A Guide on How to Do Ethical Hacking

Initially, the name "Hacker" referred to the experts who would use their technical knowledge and skills to redesign mainframe systems; this would ultimately play a crucial part in raising the multitasking efficiency level. However, as language has evolved and evolved to encompass different things in different contexts, the word "hacking" has also undergone this transformation. Currently, the term "hacking" refers to the process of unauthorized expert programming to obtain access to systems and applications by making use of faults and bugs in the system, database, or network. To penetrate networks or crack passwords, algorithms are being developed by hackers, which can interrupt services and business operations at any time.

However, hacking can also be used to promote balance and stability. Thus, it's not always associated with unethical activity. Ethical hacking is simply a sanctioned method for identifying and removing any potential vulnerability present in a specific application, system, or infrastructure. This procedure is a countermeasure to unethical hacking designed to cause data breaches, service interruptions, and ensuing losses. Let's understand important aspects of how to do ethical hacking in the following segments.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Penetration testing, often known as ethical hacking, is breaking into networks or computer systems to look for dangers or weaknesses that a malicious attacker might discover and use to steal data, cause financial loss, or other serious harm. Ethical hacking aims to increase the security of the network or systems by addressing the vulnerabilities discovered during testing. To increase security and protect systems from attacks by malicious users, ethical hackers are permitted to utilize the same techniques and tools as harmful hackers—but only with permission from the appropriate party. In addition, ethical hackers are required to notify management or authorities of any vulnerabilities and weaknesses discovered during the process.

To uncover potential data theft and network risks, ethical hacking is a legitimate method that involves finding flaws in an application, system, or organization's infrastructure and getting beyond the system's security. Therefore, ethical hackers search the system or network to find vulnerabilities that malevolent hackers can exploit or eliminate. Then, with the help of the relevant information and patches, they can enhance security to withstand attacks better or deflect them when required.

In short, this process is planned, approved, and—more importantly—legal, in contrast to malicious hacking.

Organizations can benefit from ethical hackers in a variety of ways, such as the following.

Ethical hackers assist businesses

They assist in identifying which of their IT security procedures are effective, which ones need to be updated, and which have vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Following their evaluation of a company's networks, ethical hackers inform the top executives of any weak points, including a deficiency in password encryption, unsecured apps, or exposed systems using unpatched software. The information gathered from these tests can be used by organizations to make well-informed decisions regarding where and how to strengthen their security posture to fend off cyber-attacks.

Identifying and demonstrating methods of cybercriminals

Usually, Cybercriminals' skills are displayed in these demonstrations, which are intended to teach executives how bad actors may break into their networks and wreak havoc on their companies. Therefore, companies well-versed in the techniques that intruders employ to access their systems are better equipped to stop such intrusions.

Assisting in cyber-attack preparation

Most businesses are currently unprepared for cyber-attacks, which can cripple or ruin a business, especially a smaller one. Ethical hackers know how threat actors behave and how they will exploit new information and tools to attack systems. Working with ethical hackers helps security professionals respond more quickly to the continuously evolving nature of online threats, which helps them better prepare for upcoming attacks.

What Are the Key Concepts of Ethical Hacking?

A few important segments are accomplished in the ethical hacking process. Let's explore. 

Footprinting Process

Footprinting in ethical hacking relates to the procedure of gathering as much data as feasible about the intended system to identify the entry points. Most of an ethical hacker's time must be invested in analyzing a company's infrastructure and learning about the host, network, and individuals connected to the business.

During this process, Information is gathered, including employee email addresses, phone numbers, operating systems, DNS information, and IP addresses.

The process of Scanning

The scanning process in ethical hacking accomplishes identifying live hosts, ports, and services, learning about the operating system, architecture of the target system, and spotting weaknesses or dangers in the network. A profile of the target system is generated through network scanning.

Scanning is primarily about gathering more data by using sophisticated and aggressive reconnaissance techniques.

Enumeration Process 

Enumeration is the process of obtaining information from a system, such as user identities, machine names, network resources, shares, and services. The attacker establishes an active connection to the system at this point and launches directed queries to learn more about the target. The information acquired is eventually utilized to pinpoint any weaknesses in system security that can be exploited during the system acquiring phase.

There are a few Important Enumeration techniques. 

• Utilization of email IDs to extract usernames. 
• To utilize the default password to access the data. 
• Accessing the Active Directory using brute force 
• Utilizing SNMP and extracting usernames 
• Windows user groups extraction 
• Utilization of DNS Zone transfer to extract information 

Gaining Access

During this stage, an attacker enters the system or network using various tools or techniques. For example, using a non-admin user account, an attacker can access the network and then proceed to obtain administrative privileges. Therefore, the privilege level must be raised after logging in for an administrator to install the required applications, edit data, or hide data. 

Now, the Privilege escalation can take one of two forms. 

First, when a malevolent user tries to use resources and features that belong to other users that have similar access permissions, it is known as horizontal privilege escalation. 

Second, when a hostile user tries to access resources and features that belong to a user with higher privileges, such as an application or site administrator, this is known as vertical privilege escalation. 

