What Is Ethical Hacking, And How Does It Work?

As we peruse the headlines, it has become clear that cybercrime has become a pervasive issue. In this era of digitalization, malicious actors can commit acts such as data theft, money laundering, and cyber espionage. Further, it also includes other nefarious activities from the safety of their homes. It is possible thanks to operating remotely behind a computer screen.

The surge in cybercriminals due to the global availability of the Internet. It has created a high demand for ethical hackers and other cybersecurity professionals. Ethical hacking involves using the same techniques and tools as malicious hackers but with permission from the system owner. Thus,it aims to expose any security vulnerabilities so that the owner can fix them before malicious hackers exploit them.

Ethical Hacking: An Overview

Ethical hacking is a security assessment where professionals simulate an attack on a computer system, network, or application. It helps to find potential vulnerabilities or threats. Ethical hackers use specialized tools and techniques to identify potential security risks and gain access to unauthorized areas during this process.

Therefore, the goal is to help organizations strengthen their security posture and protect against malicious attacks. The system or network's owner grants permission to Cyber Security engineers to conduct tests on the system's security measures. Unlike malicious hacking, these tests are planned and approved, making them a legitimate activity.

Ethical hackers strive to identify any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers, gathering and analyzing data. Thus, it is to determine the best ways to protect the system/network/applications.

Through this, they can enhance the security of the system/network. It makes it more resilient to potential attacks or finding ways to deflect them away from the target.

Similarly, businesses hire ethical hackers to identify and protect against potential security threats. In addition, it helps by examining their systems and networks for possible weaknesses. They examine potential security flaws and weaknesses, including but not limited to those that may be present. These are as follows:

Injection raids
Adjustments in safety sets
Display of vulnerable records
The gap in validation practices
Components that can be used as access points in a system or network include routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.

So now we know what exactly ethical hacking is. Go through our Certified Ethical Hacking Course to explore more about ethical hacking. This ceh course will teach you the most current hacking techniques, tools, and methods that hackers use.

Prominent Concept Of Ethical Hacking:

Ethical hacking is the practice of using hacking skills and techniques to find vulnerabilities in an IT database, network, or application. It works with the permission and approval of the target. This type of hacking is the white-hat hacking, as it is done for the benefit of the target rather than maliciously. Thus, hacking experts adhere to four crucial protocol theories:

Outline The Scale: Ensure that the ethical hacker knows the exact scope of the assessment. The work will remain within the bounds of the law and the organization's established policies.
Follow Legal Regulations: Ensure you have authorization before conducting security assessments.
Regarding Information Sensitivity: Ethical hackers may need to sign a non-disclosure agreement depending on the sensitivity of the data. They will be dealing with any other requirements set by the organization they are assessing.
Describe Exposures: Inform the organization of any potential security risks identified during the assessment. Supply guidance on how to address and mitigate any identified issues.

Working Criteria Of Ethical Hacker:

Ethical hacking aims to test the security of a system or network's infrastructure. An ethical hacker will attempt to breach the security protocols, locate potential weaknesses, and highlight them to the system's owner.

Although, these vulnerabilities are in incorrect system configuration, hardware, or software. For ethical hacking to be successful, the hacker must have permission from the owner to inspect their network for security issues.

Ethical hackers conduct research, document their methods and findings, and communicate these insights to management and IT teams. This information is useful to enhance the security of a system and protect it from potential malicious attacks. Ethical hackers will also ensure that any security issues identified and fixed by the organization are compelling.

Penetration testing is becoming increasingly popular to assess the security of a business or organization's online services and connected networks. It involves simulating a cyber-attack to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities which hackers could exploit. By doing this, organizations can take steps to prevent or mitigate the risks cyber criminals pose.

Testing a system only sometimes ensures it is entirely secure. However, it can help stop amateur hackers and automated attacks. The Payment Card Industry, Data Security Standard, mandates organizations to run yearly penetration tests while changing their applications or systems. Numerous companies employ teams of ethical hackers, and numerous companies provide ethical hacking services.

Categories Of Ethical Hacking:

The term 'Hacker' referred initially to individuals who had the expertise to improve the capabilities of mainframe systems. However, nowadays, it is more common with those who access computer systems without permission, using code or system flaws for malicious or disruptive purposes.

For example, a hacker might use algorithms to break passwords, break into networks or cause disruption to network services. Hackers use specific categories of ethical hacking for different purposes. Below are some of them:

Website App Hacking: Web hacking exploits vulnerabilities in applications connected to the internet by manipulating their user interface. It also includes the URL, or underlying HTTP elements outside the URL.
Structure Hacking: Hacktivists gain unauthorized access to personal computers over a network through system hacking. To protect against such threats, IT security experts can use password cracking, escalating privileges, constructing malicious software, and packet sniffing.
Website Server Module Hacking: Attackers attempt to gain access to confidential data by Gluing, a ping deluge, port scanning, sniffing, and social engineering techniques. The application software database server obtains credentials, passcodes, and corporate information in real time from the web application.
Hacking Wireless Systems: To gain access to a wireless network, an intruder may employ a technique known as sniffing. It involves using a device to detect the network's broadcast signal and identifying its identifier. After finding the identifier, it is relatively easy for a hacker to access the system from a nearby location. It works by exploiting the radio waves used for transmission.
Societal Engineering: The practice of exploiting social relationships and psychological vulnerabilities to gain access to confidential data or resources. It is referred to as social engineering. Criminals often employ eugenics to target people. It is quite simpler to deceive individuals than to figure out how to bypass cyber security measures.

Advantages of Ethical Hacking:

The primary advantage of gaining knowledge in ethical hacking is the capability to secure corporate networks. Therefore, it helps by recognizing and fixing any weak points. Comprehension of how cybercriminals act can aid in recognizing the most critical risks and executing appropriate solutions.

Furthermore, CEH training in Dubai can significantly benefit those wanting to join the security field. Individuals can showcase their proficiency and competence to their employer.

If you wish to learn Cybersecurity and build a career in cybersecurity, then check out our Cyber Security Certifications which comes with instructor-led live training.

Some well known cybersecurity certifications are:

Conclusion:

Ethical Hacking is a highly specific field of study that necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the components of a system or network. As a result, certifications have become popular among those looking to pursue a career in ethical hacking. With malicious hackers creating ever more innovative ways to penetrate networks, the need for certified ethical hackers has been rising across various industries. It has opened up many opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, spurring many to take up ethical hacking as a profession. Get in touch with our experts for CEH certification training.