Hacking and Ethical Hacking

Now that we have discussed about the meaning, types of hackers and various other factors relating to Ethical Hacking in our previous blog, we will now get into the types and some other aspects of this Ethical Hacking.

Now let’s go over the different types of hacking that the hackers look to hack. We can segregate hacking into different types depending on what the hacker is trying to hack and achieve.

We will look into some of the types of hacking that hackers will look to target:

• Website Hacking

• Network Hacking

• Email Hacking

• Password Hacking

• Computer Hacking
  

Website Hacking: Hacking a website means taking unauthorized control over a website’s server and the software that is associated with such databases and other interfaces.

Network Hacking: Network hacking means gathering of information about a network by using tools such as the Telnet, NS lookup, Ping, Tracert, Netstat, etc. with an intention to harm the network system and also hamper its operation.

Email Hacking: This includes the gaining of unauthorized access to an Email account and using it without taking proper consent from its owner for sending out spam links, emails, messages etc., to third-parties, and indulging in other such harmful activities.

Password Hacking: Password hacking is the process of recovering secret passwords from available data that has been stored in or has been transmitted by a computer system. This is known as password hacking.

Computer Hacking: A process of stealing a computer ID and password by applying the hacking methods is called as Computer hacking.

These are some of the main types of hacking among various other types of hacking.

Phases of Ethical Hacking:

Everything and anything we see around the world has a set of phases that has to be followed. In the same way, ethical hacking has certain set off discipline that is to be followed and it is divided into distinct phases. Ethical hacking has 5 such distinct phases. These phases are not strict rules, but we can call it as a guideline that has to be followed. 

Reconnaissance: It is the process of gathering information. In this phase, the hacker first gathers all the relevant information regarding the target system. This process includes detecting of services, operating systems, packet-hops to reach the system, IP configuration etc., along with various other tools such as the Nmap, Hping, Google Dorks etc., that are used for reconnaissance purposes.

Scanning: In this scanning phase, hackers begin to actively probe the target machine or network for vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Tools like Nessus, Nexpose, and NMAP are widely used by hackers in this process.

Gaining Access: This is the phase were hacking takes place. All the vulnerabilities that were exposed through phase 1 and phase 2 can now be used to gain access to target the system. The hacker tries to enter the targeted system without raising any alarms by using the vulnerabilities that were being exposed. The primary tool that is used for this process is called as the Metasploit.

Maintaining Access: This is most integral part of all the phases. Once hackers have access to the target system, then they might want to keep the same access available for their future use as well. This activity is typically done using various tools such as backdoors, rootkits, and other malicious software that are available. Once the system is in control of the attacker, then they can use it as a base to launch any other kind of additional attacks.

Covering the Tracks: Once the attacker has gained access to a system that was targeted, then they will need to cover their tracks out to avoid any detection by the defensive security. This includes the act of removing any kind of evidence regarding their attack, by deleting logs along with the potential IDS alarms.

These are the different phases that they will have to go through or simply follow at the time of ethical hacking. This gives you some idea at least about the process that the ethical hackers go through to typically attack a targeted system.

Conclusion

If ethical hacking sounds fun and exciting, and If you’re looking for a job where no two days are the same, cyber security and ethical hacking might just be what you’re looking for! As a result of the rapid technological advancements, there is a sudden rise in demand for ethical hacking. India is home to 23% ethical hackers, the highest is the world!

Why Infimind for Ethical Hacking?

• Highly qualified trainers of OSCP, CWASE, CEH, ACSE, RHCE, CCNA, CCSA, CCSE, and SPSE

• Hands-on practical training in a virtual lab environment

• Course completion certificate

• Guaranteed paid internship provided

• Guaranteed personal attention – maximum of 6 students per batch

• Best performer of each batch gets to work on a live-project

Advantages of being an Ethical Hacker

• Preventing malicious hackers from gaining access Preventing security breaches

• Preventing cyber-attacks and cyber-terrorism

• Data Protection

To be a white-hat hacker, think like a black-hat hacker!