What to Know About Ethical Hackers

NEW YORK, March 9, 2023 (Newswire.com) - iQuanti: Hacking is a term often synonymous with criminal activity and nefarious cyberattacks such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. But did you know that not all hacking is bad? In fact, many organizations around the world employ ethical hackers to improve their cyber security.

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are professional security experts who use the same techniques and tools as malicious hackers but with a different goal in mind - to protect companies from potential data breaches and other cyber threats.

Unlike malicious hackers (also known as black hats), ethical hackers use phishing tactics and other methods to detect weaknesses in companies' security systems. This helps organizations identify areas of risk so that they can take steps to address them.

How do ethical hackers work?

Being an ethical hacker requires a deep understanding of computer networks and systems, as well as the ability to think like a criminal. Ethical hackers typically follow a set of steps to ensure the safety and security of a company's systems. This includes:

1. Gathering information about the target system, such as its architecture and any vulnerabilities it may have, and identifying user accounts.

2. Developing an attack plan that can be used to test the security of the system.

3. Executing the plan by exploiting any weaknesses in the system's defenses.

4. Analyzing the results of their efforts to identify areas of risk or additional techniques that could be used for future attacks.

5. Finally, reporting their findings back to the organization so that they can take appropriate measures to address any issues identified.

What's the difference between white hat, grey hat, and black hat hackers?

White hat hackers are those who use their skills to help organizations improve their cyber security. Grey hat hackers are a bit more ambiguous, often using phishing tactics and other techniques without the organization's knowledge or permission. And finally, black hats are malicious hackers who use phishing tactics and other methods to steal data or cause disruption to systems.

Do ethical hackers present risks?

The short answer is no. Ethical hackers are employed to help organizations identify and address potential threats - not create them. They work closely with IT professionals, security experts, and legal teams to ensure that their actions comply with company policy and industry regulations. In addition, ethical hackers often sign non-disclosure agreements, which means they cannot share any information about the target system or organization without their permission.

What are ethical hackers not allowed to do?

While ethical hackers are allowed to use phishing tactics and other techniques to probe for weaknesses in a company's security system, they must adhere to a strict set of guidelines and their scope is limited. Ethical hackers are strictly prohibited from accessing any system or network without prior authorization from the organization and must abide by all applicable laws and regulations in their country of residence. Furthermore, ethical hackers cannot use their skills for malicious purposes, such as stealing data or causing disruption to a system.

Bottom line

In today's digital landscape, it is essential for organizations to stay ahead of potential cyber threats. Ethical hackers provide an invaluable service by helping companies identify areas of weakness in their security systems and take steps to protect themselves from malicious attacks. With the help of ethical hackers, organizations can rest assured that their data is safe and secure.

Source: iQuanti, Inc