What is ethical hacking and what does it consist of?
The global news and technology scene is often filled with stories about the discovery and exploitation of vulnerabilities in infrastructure, equipment, systems, and software. It's also full of cyberattacks, security breaches, and even cyberwarfare events between countries and their public and private infrastructure. All this narrative tends to keep Hacker Culture relevant and alive —that is, everything related to the Hacking Movement and Hackers , but above all, everything related to "Ethical Hacking . "
And why? Because this area of information technology encompasses and seeks, through the most expert IT professionals , to detect, prevent, mitigate, and resolve any cyberattack before or after it occurs. For this reason, today we will explore a little about this interesting IT field of ethical hacking.
And as usual, before delving deeper into this post about a topic more related to the hacking world , specifically ethical hacking , we'll provide links to some of our previous posts on the same subject for those interested. This way, you can easily access them if you wish to expand or reinforce your knowledge after reading this post.
Many users wonder how to protect their mobile phones from hackers and theft, two different but ultimately related concepts. Here, we'll show you many useful and effective measures. How to protect my mobile phone from hackers and theft
All about ethical hacking
Origin of hacking and hackers
French Revolution
As is logical and reasonable, some existing literature takes the era of the industrial and technological boom of the 19th century as the starting point for the origin of technological hacking or the modern hacking movement .
By that time, the current and progressive level of industrialization and technological advancement was beginning to threaten the delicate balance that existed: the balance between those who owned the wealth produced and those who held the jobs that produced it.
More precisely, moments from the French Revolution are often cited , when punched cards began to be used. These were the closest thing to software programs in some devices or machines, such as the so-called " Jacquard loom ."
first computer attack
In other words, punched cards were used to automate the loom. This was all done through a system similar to a kind of code , using the readings of the holes as binary numbers "one" (1) and "zero" (0) , just like in modern computers.
This allowed for the encoding and storage of complex textile patterns on punch cards. Consequently, it minimized and eliminated the need for the extensive skills of expert weavers to produce luxury fabrics, thus reducing the number of job openings in that sector.
This resulted in one of the first known cyberattacks , so to speak. It was carried out by angry weavers (malicious hackers) against Jacquard looms (textile machines or computers) by throwing wooden shoes at them, with the aim of jamming and damaging their mechanisms.
This is usually taken as the equivalent of one of the first denial-of-service attacks or computer sabotage against computerized equipment in workplaces.
hacker news
Origin of the Hacking Movement
In our modern times, during the 20th and 21st centuries , modern hackers are usually more specifically associated with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
Because they usually use these to carry out their activities, spread their knowledge and ideas, and disseminate their actions . Thus replacing physical acts, or propaganda by means of paper and pencil, or traditional means of communication (print media, radio and television).
Consequently, modern hackers are now more directly linked to internet use via computers , mobile phones, tablets, and other devices, primarily through the use of free and open-source software.
Relationship with the Free Software Movement
This is mainly because the origin of the term "Hacker" is usually placed around the second half of the 20th century . And it tends to be associated with the clubs and laboratories of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Its workers and members were the pioneers of the hacker culture . In the late 50s, they began using the term "hacker" to describe the members of the group who were responsible for solving technical problems . Many of these problems were solved through a philosophy of using free and open-source knowledge and tools , which they shared among themselves and with others.
For this reason, the hacker movement is often associated with the Free Software (FS) and Open Source (OS) movements. The latter arose from the former due to the need for its own secure and reliable alternative technologies and knowledge to achieve its objectives.
What is Hacking and Computer Hackers?
Word origin hacker
It is said that the origin of the word "hacker" comes from the English word "hack," meaning "to cut" or "to chop," plus the suffix "-er," which relates to "an agent or person who performs an action." This directly links the word to trees. Therefore, in the past, saying that someone was a hacker referred to a person in charge of performing that task, that is, someone who worked as a lumberjack.
But over time, this word became associated with the field of computing because, when technicians had to repair a device , they frequently used brute force, often by striking the side of computers and similar equipment.
