The term "white hat" in Internet slang refers to an ethical computer hacker, or a computer security expert, who specialises in many different cybersecurity testing techniques.
Some of you will no doubt have heard of Penetration Testing. So, is there a difference between Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking?
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a formal procedure aimed at identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities, defects, threats, and defective environments. In other words, penetration testing is often seen as a successful but non-damaging attempt to penetrate a specific information system; impersonating activities cyber criminals would engage in with the purpose of compromising your corporate systems.
In general, organisations conduct ‘pen tests’ to aid in strengthening their corporate defence systems which in turn protect business critical information systems. It is to be noted that while penetration testing can help organisations reinforce their cybersecurity defences, this measure should be performed on a regular basis since malicious entities invent newer and newer weak points especially in emerging systems, programs, and applications. Even though a pen test may not provide answers to all your security concerns, such a test will significantly minimise the likelihood of a successful cyber-attack.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical Hacking, on the other hand, is an all-embracing term that includes all hacking methods. Some people disagree with hacking being considered “ethical” in any way. They deem that the word “hacker” in the term “ethical hacker” is added to attract more people to training programs and courses.
Compared to ethical hacking, penetration testing is a more narrowly focused phase. Simply put, ethical hacking can be classified as a more comprehensive and exhaustive method of cyber security testing, and penetration testing is merely one fragment of all those techniques, all of which are designed to locate security issues within the targeted information system.
Is Ethical Hacking even legal?
Yes, its Legal because an Ethical hacker is a computer and networking expert who systematically attempts to penetrate a computer system or network at the request of its owners for the purpose of finding security vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could potentially exploit.
How can Diamond help?
If you would like to learn more about how ethical hacking or penetration testing can help strengthen you company’s cyber defences, please contact Diamond IT and we will put you in touch with one of our certified security experts.
I also encourage you to take our quick Online Security Assessment to gauge how secure your network is..
Call now on 1300 307 907 or via our online contact form below.
