The term “hacking” typically has a negative meaning due to its association with cybercrime, data breaches, and unauthorized access to computer systems. However, it is important to note that hacking is not always unethical or illegal. Ethical hacking is a lawful profession that assists organizations in detecting and resolving security vulnerabilities.
What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking, or “white hat” hacking, tests computer systems to find security vulnerabilities. Organizations hire ethical hackers to perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, with the owner’s permission. Their findings are then used to improve security and prevent unauthorized access.
types of ethical hacking
- Penetration testing: This involves simulating a real-world attack on a network or system to identify and report vulnerabilities to the owner.
- Vulnerability assessment: This involves scanning a system or network to identify security weaknesses and provide recommendations to improve security.
- Security research: This involves discovering and reporting vulnerabilities in software or systems to the vendor or owner.
- Red teaming: This involves simulating a real-world attack on a system to test the overall security posture of an organization.
What is Illegal Hacking?
Illegal hacking, also known as “black hat” hacking, is the practice of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems and networks for personal gain, theft, or destruction. Illegal hackers exploit security vulnerabilities to steal data, disrupt operations, or cause damage to systems. They may also use social engineering techniques, such as phishing, to trick individuals into divulging confidential information.
Types of Illegal Hacking:
- Malware attacks: This involves creating and deploying malicious software to steal information, damage systems, or disrupt operations.
- Network hacking: This involves unauthorized access to a network, server, or system to steal information or disrupt operations.
- Password cracking: This involves using software or tools to guess or break passwords and gain access to a system.
- Phishing: This involves using social engineering to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.
- Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: This involves overwhelming a system with traffic or requests to cause it to crash or become unavailable.