Image via WikipediaA Pen Test - Penetration Test - is carried out by what is referred to as a White Hat or Ethical Hacker. But who and what exactly defines an Ethical Hacker? For the part a White Hat or Ethical Hacker is a computer expert who possesses the programming knowledge to recognise vulnerabilities within an operating system and network. What separates then from the world of the Black Hat Hacker is their intent....
An Ethical Hacker intends to secure a system by recognising vulnerabilities and providing the solution to reduce if not remove that vulnerability - A Black Hat Hacker on the other hand has every intention of exploiting vulnerabilities for their own mischievous ends. Even so, White or Black they are all effectively Hackers!
More and more organisations are turning to professional IT Security experts to carry out Pen Testing on their systems and network: Thus ensuring risks are lowered and data remains as secure as possible. An Ethical Hacker is the 'good guy': However, the methodology they use and knowledge they possess is used to circumvent security and in some cases actually crash those systems - As is the case with Black Box Testing. Nevertheless, it is Ethical because the ultimate goal is to increase the security of those systems. In addition, an Ethical Hacker is doing this by request.
The Logic Of It All
The logic is that if an Ethical Hacker can penetrate the system during a Penetration Test so can a Black Hat hacker: Takes one to know one - Which may leave you wondering how and why an IT Security expert might enter the world of Penetration Testing.... To which, the answer is varied: There are those who turned a new leaf (so to speak) and there are those who have always worn the White Hat and are quite simply extremely good at their job - As in, they have the computer savvy to analyse systems and code; possess insight with regards to the 'mind' of the Hacker and also have the knowledge it takes to solve issues. In a way, not dissimilar to those detectives who posses the ability to 'understand' the criminal mind but not the inclination to be one... To which, it simply doesn't follow that all Hackers have a 'criminal mind'.
Ongoing
Pen Testing invariably calls for a talented IT Security professional who is creative and can think outside the box. While more and more organisation utilise the internet and operating systems to deal with core business processes networking security concerns are on the rise: Particularly for those sectors dealing with sensitive financial and personal data: Hence, the call for Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testing is notable. Identifying vulnerabilities is vital for many and ongoing - As the Black Hats diversify systems need to be consistently assessed.
Murray IT Security Services can provide a Pentest expert. Offering a range of IT Security Services our IT Security Experts can perform many levels of Pen Testing - White, Black and many areas of Grey. Our reports are informative and can help a Company ensure they are focusing their IT Security budget in the right areas; As well as keep their systems optimised and secure. Contact Murray IT
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