The more connected the world becomes, the greater the need for proper digital security. With our details, homes, and personal moments accessible through a range of IoT devices, those with ill intent have plenty to choose from when looking to steal our info.
Despite the connotation of the term, ethical hacking aims to combat hackers and their attempts to steal our details. These hackers work to secure online systems that can range from a government website to a pay by phone casino to your home Wi-Fi network.
Read on as we explain ethical hacking and provide tips on how to get started if you’re interested in becoming an ethical hacker yourself.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Also known as white-hat hacking, ethical hacking is performed by security specialists who attempt to identify vulnerabilities in a system, network, or program. The main distinction between ethical hacking and regular (black hat) hacking is that ethical hacking is done with no intent to cause harm or steal information.
Instead, this form of hacking is done so that security engineers can see where security needs to be beefed up or where a loophole in security could be exploited. Regular hackers use these holes in security to gain access and steal or corrupt information.
Types of Ethical Hacking
As with regular hacking, there are various types of ways to perform ethical hacking. The form chosen depends entirely on the expected outcome. There are five prominent types of ethical hacks:
Web Applications
Web applications are present on an incredible number of websites and help manage SQL databases, perform specific functions, and react to visitors’ input. Due to their extensive reach into a website’s functionality, hacking of these applications through things like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) is prominent.
Network Hacking
Network hacking focuses on finding a way into and around a specific network. Approaches could involve scanning open ports, exploiting protocol weaknesses, or finding vulnerable services. Gaining access to a network in this manner often allows other forms of hacking to continue.
System Hacking
This is the most common form of hacking and allows hackers to view and steal information. System hacking entails gaining access to a system, elevating privileges, executing ransomware, or downloading data. Malicious software is one of the most common tools to achieve this type of hacking.
Social Engineering
Despite many not believing it is a form of hacking, social engineering has been thrown into the spotlight due to its effectiveness.
This form of hacking relies on human fallibility and exploitation of human psychology to get unsuspecting victims to grant access accidentally. Phishing, pretexting, and baiting all form part of social engineering.
Reverse Engineering
Last but not least, there is reverse engineering. This entails breaking down how a particular piece of software or hardware works and analyzing its source to discover vulnerabilities.
Other forms of ethical hacking include IoT (Internet of Things) hacking, cloud security hacking, mobile phone hacking, and wireless network hacking.
How to Get Started
If you want to build a strong foundation in ethical hacking, there are seven key steps, ranging from technical to more nuanced, that you should follow.
Understand The Legal And Ethical Implications.
The first step before attempting the practicalities of ethical hacking is to understand the legal and ethical implications of the activity. Unlike regular hackers, ethical hackers never attempt to breach a system without the express consent of the system’s owner.
When this consent is granted, strict guidelines are commonly given on how to attempt to access a system. Straying from this agreement can lead to ethical concerns, which, depending on whether your actions infringe on the law, could result in legal repercussions.
Gain A Foundation In Computer Science.
Knowledge of computer science is an indisputable requirement for anyone seeking to be an ethical hacker. Without this understanding of how computer systems work, knowing where to begin looking for a way into a system is nearly impossible, and you would likely spend hours on end getting nowhere.
This foundation should include a detailed understanding of various operating systems, how databases work, and what systems or processes speak to each other to make a computer work.
Become A Master Of Networks.
Although computer science will give you a solid knowledge of networking, gaining a deep understanding of networks is essential to successful hacks. This is because, in almost all instances, the way into a system will be through the network.
Therefore, learning about TCP/IP, firewalls, switching, routing, and everything in between is vital to gaining entry into a network—and even then, it’s not a certainty.
Learn Various Programming Languages.
Every system or database on Earth is written in a particular language. Likewise, exploits written to target vulnerabilities or create scripts to carry out tasks like privilege elevation are coded in specific languages that the systems will understand.
Therefore, hackers should know the basics (and more, if possible) of various programming languages. The most common languages to know include Python, C/C++, and Java. A robust understanding of SQL can also never be overlooked.
Familiarize Yourself With Industry Tools.
Even in ethical hacking, there are a number of tools to make mundane tasks easier. Learning what these are and how to use them can help strengthen your hacking chops and expose you to more hacking opportunities that will further boost your experience.
Programs such as Metasploit, Wireshark, Nmap, and Burp Suite simplify exploiting known vulnerabilities and often allow you to program your own and deploy them using the software.
Don’t Neglect Non-Technical Skills.
Despite the belief that hacking is just about controlling a keyboard, there is much more to it. As such, ensure that you also work on developing non-technical skills like attention to detail, communication, critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
Occasionally brushing up on ethical and legal knowledge is also a good idea, as it can help you stay grounded and realize where the proverbial line is when it starts to blur.
Get Certified As An Ethical Hacker.
If you’ve developed your skills to the point where they are marketable, ensure that you pursue certification to prove that you are an above-board, skilled ethical hacker. Certifications available include CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), and CompTIA PenTest+.
