Ethical hacking means a person who checks the security by performing penetration testing and it is legal thing as the person have consent of the owner to do so to find vulnerability of the system or website. Ethical hackers are important for checking security .

What Do Ethical Hackers Do?

Ethical hackers(also known as white hat hackers) are security guards for computer networks who finds weak spots that bad hackers (also called as black hat hackers) could use to get in . They use special tools to test the systems, and when they find a problem, they tell the owners so it can be fixed.

The Process of Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking typically follows a systematic approach:

1. Reconnaissance:

• Gathering information on the target system to find ways to infiltrate the network.

2. Scanning:

• Using tools like Nmap or Nessus to scan for open ports and vulnerable services.

3. Gaining Access:

• Exploiting vulnerabilities to enter the system.

4. Maintaining Access:

• Ensuring that a backdoor exists for later use.

5. Covering Tracks:

• Clearing logs and hiding the fact that the system was hacked.

6. Reporting:

• Providing a detailed report that outlines the vulnerabilities found, the tools used, and the process of the hack.

Ethical Hacking Tools

Ethical hackers uses various tools which are as follows :

• Nmap: For network mapping.

• Wireshark: For packet analysis.

• Metasploit: For developing and executing exploit code against a remote target machine.

• John the Ripper: For password cracking

What is Dark Web?

The dark web is the place which cannot be accessed by normal search engines and normal browsers. Dark web requires special browser known as tor and search engine used is DuckDuckGo. It the place where most of the online crimes are done. So organizations like FBI appoints ethical hackers for investigating cyber attacks and intrusions. It the place where a person requires detailed knowledge to surf on dark web. It is not recommended to surf on dark web without having proper knowledge of it. If you want to use if you have only basic knowledge of it you should use Tor browser in optimal security mode because if you are using high security then you may not able to access dark web and if you are using less security then some black hat hackers may hack you using scripting.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking is a challenging and ever-evolving field that requires a unique blend of skills, ethics, and creativity. It’s a game of wits between cybersecurity professionals and hackers, where the former must continuously learn and adapt to stay ahead. For those passionate about cybersecurity, ethical hacking offers a rewarding career path that makes a real difference in protecting our digital world.

Ethical hacking is a fascinating domain that combines technical expertise with a strong ethical framework. It’s about staying one step ahead of malicious hackers and using your skills for the greater good. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in ethical hacking, consider obtaining certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) to validate your skills and knowledge in the field. Happy hacking, ethically!