Description: Ethical hacking refers to the act of exploiting vulnerabilities in information systems with the purpose of identifying and correcting security flaws. Unlike malicious hacking, which seeks personal gain or causes harm, ethical hacking is performed with the consent of the system owner and aims to improve security. Ethical hackers, also known as ‘white hat hackers’, use their skills to conduct penetration testing, security audits, and vulnerability assessments. This proactive approach allows organizations to anticipate potential attacks and protect their critical data and systems. Ethical hacking is based on principles of responsibility and ethics, where professionals must act within legal boundaries and with proper authorization. Its relevance has grown in an increasingly digital world, where cyber threats are common and can have devastating consequences for businesses and individuals. Therefore, ethical hacking is not only a technical practice but also a discipline that promotes security and trust in the use of information technologies.
History: The concept of ethical hacking began to take shape in the 1970s when early hackers explored computer systems out of curiosity and a desire to learn. However, it was in the 1990s that the term ‘ethical hacking’ became popular, especially with the publication of Eric S. Raymond’s book ‘The Hacker’s Dictionary’. As cyber threats increased, organizations began to recognize the need to protect their systems, leading to the creation of certification programs like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) in 2003. These developments marked a shift in the perception of hacking, moving from being seen as an illegal activity to a professional and necessary practice for cybersecurity.
Uses: Ethical hacking is primarily used in assessing the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. Professionals conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. It is also employed in security audits, where policies and procedures are reviewed to ensure compliance with best practices. Additionally, ethical hacking is fundamental in training security personnel, helping to raise awareness of cyber threats and how to mitigate them.
Examples: An example of ethical hacking is when a company hires an ethical hacker to conduct a penetration test on its network. The hacker simulates a real attack to identify security gaps and then presents a detailed report with recommendations for improving protection. Another case is the bug bounty program, where companies offer incentives to ethical hackers who discover and report vulnerabilities in their systems, as Google does with its Vulnerability Reward Program.
