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What is Ethical Hacking?

This is the practice of legally testing a systems resilience to a cyber attack by assessing where and how it may be vulnerable.

Ethical hacking is the practice of legally testing computer systems, networks, or applications for security vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, use the same techniques as malicious hackers but with permission from the organization to identify and fix security weaknesses before cyber criminals can exploit them.

Key Goals of Ethical Hacking:

Identify Security Weaknesses – Find and fix system vulnerabilities.
Prevent Cyber attacks – Stop hackers before they can exploit flaws.
Improve Security Defenses – Strengthen an organization’s cyber security posture.
Ensure Compliance – Help businesses meet security regulations like ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.

Types of Ethical Hacking:

  1. Network Hacking – Testing firewalls, routers, and servers.
  2. Web Application Hacking – Finding vulnerabilities in websites and web apps.
  3. Wireless Network Hacking – Checking for weaknesses in Wi-Fi security.
  4. Social Engineering – Testing how easily employees can be tricked into revealing sensitive information.
  5. Physical Security Testing – Assessing access control measures for buildings and data centers.

Who Are Ethical Hackers?

Ethical hackers are trained cybersecurity professionals who follow strict legal and ethical guidelines. Many hold certifications like:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

Is Ethical Hacking Legal?

Yes, when done with permission from the system owner.
No, if hacking is done without consent—this becomes illegal hacking (black-hat hacking).