What is the difference between ethical hacking and illegal hacking?

Ethical Hacking Questions Medium



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What is the difference between ethical hacking and illegal hacking?

Ethical hacking and illegal hacking are two distinct practices with different intentions and outcomes.

Ethical hacking, also known as white-hat hacking, refers to the authorized and legal practice of identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems, networks, or applications. Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers or security analysts, are hired by organizations to assess their security measures and identify potential vulnerabilities. The goal of ethical hacking is to help organizations improve their security by proactively identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers follow a strict code of conduct and obtain proper authorization before conducting any hacking activities.

On the other hand, illegal hacking, also known as black-hat hacking, involves unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or applications with malicious intent. Illegal hackers exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, such as stealing sensitive information, causing damage, or disrupting services. Their actions are illegal and can lead to severe consequences, including legal prosecution and imprisonment.

The main difference between ethical hacking and illegal hacking lies in the intent and authorization. Ethical hacking is conducted with the explicit permission of the system owner, while illegal hacking is performed without any legal authorization. Ethical hackers work to improve security and protect systems, while illegal hackers aim to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or malicious purposes.

It is important to note that ethical hacking plays a crucial role in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting organizations from potential threats. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses, ethical hackers help organizations strengthen their security measures and prevent potential attacks.