Maintaining the access

After getting administrative rights, the intruder runs malicious software to run hazardous programs remotely, grab all sensitive data, decrypt passwords, take screenshots or install a backdoor that will help in keeping the access safe.

Usually, the hackers accomplish this process by searching for every log and file that might contain information about their movements or presence. For instance, all logins and other computer activity are logged on to Windows and Linux systems.

Another important thing in this regard is the hiding techniques. Hackers employ rootkits as a means of concealment when attempting to obtain unauthorized access to a computer. When installed on a computer, rootkits conceal themselves from the user and take precautions to prevent being seen by security software.

Clearing Tracks

In the end, an ethical hacker needs to cover up all evidence that could be used to identify him after the task is done. This can be accomplished by disabling auditing, clearing the logs, editing the registry, and, finally, deleting all newly created files and folders.

What Skills and Certifications Should an Ethical Hacker Obtain?

There are essential cyber security skills that help get into the field of ethical hacking. Adequate cyber security classes might come in handy in this regard. Let us understand how you become an ethical hacker!

Networking Techniques

One of the most important skills for becoming an ethical hacker is networking. A computer network interconnects various devices, sometimes known as hosts. These are usually connected via various channels to deliver or receive data or media. 

Understanding networks like Subnetting, DHCP, and others are necessary for networking abilities in hacking. In addition, exploring the numerous interconnected machines in a network and the potential security threats can prove to be essential in ethical hacking.

Computer know-how

Knowing how to operate computers and other associated technology requires computer skills. Data processing, file management, and presentation creation are frequently included in the list of basic computer abilities. Subsequently, database administration, programming, and spreadsheet computation are examples of advanced computer abilities. Also, MS Office, Spreadsheets, Email, Database Management, Social Media, Web, Enterprise Systems, etc., are some of the most crucial computer skills that might come in handy as an ethical hacker.

Skills in Programming

Programming skills are yet another essential trait for ethical hackers. So, what does the term "programming" mean in the context of computers? It is the process of writing code that a computing device can understand and use to carry out various instructions. Thus, much coding-related knowledge is necessary to improve one's programming skills. The ideal programming language for the programming needs must be selected before writing any code. Python, SQL, C, C++, PHP, JavaScript, and other programming languages are some of those employed by ethical hackers.

Application knowledge of Linux

The Linux operating system family is a collection of free and open-source Unix-like platforms based on the Linux Kernel. It is a free and open-source operating system. The GNU General Public License allows for the modification and distribution of the source code to anyone for commercial or non-commercial use. The primary benefit of learning Linux for an ethical hacker is that it offers greater security than any other operating system.

Adequate Knowledge of Hardware

A computer's physical components, such as the CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard data storage, and motherboard, are some of the important segments of computer hardware. In contrast, the set of instructions that can be stored and executed by hardware is referred to as software. Consider the scenario where someone wants to hack computer-controlled equipment but lacks the knowledge of its function. Therefore, one must first understand the machine and how it functions.

Reverse Engineering Process

Reverse engineering is the process of determining a product's design, functional requirements, and design through an analysis of its code. It creates a program database and uses this to produce information. Its goal is to create the necessary documentation for a legacy system and speed up maintenance work by making a system easier to understand. Usually, reverse engineering is frequently used in software security to ensure the system is free of any significant security flaws or vulnerabilities. It contributes to a system's robustness, defending it against spyware and hackers.

Sound Knowledge of Database

The foundation for building and maintaining all databases is DBMS. Making sure this software is hack-proof is crucial since accessing a database where all the information is housed might pose a serious threat to the business. To assist the company in creating a robust DBMS, an ethical hacker must have a solid understanding of this and various database engines and data structures.

Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills

Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing root cause are essential for an ethical hacker. Using problem-solving skills, one can assess a problem and identify a suitable solution.

One can identify the root cause of an issue and develop a workable solution with the aid of problem-solving abilities easily. Therefore, an ethical hacker must possess the technical abilities mentioned above and the ability to think critically and solve problems quickly. In addition, they must be eager to pick up new techniques and ensure that all security gaps are thoroughly investigated.

Keeping certain things in mind concerning education might come in handy before any specific certification.

Firstly, post grade 10, opt for the science stream and make primary subjects for physics, chemistry, math, and computer science.

Secondly, choosing a course of B. Tech, BE, or B.Sc. in computer science or IT engineering after completing high school. Additionally, one can enroll in accredited institutions' professional Ethical Hacking certification training.

Lastly, it could be highly beneficial to continue studies by earning an M.Tech or M.Sc in computer science after graduation. One may also opt for earning professional certifications in application development, cloud computing, risk management, and CISSP to enhance the relevant skill sets for ethical hacking.

Most importantly, regarding acquiring the relevant skill sets, various useful certifications are available in the market. KnowledgeHut Ethical hacking certification training can be considered one of the finest aids available in the market. 

What Is the Attraction of an Ethical Hacking Career?

The demand for cyber security specialists is quickly increasing as companies worldwide become more conscious of their obligation to protect their customers' personal information. 

