Ethical Hacking

In today's digital age, ethical hacking is increasingly used by companies and individuals, to defend against cyber attacks which have become a major concern. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations or cause damage.

However, not all hackers are malicious. Indeed, there is a growing demand for ethical hackers who can help prevent cyber attacks by identifying and fixing weaknesses before they can be discovered by hackers. In this article, I look at what ethical hacking is, how it can help prevent cyber attacks, the benefits of hiring an ethical hacker for a business, the skills needed to become an ethical hacker, and some common techniques used in hacking. ethical hacking.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as "white hat" hacking, is the practice of testing computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities in a controlled and authorized manner. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as malicious hackers to identify weaknesses in a system, but their goal is to help the organization improve its security and prevent cyber attacks.

Ethical hacking usually results in specific malicious code (single scripts or small programs), which is called an exploit. This special code exploits errors or weaknesses found in the system to trigger a certain behavior in software, hardware or other electronic devices.

The hired professional must ensure maximum transparency and integrity, especially when it comes to protecting sensitive areas such as business and commercial secrets and confidential customer data through ethical hacking. In these processes, the customer must be made aware of all relevant information collected by the ethical hacker. The unlawful use or transmission of trade secrets and other sensitive data is not permitted under any circumstances.

The results obtained and any other relevant information on the hacking process must be reported to the customer in a specific written report. This report may also contain concrete recommendations for action, such as removing malware or creating a honeypot strategy. Ethical hackers also need to be careful not to leave any weaknesses in the system for cybercriminals to exploit later.

How Ethical Hacking Helps Prevent Cyber Attacks

Hackers often use a variety of techniques to gain access to a system, such as exploiting software vulnerabilities, using social engineering tactics to trick users into revealing sensitive information, or using brute force to crack passwords. Ethical hackers use these same techniques to identify weaknesses in a system and make recommendations to improve security.

Benefits of hiring an ethical hacker for a business

Hiring an ethical hacker can provide several benefits to a business, including:

1. Expertise: Ethical hackers possess specialized knowledge and skills in identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They can provide valuable insight into a company's security and recommend strategies for improving it.
2. Cost-effective: Hiring an ethical hacker can be a cost-effective way to improve a company's security. Ethical hackers can predict where and how a business can be attacked and can remediate and correct, thus avoiding the costly consequences of a cyber attack.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations that require regular security testing and vulnerability assessments. Ethical hacking can help companies comply with these regulations and avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Skills needed to become an ethical hacker

In Italy, many universities currently already offer specialized courses in ethical hacking. However, many professional ethical hackers don't rely much on training courses as they don't consider them very practical. Many ethical hackers have acquired the necessary skills themselves. However, those with previous training as a computer engineer or a computer science degree are better suited for the job.

Becoming an ethical hacker requires several skills, including:

1. Technical Skills: Ethical hackers must have in-depth knowledge of computer systems, networks, and software. They must also be familiar with various hacking techniques and tools.
2. Analytical skills: Ethical hackers must be able to analyze complex systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.
3. Communication Skills: Ethical hackers must be able to communicate their findings and recommendations to non-technical parties in a clear and concise manner.
4. Ethics: Ethical hackers must have a strong sense of ethics and a commitment to using their skills with discretion and in the interest of the common good.

Common techniques used in ethical hacking

Ethical hackers use a variety of techniques to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, including:

1. Penetration Testing: Penetration testing involves simulating an attack on a system to identify weaknesses and potential attack vectors.
2. Vulnerability Scanning: Vulnerability scanning involves using automated tools to scan a system for known vulnerabilities.
3. Social Engineering: Social engineering is the use of psychological manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that could compromise security.
4. Password cracking: Password cracking involves using automated tools to guess or crack passwords and gain access to a system.

Misconceptions about ethical hacking

While ethical hacking is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for improving cybersecurity, some misconceptions about the practice still exist. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about ethical hacking:

1. Ethical hackers are the same as malicious hackers: One of the biggest misconceptions about ethical hacking is that it is the same as malicious hacking. While it is true that both ethical hackers and malicious hackers use similar techniques to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, the key difference is that ethical hackers operate within a legal and ethical framework. Ethical hackers are authorized by the organization to test security measures and make recommendations for improvement, while malicious hackers operate without authorization and with malicious intent.
2. Ethical hacking is only for large companies: Another misconception is that ethical hacking is only necessary for large companies with significant IT infrastructure. In reality, all organizations, regardless of size, are vulnerable to cyberattacks and can take advantage of ethical hacking to improve their cybersecurity posture.
3. Ethical hacking is a one-time event: Some organizations believe that ethical hacking is a one-time event to be conducted once and for all. However, cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and periodic ethical hacking assessments are required to ensure the security of a system.
4. Ethical hacking is expensive: Another common misconception is that ethical hacking is expensive and only accessible to large organizations. While ethical hacking services can be expensive, the cost of a cyber attack can be much higher. Ethical hacking is a cost-effective way to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
5. Ethical Hackers Can Ensure 100% Security: Ethical hacking can help identify and fix vulnerabilities, but it cannot guarantee 100% security. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, testing, and improvement.
6. Ethical hacking is only about technical skills: Technical skills are essential to ethical hacking, but they are not the only ones required. Ethical hackers must also possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate their findings to non-technical stakeholders and to make recommendations for improving security.
7. Ethical Hacking Is Illegal: Some believe that ethical hacking is illegal, but it is actually a legal and licensed practice. Ethical hackers operate within a legal and ethical framework and are authorized by the organization to conduct security tests.

Ethical hacking, a recommended practice

Small and medium-sized businesses with ethical hacking can gain access to security technology skills that may not otherwise be available. Through ethical hacking they can find holes in their computer systems that they could not have found with traditional systems. External ethical hacking experts can bring a specialized perspective or different body of knowledge on the subject that can ensure better prevention and protection against cyberattacks.