Ethical Hacking Essentials

Data plays an essential role in our lives. 

We each consume and produce huge amounts of information each day, and it can be used in industries as diverse as healthcare, banking, marketing, and many more. 

However, such sensitive information needs to be protected, which is where ethical hacking comes in useful. 

But what is ethical hacking? Here, we take a closer look at the practice, including what it is, why it’s useful, and how you can learn ethical hacking. 

We’ll also explore some of the job roles and salaries available to those with the necessary hacking skills.

What is Hacking?

Before we get into ethical hacking, let’s look at one of the key concepts that underlie the practice. 

In basic terms, hacking is the process of gaining unauthorised access to data that’s held on a computer, system or network. 

Hackers, or those who practice hacking, will access systems in a way that the creator or holder did not intend. 

Although the typical connotation of hacking and hackers is a negative one, it can actually be a beneficial process, as we shall see.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is the process where a professional hacker legally and deliberately tries to break into the computers and devices of an organisation. 

In doing so, ethical hackers can test the organisation’s defences, highlighting any vulnerabilities in their systems and networks. 

Of course, it’s a detailed and often complex process, with many different elements to consider. 

An ethical hacker, sometimes known as a white-hat hacker, will look for weaknesses in a variety of different ways.

They will also perform a variety of other tasks linked to general cyber security. This can include: 

• Assessing vulnerabilities
• Penetration testing
• Gathering intelligence about entry points
• Scanning infrastructures to spot weaknesses
• Accessing systems/networks and exploiting vulnerabilities
• Hiding their access and evading detection
• Compiling reports and analysis for the attempts

What is Penetration Testing?

You’ll often see the terms ‘ethical hacker’ and ‘penetration tester’ or ‘pen tester’ used interchangeably. 

However, depending on where you look, there are some differences to note. 

As we explore in our open step on the subject, penetration testing is a type of test that helps to identify what kinds of attacks an infrastructure is vulnerable to. 

It involves intentionally trying to attack the system to find its weaknesses and devise ways to defend them.

Penetration Testing Vs Ethical Hacking

So, what’s the difference between these two terms? 

While the term ethical hacking can be used to describe the overall process of assessing, performing, testing, and documenting based on a host of different hacking methodologies. 

Penetration testing is just one tool or process within ethical hacking.

Penetration testing, often called “pen testing,” is a cybersecurity process in which simulated cyberattacks are performed on a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. The primary goal is to uncover weaknesses before they can be used in real attacks, allowing organizations to strengthen their defenses proactively.

Key Aspects of Penetration Testing:

1. Assessment of Vulnerabilities: Pen testers use tools and techniques similar to those of real attackers to find security gaps in systems.
2. Exploitation: Testers attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to understand their impact and determine how far they can infiltrate the system.
3. Reporting: A detailed report is prepared, highlighting vulnerabilities, potential impacts, and recommendations for remediation.

Types of Penetration Testing:

• Black Box Testing: The tester has no prior knowledge of the system.
• White Box Testing: The tester has full knowledge, including architecture and source code.
• Gray Box Testing: The tester has partial knowledge, simulating an insider threat.

Benefits of Pen Testing:

• Identifies security flaws and gaps.
• Tests the effectiveness of existing defenses.
• Ensures compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Enhances overall security awareness within an organization.

Penetration testing is a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy, ensuring systems remain resilient against evolving threats.

Would you like to learn more about Ethical Hacking? You can watch practical video lessons and learn at your own pace at Codefussion