The word hacking sometimes connects the audience with unethical projection. But have you ever heard that hacking can be ethical for the organisation? When it is done for the right purpose without harming anyone for the right reason and with the right controls in place, hacking is both ethical and necessary to any organisation. IT experts are constantly putting their efforts and knowledge into helping companies protect customer’s data and assets. Let’s look deeply at ethical hacking and why it is so important in the digital age.
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What Exactly is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white hat testing, refers to the practice of intentionally probing or testing systems, networks or applications for vulnerabilities to identify the weaknesses before unethical hackers can exploit them. As there is an increase in malicious hacking, the demand for ethical hacking and cyber security is also making a way to control cyber crimes.
Importance of Ethical Hacking In the Organisation
Ethical hacking helps the organisation in many ways, from which companies benefit. This includes-
1. Identifying Vulnerabilities
Sometimes, big companies get attacked by hackers. Such was the case with UBER, where hackers exposed the important information of around 50 million users. Companies like Google, Yahoo, Instagram, Facebook, and Uber hire ethical hackers to hack/protect their systems. After hacking the system, the certified ethical hackers tell all the places of loopholes so that the company can fix them. Many companies also perform programs like Bug Bount, where hackers worldwide try to hack a company’s website or website. If the hacker finds any bug issues, the company will pay them a reward for finding out the bug.
2. Secure Sensitive Data
Ethical hacking is needed when a company wants to secure crucial data from enemies. It acts as a safeguard for your computer from blackmail by people who want to exploit the vulnerability. Using an ethical source of hacking, a company or organisation can find security vulnerabilities and risks that they can further control in the future.
3. Safeguard the National Information
The government can use the services of ethical hackers to safeguard secret information. Every nation’s security is the top priority, and ethical hacking and cyber security ensure the safety of the nation by preventing cyber-terrorism and terrorist attacks. They also ensure that intelligence information on influencing politics, a hostile state, and other topics reaches the people around them.
4. Maintaining Customer Trust
Maintaining trust is very important for any business’s success. If an organisation witnesses any data breach, it can damage its reputation and trust. In this context, ethical hacking shows the commitment to data security and ensures that your crucial data is safe. By prioritising certified ethical hackers, the company maintains the trust and loyalty of their customers.
5. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Any business, small-scale or large enterprises, must follow data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation and the Central Consumer Protection Authority. These laws are guided by strict rules to protect customer information. If any company do not comply with it, this can lead to hefty fines and can put them in legal trouble. Thus, incorporating a certified ethical hacker helps identify security gaps.
Should Organisations Hire a Certified Ethical Hacker?
A company’s infrastructure includes a large user database, networks, firewalls, IP addresses, servers, and more crucial data. It can be very expensive for companies to perform security testing. However, it is justified that the company consider the potential consequences of security breaches. The cost of security testing may vary depending on the company’s size. If companies fail to adhere to security compliance, it can result in significant penalties for non-compliance. To enhance security and ensure smooth operations, hiring a certified ethical hacker becomes essential for protecting the organisation’s infrastructure and mitigating cyber risks. Some companies employ an in-house ethical hacker for ethical hacking and cyber security to safeguard their networks and systems. In contrast, others might not have the resources, so they outsource security support. Regardless of the approach taken, ethical hackers must sign a legal agreement outlining the terms and conditions with their clients.
Protect Your Organisation with Certified Ethical Hackers
As security threats have multiplied, the need for ethical hackers and their significance are also rapidly increasing. Adopting a proper ethical hacking and cyber security approach can help organisations shield their reputation effectively. An Ethical Hacker helps to enhance the security of an organisation’s infrastructure.