And so, at first glance, it can be said that the word "Hacking" is associated with solving everyday problems in innovative or different ways , that is, in a non-traditional or unconventional way.
However, when it comes to the field of Information Technology and Computing , the word "Hacking" can be said to refer directly to the search for and exploitation of security vulnerabilities in technological infrastructures (networks, equipment, systems and programs).
computer hackers
Therefore, a hacker, in computer terms, can be defined as a person who typically uses and masters computer technologies in an advanced or extraordinary way. This allows them to access sources of knowledge and information platforms (social, political, economic, cultural, and technological) in order to bring about changes or demonstrate vulnerabilities.
Therefore, a computer hacker is always on the lookout for technological knowledge , especially regarding computer systems. This includes their security mechanisms, vulnerabilities, and how to exploit these vulnerabilities for various purposes.
What types of computer hackers are there?
Extensive definitions and explanations of this topic can often be found online. However, a concise way to explain the known types of computer hackers is as follows:
White Hat Hackers
These are computer hackers dedicated to correcting software vulnerabilities , defining methodologies, security measures, and defending systems using various tools. In other words, they are the people who focus on application and operating system security and the protection of sensitive data, thus ensuring the confidentiality of user information.
Therefore, they are also known as "Ethical Hackers" and "Pentesters".
Hackers of "Black Hat" (Black Hat)
These are computer hackers dedicated to obtaining and exploiting vulnerabilities in information systems, databases, computer networks, operating systems, and specific software products, among other targets. Their aim is to break into these systems and achieve various objectives, usually for their own benefit or that of criminal groups of hackers.
Therefore, they are also known as "Unethical Hackers" and "Crackers".
Gray Hat Hackers
These are computer hackers who often operate on both sides , as they typically engage in both exploiting vulnerabilities and defending and protecting systems. And sometimes, they carry out operations that are morally questionable.
Such as carrying out hacks against groups they ideologically oppose or executing hacktivist cyber-protests that may cause certain direct or collateral damage to third parties.
What is Ethical Hacking and what does it consist of?
Meaning
Having reached this point, understanding the origin and meaning of Hacking and Hackers , it only remains to understand and master what "Ethical Hacking" is and what it consists of.
In simple terms, this IT domain can be defined as follows:
Ethical hacking is the field of action that defines the work of professionals who dedicate themselves to, or are hired to, hack a computer system. Their aim is to identify and repair any vulnerabilities found, effectively preventing exploitation by malicious hackers or crackers.
This means that this IT field involves the use of professional IT personnel specializing in conducting penetration tests on computer systems and software. And always, with the objective of evaluating, strengthening, and improving the security of the assessed infrastructures.
pen testers
These IT professionals are often called "Pentesters ." Their role and responsibilities can be described as follows:
A penetration tester is an IT professional whose job involves following several specific processes or steps to ensure a thorough computer examination or analysis . This allows them to investigate all possible flaws or vulnerabilities in the analyzed computer system . Therefore, they are often called Cybersecurity Auditors.
Therefore, penetration testing is indeed a form of hacking , only this practice is entirely legal . This is because it has the consent of the owners of the equipment being tested, and it is intended to cause real damage in order to repair it.
Tools
There are numerous tools available for performing ethical hacking tasks , also known as hacking tools . In addition, there are other similar software tools related to cybersecurity . A first look at these can be found at the following links:
Summary
In short, "ethical hacking" is one of many branches of computer technology , which are not only often very exciting but also very important. Those who work in this field— ethical hackers (computer hackers and penetration testers) —perform the admirable and vital task of protecting governments and companies.
And always, through the legal and authorized analysis of their infrastructure, equipment, systems, and programs to strengthen them. This reduces and prevents potential attacks from so-called cyber pirates , that is, malicious hackers or crackers.
In addition, we hope that this publication allows many to understand in its proper dimension the concept of the word "Hacker" and "Cracker", and many more related ones. Among other relevant definitions, such as the types of Hackers, and the tools they usually use to work. And I came, if necessary, to “awaken that hacker that everyone carries inside”, hoping to do great things, mainly for the good of others.