Expanding Possibilities

In this digital era, business owners are becoming more conscious of their cyber obligations as customers want businesses to protect their data. Therefore, more businesses of all sizes and industries would need to ensure that their defense mechanism keeps malevolent hackers out. This implies that career opportunities will only grow, providing any aspirant a higher chance to obtain the ideal position. 

Better pay-packages

Recruiters will have to consider how to make their positions the most appealing because ethical hacking will undoubtedly become one of the high demanding jobs soon. In addition, starting pay, which currently averages 4 lacs LPA, may increase over the following few years due to increased demand caused by a smaller workforce. 

Because hacking requires a broad range of abilities and significant training, senior positions in penetration testing and white hat hacking can pay around or more than 50 lacs per annum. 

Being in an industry where change is the only thing constant

With the online environment rapidly changing, new technology often brings new hazards. Moreover, these specialized technologies will have their particular security challenges. To deal with such a scenario, more and more firms will adopt cutting-edge technology like cloud computing and the Internet of Things. 

Cybercrime preventers will always be kept on the toes in the face of a new type of assault because cybercriminals will need to constantly develop new techniques to try and get past a business's security due to increasingly advanced defense technologies. Therefore, the learning curve about how to do ethical hacking on android or any other systems/software will also show an upward trend to benefit one as a professional.

Gratifying work

Along with all the significant career-related motivations, working in ethical hacking is also quite satisfying. As a professional, it might be incredibly pleasing to know that the efforts contributed to the protection of the data of many others. 

The best part of the work for individuals who are passionate about cyber security is learning how to think like a hacker and then being able to outsmart them. 

What Are the Stages of a Career in Ethical Hacking?

Being an ethical hacker, the scopes are immense about the career prospects. Here are a few career scopes one may expect. 

Engineer- network security

A network security engineer handles the integration, upkeeping, and implementation of a company's WAN, LAN, and other server architecture. Additionally, they oversee the setup, management, and enforcement of network security hardware, software, and policies. 

The administrator of network security

The network security administrator creates the network security policies and conducts regular audits to ensure they are correctly applied and up to date. For any breach, they also take corrective action. 

Security specialist

Security experts assess the current IT systems and infrastructures for any vulnerability before developing and implementing IT security solutions to avoid any unwanted access, data manipulation, or data loss. 

Role of a Penetration Tester

A penetration tester's job is to access systems or look for potential security holes in various software and computer systems. The main duties of a penetration tester include providing reports and suggestions, conducting tests and other simulations, advising management on security enhancements, and collaborating with other staff members to enhance organizational cyber security.

Opportunity in Public/Private Companies

Government and business enterprises are continually looking for ethical hackers who can help shield organizations from risks or attacks in cyberspace as a result of the rise in cyber hazards. Additionally, there is the chance to freelance and work for other businesses.

In short, various roles and designations are available per the knowledge of an ethical hacker or an expert in the field of cyber security.

What Can You Expect as an Ethical Hacker?

Several businesses recruit ethical hackers to enhance their security systems. These include corporate giants such as IBM, Wipro, Infosys, TCS, and so on. Additionally, ethical hackers receive higher pay than regular IT professionals in India. Shortly, the nation is anticipated to need more than 70,000 ethical hackers.

But it is important to understand how ethical hackers work to be able to grasp the opportunities. It won't be difficult for you to establish an ethical hacking job in India if you possess the capacity to discover new system vulnerabilities and are also well-versed in networking, programming, and the inner workings of a system or network.

As a novice in the realm of ethical hacking, you can make up to 4.5 LPA, depending on your experience. You can make up to 6.5 LPA once you've worked in this industry for a few years. Those with around five years of job experience can expect a salary of about 12 LPA. You might still need to put in some extra work to get a top-paying job in this profession, even if you have all the fundamental abilities and certifications needed to become an ethical hacker. Nevertheless, the knowledge and skills on how to do white hat hacking will be the deciding factor in uncovering the scope of work.

What Problems Does Hacking Identify?

Security configuration mistakes

Security configuration issues occur when an organization fails to use all system's security settings or configure them incorrectly, allowing hackers to access the company's network. Programs like the C|EH teach ethical hackers to identify security flaws and then make suggestions for how a company might fix them.

Injection Attacks

A hostile actor inserts a line of code into software during an injection attack to obtain remote access to a network. Injection attacks on a database or website are frequently precursors to more serious intrusions. However, if implemented appropriately, relevant security protocols can prevent malicious code from being injected.

Insecure System Elements

A network is only as secure as its components; hence one of the primary issues in network security is ensuring that all aspects of a network's systems are secure and up to date. Ethical hackers can find these vulnerabilities and can also determine how to fix them.

Social Engineering issues

Malicious actors use social engineering techniques to access an organization's network by persuading people to divulge information that gives the hacker unauthorized access to the organization's systems. These weak points can be found and rectified using ethical hacking.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking is the one anti-dote the digital world needs against all sorts of possible cyber-crimes that can put our security at risk. Especially with the advancement of technologies, cyber security attacks are also getting more complicated, making it more challenging for ethical hackers to evade those. But with the right kind of knowledge, skill sets about how to do legal hacking, and critical thinking ability, the scope of cyber-crimes can be controlled to a large extent.