Navigating the Digital Frontier: A Dive into Ethical Hacking

 

In a world where cyber security threats are becoming increasingly prevalent, the role of ethical hackers has never been greater. These experienced professionals use their expertise to identify weaknesses in systems before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. Here’s a closer look at the essential aspects of ethical hacking and why it’s important.

What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hacking, or white hat hacking, is the testing of licensed systems to find and fix security vulnerabilities. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers operate within legal boundaries to help organizations strengthen their defences.

A hacker with an ethical life

Education and Skills:

Ethical hackers usually have a background in computer science or cyber security. Key certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and CompTIA Security+.

Tools used:

Various tools are used e.g.

Nmap: Used for network scanning.

Nessus: For vulnerability assessment.

Metasploit: Used for exploit testing.

Procedure:

Ethical hacking generally includes:

Planning: Define scope and goals.

Reconnaissance: Gather information about the target.

Scanning : Displays open ports and services.

Applications: Test for convenience.

Report: Document findings and make recommendations.

Ethical and Legal:

Ethical hackers operate with the explicit permission of the system owners and abide by strict codes of ethics. This ensures privacy is respected and acts responsibly when identifying and addressing security flaws.

Why ethical hacking is important

Functional Protection:

Identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they are deployed helps prevent data breaches and cyber attacks, protect sensitive information, and ensure system integrity

R.S