Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Introduction:
Computers
have become mandatory to run a successful businesses. It is not enough to have
isolated computers systems; they need to be networked to facilitate
communication with external businesses. This exposes them to the outside world
and cybercrime. Cybercrime is using computers to commit fraudulent acts such as
fraud, privacy invasion, stealing corporate/personal data etc. Cybercrimes cost
many organizations millions of dollars every year. Businesses need to protect themselves
against such attacks.
How can they protect themselves?
In this article, we will introduce you to ethical
hacking.
Topics covered:
·
Common hacking terminologies
·
What is cybercrime?
·
Types of cybercrime
·
What is ethical hacking?
·
Why ethical hacking?
·
Legality of ethical hacking
·
Summary
What is hacking?
There are many
definitions of hacking. In this article, we will define hacking as identifying
weakness in computer systems and/or networks and exploiting the weaknesses to
gain access. An example of hacking is using by passing the login algorithm to
gain access to a system. A hacker is a person who finds and exploits weakness
in computer systems and/or networks to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled
computer programmers with knowledge of computer security. Before we go any
further, let’s look at some of the most commonly used terminologies in the
world of hacking.
Types of Hackers
Hackers are classified
according to the intent of their actions. The following list classifies hackers
according to their intent.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is the use of
computers and networks to perform illegal activities such as spreading computer
viruses, online bullying, performing unauthorized electronic fund transfers
etc. Most cybercrimes are committed through the internet. Some cyber crimes can
also be carried out using mobile phones via SMS and online chatting
applications.
Type of Cybercrime:
The following list presents the common types of cyber crimes:
Computer fraud:
Intentional deception for personal gain via the use of computer systems.
Privacy violation:
Exposing personal information such as email addresses, phone number, account
details etc. on social media, websites etc.
Identity Theft:
Stealing personal information from somebody and impersonating that person.
Sharing copyrighted files/information:
This involves distributing copyright protected files such as eBooks and
computer programs etc.
Electronic funds transfer:
This involves gaining an un-authorized access to bank computer networks and
making illegal fund transfers.
Electronic money laundering: This
involves the use of computer to launder money.
ATM Fraud: This
involves intercepting ATM card details such as account number and PIN numbers.
These details are then used to withdraw funds from the intercepted accounts.
Denial of Service Attacks:
This involves the use of computers in multiple locations to attack servers with
a view of shutting them down.
Spam: Sending
unauthorized emails. These emails usually contain advertisements.
What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking is
identifying weakness in computer systems and/or computer networks and coming
with counter measures that protect the weaknesses. Ethical hackers must abide
by the following rules. Get written permission from the owner of the computer
system and/or computer network before hacking. Protect the privacy of the
organization been hacked. Transparently report all the identified weaknesses in
the computer system to the organization. Inform hardware and software vendors
of the identified weaknesses.
Why ethical hacking?
Information is one of
the most valuable assets of an organization. Keeping information secure can
protect an organization’s image and save an organization a lot of money. Hacking
can lead to loss of business for organizations that deal in finance such as
PayPal. Ethical hacking puts them a step ahead of the cyber criminals who would
otherwise lead to loss of business.
Legality of ethical
hacking
Ethical hacking is legal
if the hacker abides by the rules stipulated in the above section on the
definition of ethical hacking. The International Council of E-Commerce
Consultants (EC-Council) provides a certification program that tests individual’s
skills. Those who pass the examination are awarded with certificates. The
certificates are supposed to be renewed after some time.
Summary
Hacking is identifying
and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems and/or computer networks. Cybercrime
is committing crime with the aid of computers and information technology
infrastructure. Ethical hacking is about improving the security of computer systems
and/or computer networks. Ethical hacking is legal.
