The first thing most of us think of when we hear the word "hacker" is a hooded or masked person sitting at a computer in a dark room doing something illegal. But it wasn't always like that. In the 1950s, hackers were considered people with advanced knowledge of networks, computers, programming, and hardware who had no malicious intent. But as time passed, the term "hacker" began to acquire a darker connotation, especially in the seventies of the twentieth century when it became synonymous with those who gain unauthorized access to systems.
In this sense, there are two faces of hacking: "black hat" hackers, who use their skills for criminal activities, and "white hat" hackers, who use their abilities legally, in the service of security. In today's article, we will deal with the good side of hacking, i.e. "white hat" hackers.
To begin with, it is necessary to define what is ethical hacking at all?
Ethical hacking, also known as "white hat" hacking, is the process of finding and correcting vulnerabilities in information systems, applications or networks by cyber security experts. Unlike hackers who use their skills for malicious purposes, ethical hackers operate within laws and ethical guidelines to help organizations improve their security.
Through ethical hacking, organizations have the opportunity to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become targets of malicious hackers. This is not only a question of protecting assets and data, but also of preserving the trust of users and the reputation of the organization. In addition, ethical hacking allows cybersecurity professionals to continuously improve their skills and stay one step ahead of new threats.
Ethical hackers are cybersecurity experts who possess a deep understanding of information systems and hacking techniques. They must have a code of ethics that motivates them to use their skills to improve safety, instead of causing harm.
To become an ethical hacker, one must be prepared for continuous education and certification in the field of cybersecurity. There are various training programs and certification exams, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which enable professionals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
Ethical hacking is a powerful tool for improving information security and protecting digital resources. By working with ethical hackers, organizations can identify and correct vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious hackers, thereby ensuring system integrity and reliability. Therefore, supporting ethical hacking should be a key part of any organization's cybersecurity strategy in today's digital age.
