Ethical hacking is the practice of legally testing computer systems, networks, and applications to find security weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as cybercriminals—but with permission and good intent.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking involves identifying vulnerabilities in:
- Networks
- Websites
- Applications
- Operating systems
The goal is to improve security, not to cause damage.
Key Skills Learned in Ethical Hacking
- Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, ports)
- Linux & command-line usage
- Vulnerability assessment
- Web application security
- Penetration testing tools (Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite)
- Password cracking & cryptography basics
- Social engineering awareness
Types of Ethical Hackers
- White Hat Hackers: Authorized security testers
- Grey Hat Hackers: Test systems without permission but without harmful intent
- Black Hat Hackers: Malicious attackers (illegal)
Tools Used in Ethical Hacking
- Kali Linux
- Nmap – Network scanning
- Metasploit – Exploitation framework
- Wireshark – Network traffic analysis
- Burp Suite – Web security testing
Where Ethical Hacking Is Used
- Cybersecurity firms
- Banking and finance sectors
- Government organizations
- IT companies
- Web and cloud security teams
Career Opportunities
- Ethical Hacker
- Penetration Tester
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Consultant
- SOC Analyst