3 mins to read Ethical Hacking 101″ serves as an introductory guide to ethical hacking, offering a foundational understanding of the field. Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, involves legally and responsibly testing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Ethical Hacking 101:
- Understanding Ethical Hacking:
- Ethical hacking is the practice of simulating cyberattacks to assess the security of systems and applications.
- Ethical hackers are professionals who use their skills to help organizations identify and address security vulnerabilities.
- Scope and Objectives:
- The primary objective of ethical hacking is to improve security by identifying and remedying vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.
- Ethical hackers work within a defined scope and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines during their assessments.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations:
- Ethical hackers must obtain proper authorization and consent before conducting assessments.
- Following laws and ethical guidelines is crucial to avoid legal consequences.
- Common Hacking Methodologies:
- Ethical hackers employ various hacking methodologies, including information gathering, vulnerability scanning, and exploitation.
- They use tools and techniques to simulate attacks and gain insights into system weaknesses.
- Types of Hacking:
- Ethical hackers focus on identifying vulnerabilities in areas such as network security, web application security, wireless security, and more.
- Understanding the specific domain of hacking is essential for effective assessment.
- Vulnerability Assessment:
- Ethical hackers perform vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in systems and networks.
- Automated tools and manual testing are used to discover vulnerabilities.
- Penetration Testing:
- Penetration testing involves actively exploiting vulnerabilities to assess the impact and test the effectiveness of security controls.
- It helps organizations understand their security posture and potential risks.
- Common Vulnerabilities:
- Ethical hackers frequently encounter common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and insecure configurations.
- Tools and Techniques:
- Ethical hackers use a variety of tools and techniques, including network scanners, vulnerability scanners, password cracking tools, and more.
- They may also develop custom scripts and exploit code.
- Reporting and Remediation:
- Ethical hackers document their findings in detailed reports, including the impact and recommended remediation steps.
- Organizations use these reports to improve their security posture.
- Continuous Learning and Certification:
- Ethical hacking is an ever-evolving field, so professionals must continually update their skills and knowledge.
- Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) validate expertise in ethical hacking.
- Ethical Responsibility:
- Ethical hackers have a responsibility to act with integrity, ensuring that their actions benefit the organization and society as a whole.
How to Enroll: Ethical Hacking 101
- Choose your desired certificate program on the IBM website.
- Create an IBM ID if you don’t have one.
- Select specific courses within your chosen program.
- Enroll in courses, and pay if necessary.
- Access course materials and complete requirements.
- Prepare for and take certification exams if required.
- Earn your certificate upon successful completion.
- Be aware of maintenance or renewal requirements, if applicable.