Many people associate “hacking” with cyberattacks when they hear the term. In today’s technologically advanced world, there exists a subset of cybersecurity experts known as ethical hackers who, in essence, hack the hackers themselves.
An ethical hacker plays a crucial role in the cybersecurity sector. It is the responsibility of ethical hackers to possess the know-how, abilities, and expertise necessary to carry out risk analyses and test systems for security-related problems. To defend enterprises against assaults, these tests are run against every potential security breach, exploit, and vulnerability scenario.
What is a “Hacker”
The definition of “hacking” or “hacker” typically carries a negative connotation. To obtain unauthorized access, malicious hackers frequently possess advanced coding and programming skills, as well as the ability to manipulate computer hardware and software.
The act of doing technical tasks with the goal of taking advantage of holes in a computer system, network, or firewall to gain unauthorized access is known as hacking. It involves abusing digital gadgets including tablets, cellphones, networks, and PCs.
Hacking is the act of manipulating digital equipment with the intention of damaging or corrupting operating systems. Additionally, it gives hackers the ability to gather user data, steal confidential data and documents, and carry out other disruptive data-related operations. However, not every hacker is the same, and not every hacker is a cybercriminal.
Licensed Cybercriminals
In the information security field, a lot of people refer to authorized hackers—also known as white-hat hackers—as ethical hackers. Authorized hackers adhere to permissions and laws while targeting systems, while most unauthorized hackers do not. When carrying out their duties, they must adhere to a code of ethics in addition to existing regulations and access permits.
Typically, businesses or clients directly hire authorized hackers to test operating systems, hardware, software, and network vulnerabilities. They will help businesses strengthen their defences against attacks by applying their knowledge, abilities, and expertise in hacking.
Grey Hat Hackers
In addition to the binary classification of authorized and unauthorized hackers, another category known as “grey-hat hackers” exists, combining traits from both. Grey-hat hackers use security flaws to bring awareness to the public. Unlike authorized hackers, they may not always adhere to a strict ethical code, although they typically lack the malicious intent associated with unauthorized hackers.
Grey-hat hackers may opt to privately notify manufacturers or companies about discovered security flaws without disclosing their findings publicly. However, some grey-hat hackers choose to openly exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware, drawing attention to the issue even without the consent of the manufacturer.
When considering software development in this context, grey-hat hackers may play a role in highlighting vulnerabilities within software systems. They might follow responsible disclosure practices by informing developers privately, allowing them to address the issues before public disclosure. This interaction between grey-hat hackers and the software development community can contribute to improving overall system security and promoting responsible cybersecurity practices.
Duties and Obligations of Ethical Hackers
The duties and obligations of ethical hackers extend beyond the lawful penetration of systems to uncover security issues. Their primary objective is to assess an organization’s system, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and rectify them.
Ethical hackers are required to adhere to specific guidelines for legally conducting hacking activities on behalf of organizations. These guidelines necessitate obtaining approval from the system owner before initiating any security assessments.
In addition to these general responsibilities, ethical hackers may also be tasked with:
- Identifying weaknesses in the operating system and network of an organization’s technological infrastructure.
- Demonstrating the ease with which cyberattacks can be launched on the company through penetration-testing methods.
- Performing security assessment simulations to illustrate potential vulnerabilities and showcase how susceptible the system is to external hacking attempts.
- Promptly reporting any discovered security breaches or vulnerabilities to the system owner or manager.
- Maintaining confidentiality regarding their findings, sharing information only with the client or company involved.
- Erasing any traces of the hack to ensure that malicious hackers cannot exploit identified loopholes to gain unauthorized access to the system.
Conclusion
Ethical hacking stands as a pivotal component in the cybersecurity ecosystem, counteracting the negative connotations associated with hacking. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, play a critical role in safeguarding organizations by identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities within their systems. Beyond lawful penetration testing, ethical hackers adhere to a stringent code of conduct, obtaining explicit permission before assessing a system’s security. Grey-hat hackers, while straddling the line between authorized and unauthorized activities, can contribute to cybersecurity by responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities. The duties of ethical hackers extend to identifying weaknesses, demonstrating potential cyber threats, and maintaining confidentiality while promptly reporting any security breaches. In doing so, ethical hackers serve as indispensable guardians of digital landscapes, enhancing overall system security and fostering responsible cybersecurity practices.
Written by
Jon Torres
Web Developer