Ethical hacker - who is it?

In the world of computer technology today, there is more and more talk about hackers. But not everyone knows what an "ethical hacker" is and how to become one. Let us understand this concept a little more.

History of the emergence of the concept of the "ethical hacker

The word "hacker" is often associated with negative actions on the Internet. However, hackers were originally people who studied the workings of computer systems and programs to improve their performance. They were enthusiasts who strived for technological advancement.

In the 1980s, the world community began to realize that it was necessary to protect computer systems from attackers who could use them to their disadvantage.

It was during this time that the concept of the "ethical hacker" emerged. These people test computer systems and programs for vulnerabilities to improve their protection. They work for companies and government agencies, and their services are also in demand in the business world.

Characteristics of an ethical hacker

An ethical hacker differs from an ordinary attacker in that he acts within legal boundaries. He seeks permission from the system owner to perform security tests to identify and fix vulnerabilities. An ethical hacker acts in good faith and does not break any laws.

The hallmark of an ethical hacker is also his ethics. He follows professional ethics and never uses his knowledge for personal gain or to harm others. An ethical hacker does not attempt to gain access to other people's information unless he has been given permission to do so.

What do ethical hackers do?

Ethical hackers do what illegal hackers do, but with one important difference: they operate within a legitimate framework and serve the sole purpose of verifying system security and preventing potential cyberattacks. They use the same methods and tools as attackers, but instead of causing damage, they report found vulnerabilities and help close them.

The tasks of ethical hackers can vary from company to company or organization, but typically they perform penetration testing, investigate vulnerabilities in computer systems and web applications, test the security of networks, databases and other systems. They also analyze threats and risks, help develop protection strategies, and make recommendations to improve system security.

One of the most common activities of ethical hackers is vulnerability assessment, which is the search for weaknesses in systems and software that can be used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to data.

Ethical hackers can also develop secure systems and applications and advise companies and organizations on information security.

One of the best-known examples of ethical hackers' work is Google's White Hacker program, which provides rewards for those who discover vulnerabilities in the company's products.

In general, ethical hackers are dedicated to protecting computer systems and data, and their work is very important to information technology security.

How do ethical hackers work?

The work of ethical hackers usually begins by agreeing with the client on the goals and purposes of penetration testing. To conduct such tests, an ethical hacker performs a number of activities, including:

1. Reconnaissance - finding information about the target system or application. They gather information about how the system works, what technologies are used, and what vulnerabilities exist.
2. Scanning - used to find vulnerabilities and open ports. The hacker looks for ports that can be used to break into the system.
   
3. Exploiting - the hacker tries to use the found vulnerabilities to gain access to the system. Once access is gained, the hacker continues the search and attempts to bypass the protections.
   
4. Report generation - The hacker generates a report containing the results of the penetration test and recommendations on how to fix the found vulnerabilities.
   

It is important to know that ethical hackers act in accordance with the law and ethical standards without damaging the system or compromising data security. They do not attempt to steal information or alter data. If a serious security vulnerability is discovered during penetration testing, an ethical hacker is obligated to report it to the client and provide recommendations on how to fix the vulnerability.

In general, ethical hackers work closely with the client and communicate with them at all times to ensure the highest level of system security.

How much do ethical hackers earn?

Ethical hackers' earnings can vary widely depending on skill level, experience, location, and type of project.

According to HackerOne, a platform that provides vulnerability scans for various companies, the average income of an ethical hacker in 2022 was more than $120,000 per year. At the same time, the most experienced and highly skilled ethical hackers can earn $250,000 or more per year.

In addition, ethical hackers can work as independent consultants and accept assignments for vulnerabilities in the systems of various companies, which can also have a significant impact on their income. There is also a bug bounty program in which ethical hackers are rewarded for finding vulnerabilities in applications and systems, with rewards of up to several thousand dollars per vulnerability found.

But as in any other industry, the earnings of ethical hackers depend on many factors and can vary greatly from situation to situation.

How to become an ethical hacker?

If you want to make your way in the world of computer technology and dream of becoming an ethical hacker, you should first study programming, system architecture and information security. It is also very important that you know the principles of professional ethics and information security laws.

If you dream of becoming an ethical hacker, you should first study programming, system architecture, and information security, and be sure to take the Ethical Hacker course from CODDY, a programming school for kids.

In summary, an ethical hacker is a specialist who looks for vulnerabilities in information systems to ensure their security. The importance of this work cannot be overstated these days, given the ever-growing number of threats on the Internet. Here are the top 5 highlights worth highlighting:

1. Ethical hacking is a legitimate and important activity to protect information systems.
2. An ethical hacker should have a good knowledge of information security and programming.
   
3. The job of an ethical hacker can include finding vulnerabilities in the systems of various companies, as well as information security training and consulting.
   
4. Ethical hackers earn a good salary that depends on many factors, such as skill level and experience.
   
5. To become an ethical hacker, you need to study information security and programming, acquire the necessary certifications, and have experience in the field.
   

We hope this article has helped you better understand who an ethical hacker is and the challenges and opportunities they face. If you are interested in this area and would like to try it out for yourself, we recommend taking specific courses on ethical hacking and information security from CODDY!