Who is an Ethical Hacker? Haven’t you wondered?

Did you know?

The Security Magazine had reported that there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds.

Computers have become imperative to manage successful businesses. Computers need to be networked to accelerate communication with external businesses. This will expose the computers to the outside world and hacking. Cybercrimes deprive organizations of millions of dollars every year. Businesses need to safeguard themselves against such attacks.

You can read our previous article All About Ethical Hacking for some more details

What is Hacking?

Hacking is an act of tracking down the shortcomings in a computer system or a network to invade security with the aim of accessing personal or business data.

Generally speaking, it is unauthorized access to or control over computer network security systems for illegal purposes. They can damage, rob, or even block authorized users from accessing the system.

The Breach Level Index had reported that Hackers steal about 75 records every second!

Who is an Ethical Hacker?

Simply put, an ethical hacker is a security expert who uses ethical hacking modes and techniques to identify any loopholes within the company and advice on how to prevent it to enhance security and safety.

Types of Hackers

The fundamental aspects of hacking are that of uncurbed creativity, valorous innovation, and the braveness required to shove away from the past standard modes of thought. But not all hackers are fulfilled with hacking for the purpose of hacking alone. The hacking community can be grouped into three major categories, on the basis of their functioning.

Let’s get into the detail of who they are:

Black Hat:

Black-hat hackers are also referred to as Unethical hackers or Security crackers as they work with bad intentions. They engage in illegally hacking a system so as to rob money or steal sensitive information, satiate their own illegal goals, secure a reputation, spy, or block network communication. These individuals’ actions can wreak serious damage to both computer users and the organizations they work for.

White Hat:

White hat hackers employ their technical skills to intrude into the systems in order to evaluate and inspect the level of network security, also known as ethical hacking. This helps reveal any threat for systems before black hat hackers could discover and misuse them.

Both white hat hackers and black hat hackers essentially use similar tools and techniques but the difference lies in the fact that white hat hackers are hired by organizations to test and discover possible cracks in their security defenses. Ethical hacking is not illegal and it is one of the challenging jobs out there in the IT industry. There are umpteen companies that hire ethical hackers for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

Grey Hat:

Grey hat hackers stand somewhere between the good and the bad guys. As opposed to the black hat hackers, they try to breach standards and principles but with no intention of doing harm or gaining money. Their deeds are generally carried out for the common good. Their target is to convey the weakness to the attention of the owners and getting appreciation or a little bounty in return.

Blue Hat:

Blue hat hackers use hacking as a tool to win acclaim from their fellow beings. They utilize the hacking technique to retaliate against their adversaries. Blue Hat Hackers are vicious due to the purpose behind them hacking.

Red Hat:

Red Hat Hackers are just like white hackers as they intend to stop the attack of black hat hackers. The difference between both lies in the process of hacking. Red hat hackers are hard-hearted while tackling black hat hackers or while counterpoising with malware.

Green Hat:

These are regarded as the newbies in hacking. Green hat hackers are oblivious of the security mechanism and the inner workings of the web, but they are astute and determined to advance their position in the hacker community.

State or Nation Sponsored Hackers:

The government designates hackers to procure information about other countries. They make use of their expert knowledge to obtain confidential information from other countries to be cautious about any upcoming danger to their country.

Hacktivist:

Hacktivists plan to hack government websites by pretending to be activists. The data extracted from government files are exploited for personal, political, or social gain.

Malicious Insider or Whistleblower:

The Whistleblower is someone working in an organization who could disclose confidential information so as to resolve a personal grudge within the organization due to various reasons.

How should an Ethical Hacker be?

An ethical hacker should have :

• In-depth knowledge of computer networks

Problem-solving skills

• Analytical Thinking
• Cryptography skills
• Think outside the box
• Unquenchable thirst for knowledge

Conclusion

Indeed, it’s challenging to be an ethical hacker. But if you are willing to take up the challenge then trust me then there is no going back. The average ethical hacking salary in India is 5 lakh INR per annum even for entry-level positions!

If you are intrigued by the title then come check out SKILLOGIC Ethical Hacking Course that is accredited by EC-Council and IIFIS. The course is sure to give you a comprehensive understanding of the whole domain.

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