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As organisations strive to safeguard their sensitive data and protect their networks from malicious attacks, ethical hackers have emerged as crucial allies.
Also known as white hat hackers, these cyber security professionals play a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening security systems. Here are three essential things you need to know about how ethical hackers do what they do — and why.
1. Ethical hackers work within legal boundaries
Unlike their malicious counterparts, ethical hackers operate within legal boundaries. They are authorised by organisations to assess the security of their systems and networks, identify vulnerabilities, and propose appropriate solutions. Ethical hackers obtain permission and follow strict guidelines while conducting their assessments, ensuring they don’t engage in any activities that could harm or compromise the organisation’s data. They adhere to established ethical standards and conduct their work with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
2. Ethical hackers employ a range of techniques
To effectively evaluate the security of systems and networks, ethical hackers utilise a diverse set of techniques and tools. These may include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, social engineering, and code review, among others. Penetration testing involves simulating real-world attacks to identify potential entry points and weaknesses in a system. Vulnerability scanning entails using automated tools to search for known vulnerabilities. Social engineering involves manipulating individuals to gain unauthorised access, while code reviews examine source code for potential flaws. By employing these methods, ethical hackers provide a comprehensive evaluation of an organisation’s security posture.
3. Ethical hackers contribute to improved cyber security
The primary objective of ethical hackers is to improve cyber security. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses, they enable organisations to proactively address these issues and strengthen their defences. Ethical hackers play a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of successful cyber attacks, protecting sensitive data, and preventing financial losses or reputational damage. Through their work, ethical hackers contribute to building a more secure digital landscape for individuals, businesses, and governments.
By utilising a range of techniques, ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities, allowing proactive measures to be taken to mitigate risks — their contributions to improving cyber security create a safer digital environment for all. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of ethical hackers in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust in digital systems will only increase.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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