A hacker is someone who possesses an advanced level of knowledge about computers and uses it to exploit the security vulnerabilities of computer systems or networks. The term "hacker" is used to refer to a person who identified and solved computer problems, but today it encompasses the criminal activities of those who use their technical expertise and knowledge to gain unauthorized access to digital data and circumvent security barriers.
How Does a Hacker Work?
Hackers use their technical skills to exploit cyber security flaws. Ethical hackers investigate cyber security flaws. Hackers circumvent security measures by gaining unauthorized access to computers, phones, networks, or entire information systems. Hackers take advantage of flaws in network security, which are classified into two types:
- Technical vulnerabilities
- Social vulnerabilities
Technical Vulnerabilities
Hackers exploit software security vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or provide malicious software.
Social Vulnerabilities
Hackers can use social media to convince individuals who have privileged access to targeted systems to click on malicious links, open infected files, or reveal personal information.
What Are the Types of Hackers?
Hackers fall into three different types:
- White Hat Hackers
- Black Hat Hackers
- Grey Hat Hackers
What Is a White Hat Hacker?
A white hat hacker works to find security vulnerabilities and then fix them. In other words, a white hat hacker discovers security vulnerabilities and enhances security. A white hat hacker is a person with a university degree in information security who holds a certification in ethical hacking.
What Is a Black Hat Hacker?
A black hat hacker operates without permission or authorization, engaging in malicious activities that exploit security vulnerabilities. They work to steal corporate secrets, engage in misinformation and make money by using their advanced knowledge of IT systems.
What Is a Grey Hat Hacker?
A grey hat hacker falls between the two other types. A grey hat hacker uses their advanced technical knowledge without permission. In some cases, they may report the security vulnerability to the network rather than exploit it maliciously, or offer to fix the vulnerability for a fee. However, a grey hat hacker may also engage in unethical behavior.
What Does a Hacker Do?
A hacker used to refer to people who tried to find new ways to breach the limits of computers. They would try to identify and solve computer problems. However, now it encompasses the illegal activities of those who use their technical knowledge to gain unauthorized access to data and networks.
What Are the Commonly Used Hacker Techniques?
There are several commonly used hacker techniques, including:
- Phishing
- Viruses and Malware
- DoS and DDoS
- Keylogger Injection
Phishing
Hackers create fake emails and convince users to open them. They then trick users into entering personal information such as their identity, social security numbers, or credit card information.
Viruses and Malware
Hackers add viruses and malware to website files with the aim of gaining unauthorized access to information that monitors a user's activity.
DoS and DDoS
Hackers use these techniques to make it impossible for users to access computer systems, networks, or resources. Hackers target web servers, systems, or networks to crash them.
Keylogger Injection
Hackers inject keylogging programs into a user's system to monitor and record every keystroke.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is the legal use of computer hacking techniques and technical knowledge for benign purposes, as opposed to malicious ones. Ethical hackers use methods like penetration testing to find software vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
