Ethical hacking is the authorised practice of exploiting vulnerabilities in a computer system, network, or application to identify potential threats and weaknesses. Unlike malicious hackers who exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, ethical hackers work with the system owner's permission to improve security.
Ethical hackers employ a variety of techniques, from network scanning and penetration testing to social engineering and vulnerability analysis. Their goal is to think like an attacker, identify potential entry points, and then devise strategies to prevent unauthorised access. Typically, ethical hacking involves a systematic process, including reconnaissance (gathering information), scanning (identifying potential vulnerabilities), exploitation (testing vulnerabilities), and reporting (documenting findings).
Think of ethical hackers as security professionals who wear a "white hat." They employ the same tools and techniques as malicious attackers but with a fundamentally different intent. Ethical hackers to mimic real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. It is a proactive approach that (hopefully) helps organisations protect sensitive data, maintain system integrity, and prevent costly breaches.
