The differences between a hacker and an ethical hacker

Each time we hear the word "hacking" the first thing people relate it to is malicious cyber attacks. Is that completely true though? In this article, we will discuss Hacking and Ethical Hacking, comparing the two terms to understand them better. The following points will be covered in this article:

• General perspective towards hacking and ethical hacking.
• White Hat hackers vs. Black Hat hackers.
• Categories of hacking.
• Hackers vs. crackers.

General Perspective Towards Hacking and ethical Hacking

Hacking is referred to as the illegal or legal practice of accessing data stored in any system by experts. These experts are termed as Hackers. Hackers have all the knowledge related to programming and its concepts. Mistakes made by programmers while developing or working on software are picked up by hackers to penetrate the security framework of the software.

Ethical hacking is conducted by hackers as well, but their intention behind hacking is not for malicious purposes. Their services are used to check and build on software security and thus help to develop the security system of a framework in a business or organization to prevent potential threats. Ethical hackers are referred to as White Hats, who end up providing protection from Black Hats (unethical hackers). Ethical hacking is adopted by almost every organization.

White Hat Hackers vs. Black Hat Hackers

Black Hat Hackers’ objective:

• To steal valuable information from another user.
• To steal money through transactions and accounts.
• To get access to free music and videos.
• Downloading free hacking software, which is considered an illegal activity.
• To steal valuable information from governmental organizations.
• To access restricted networking spaces.

White Hat Hackers’ objective:

• To improve the security framework in a system.
• Developing a high-security programming language like Linux.
• Developing most of the security software for organizations.
• Checking and updating security software.
• Developing programs like pop up blocker, firewall, and ad blocker.

The types of Black Hat hackers are:

• Phreakers — Hackers who hack telephone networks.
• Crackers — Hackers who remove the security wall of software by using software patches.
• Carders — Hackers who attack ATM or credit cards to retrieve user information.
• Script Kiddies — Hackers who want to attack computer systems for no purpose.

Categories Of Hacking

• Windows Hacking.
• Database Hacking.
• Web Hacking.
• Network Hacking.

Other Methods Of Hacking

Phishing

In this kind of hacking, hackers use their skills to hack passwords of emails or websites. People usually receive phishing emails in their inbox. The hackers usually derive login information of the users by their email ids or by asking them to log in and redirecting it to their website.

Botnets

Sometimes, robots do the job for hackers through botnets.

Keyloggers

This is a relatively new technique adopted by hackers to breach information. Hackers install a device on a motherboard port, and whatever is typed on the keyboard is stolen.

Hackers vs. Crackers

It is commonly assumed and accepted that hackers help to build security whereas crackers aim to break security. There is a major difference between how the two work although they both engage in hacking of some sort. Hackers usually have an advanced level of knowledge regarding computer security and possess all the technical knowledge required. Hackers aim to counter-attack threats posed by crackers to computer systems and across networks.

On the other hand, crackers are well aware that their activities are illegal and try to cover their tracks. Even though crackers may be highly skilled in breaching systems, professional hackers can restore the security of the breached system and catch the cracker with their skills and competency. Crackers possess highly advanced and technical knowledge and can create software and tools that are powerful enough to damage and exploit systems after analyzing the system’s weak areas. Most of the time, crackers do not leave their mark behind.

It is well established that hackers are ethical professionals whereas crackers hack into systems illegally and without consent. Apart from this major difference, another difference is with regard to their understanding of computer systems and security systems. Hackers can write codes in many languages and possess in-depth knowledge of computer languages like C, C++, HTML, and  Java. They also understand how these languages work and what these codes do. On the other hand, crackers do not have an upper hand here. They do not possess much knowledge about computer programming. Their work and the intent make the two groups poles apart from each other.

Conclusion

Thus, it is safe to say that hackers break into systems entirely to check for gaps in it and rectify them to update the systems whereas crackers break into the systems with the intention of exploiting them and for personal gains. White Hats are employed by organizations to carry out hacking after being subjected to a legal contract. On the other hand, Black Hats do not succumb to any approval or agreement, as they intend to violate the security of any system that they desire. While a cracker encroaches on personal data and information and uses it to their own advantage, a hacker commits the same action to help a company or an individual to ward off attacks from these crackers.
This is my opinion on their differences.Tell me what you think in the comment below