What is Hacking? A Complete Guide to Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking
Hacking is the act of compromising digital devices, systems, or networks through unauthorized access. This typically involves bypassing security measures to gain control over a system, user account, or confidential data.
Although hacking is often associated with cybercrime, it’s important to note that not all hacking is malicious. In cybersecurity, hacking can be used to test and improve system security.
Hacking in Cybersecurity
In the context of cybersecurity, hacking refers to the misuse of devices like computers, smartphones, tablets, and networks to:
- Steal sensitive data and documents
- Corrupt or damage systems
- Monitor user activity
- Disrupt digital operations
Types of Hackers
1. White Hat Hackers (Ethical Hackers)
White hat hackers use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems. They work with organizations to prevent cyberattacks and are often certified professionals in ethical hacking.
2. Black Hat Hackers
These are the malicious hackers often featured in the news. They exploit security flaws to steal data, spread malware, or demand ransoms.
3. Gray Hat Hackers
Gray hats operate in the middle ground. They may hack systems without permission, but they do not exploit the system for personal gain. Instead, they might report the vulnerability—sometimes publicly—to pressure companies into fixing it.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking involves testing systems for vulnerabilities legally and responsibly. Ethical hackers conduct:
- Penetration Testing
- Security Audits
- Vulnerability Assessments
Their goal is to protect organizations from actual cyberattacks by thinking like a hacker—but working for the good guys.
How Hacking is Done: 5 Key Steps
Whether it’s a malicious attacker or a professional pentester, the hacking process generally follows five main stages.
Step 1: Information Gathering (Reconnaissance)
The hacker begins by collecting information about the target. This may include:
- IP address range
- DNS records
- Domain details
- Public-facing services
Example: An attacker checks a company’s contact page or uses tools like Whois and NSLookup to gather background data.
Step 2: Scanning and Enumeration
In this phase, the attacker uses tools to scan the target’s systems and discover weaknesses. Common tools and methods include:
- Nmap – to find open ports
- Nikto or OpenVAS – to identify vulnerabilities
- Network Mappers and Sweepers – to detect active hosts
- Banner Grabbing – to detect OS and services
Goal: Learn about running services, OS types, and potential weak spots.
Step 3: Gaining Access
Using the information gathered, the hacker now attempts to exploit vulnerabilities. Techniques include:
- Phishing – Sending fake emails to trick users into giving credentials
- SQL Injection – Inserting malicious queries to access databases
- Brute Force – Trying multiple password combinations
- Malware – Installing trojans, ransomware, or keyloggers
Example:
A hacker uses a phishing attack to impersonate the CTO of a company. They send an email to new IT staff, asking them to log into a fake Google portal. The link is masked with a shortener like Bitly, and behind it is a credential-harvesting page. Once the staff logs in, the hacker gains access to internal systems.
Step 4: Maintaining Access
Once access is obtained, the hacker tries to maintain control for long-term use. This may include:
- Creating a backdoor
- Adding new admin accounts
- Using inactive user accounts
- Elevating privileges from a normal user to an administrator
Example: The hacker identifies an unused internal user account, resets its password, and uses it as a hidden access point with admin privileges.
Step 5: Clearing Tracks
To avoid detection, the hacker erases evidence of their presence. This may involve:
- Deleting or modifying server logs
- Clearing browser and email history
- Using VPNs and changing MAC addresses before launching the attack
- Removing malware or scripts after execution
Objective: Leave no trace of the attack to avoid legal consequences or retaliation.
