.