When you hear hacking or hackers, you probably picture a bad scene of someone trying to break into websites or company data and hijacking operations. Well, I used to think this way too, until I got into coding, researching, and writing under blockchain and technology as a whole. I understood that 'Not all hackers are "evil" as we think.'
There are various types of hackers in the cyber network, including Black Hats, Grey Hats, White Hats, among others. Black Hats are illegal hackers that break into vulnerable networks, gaining access to private details with the intention to corrupt the system.
Grey Hats employ the concepts of both white hats and black hats. They are hackers who might not engage in hacking for selfish interests but are still capable of having both good and harmful motives.
While it is true that some hackers, known as "Black hats," aim to cause harm, White Hat hackers are a different set who operate for an opposite motive.
The White Hat hacker, also called an "Ethical hacker or a White Hat", is a person authorized to break into computer networks to detect, report, and suggest ways to improve the security flaws of the network. They operate with good motives and are often permitted by system or website owners to carry out their activity.
Importance Of White Hat Hackers
White Hat Hackers are one of the solid pillars of large enterprises which safeguard their websites from cyber threats and complex issues. Here are why they are important;
1. Legal with a Good motive
White hat hackers don't operate unless the network owners permit them to break into their computer networks. Their motive is different from that of malicious hackers because they act to protect the company or IT network.
2. Penetration Testing Beforehand
They conduct penetration testing to find the target system's vulnerabilities before any harmful hacker. This enables the company's security team to give a security patch beforehand and close a gap that may allow for cyber attacks or scams.
3. Company Security
The various breaches in networks today, like malware, viruses, and ransomware, drive the need for White hat hackers. White hat hackers help protect against common malicious acts in the current technological space.
4. Suggest Ways To Improve
After identifying the vulnerabilities, the White Hat hacker compiles a report on the issues found and then suggests ways to address them to reduce the chances of an attack.
How To Become A White Hat Hacker
Degree
Get a degree in relevant areas like:
- Programming
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
Certifications
It is also helpful to acquire certifications like:
- Ethical Hacking Certification
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
Skills
Acquiring degrees and certifications is important, but there are certain personality skills you need if you really want to work as a white hat hacker. They include:
- Smartness
- Problem Solving
- Critical thinking and logic
- Communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Committedness
- Ability to work under pressure
Note that employers and businesses have different requirements for ethical hackers regarding job updates. Some employers will go for experienced persons over those with merely a degree. Therefore, it is good also to practice even as you study to become a white hat hacker.
Conclusion
White hat hackers play essential roles that cannot be undervalued in the technological world today. When ethical hackers are in control, it is often difficult for malicious hackers to penetrate a network.