In today’s increasingly digital world, where cyber threats are growing more sophisticated, ethical hacking plays a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Ethical hackers conduct controlled and legal tests to identify weaknesses in IT infrastructures and systems, helping to prevent potential cyberattacks.

In this article, we will define ethical hacking, explore the types of ethical hackers, discuss the phases of the ethical hacking process, and explain how it contributes to cybersecurity, especially in critical environments like mainframes.

What does an ethical hacker do?

An ethical hacker uses legal and controlled methods to identify vulnerabilities within an organization’s systems. Their primary goal is to simulate real-world attacks in order to discover weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. Ethical hackers are skilled professionals who contribute significantly to strengthening cybersecurity by carrying out controlled penetration tests and providing valuable feedback. Here are the key responsibilities of an ethical hacker:

  • Planning and executing penetration tests: simulating cyberattacks in a controlled manner to evaluate system defenses.
  • Risk and vulnerability analysis: identifying potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems.
  • Developing red teaming scenarios: simulating multi-vector attacks to test the system’s response.
  • Reviewing security configurations: ensuring that systems, servers, and applications are configured securely.
  • Providing mitigation recommendations: suggesting improvements to enhance system security.
  • Supporting compliance: ensuring that systems adhere to security regulations such as ISO 27001, DORA, and NIS2.

Types of ethical hacking

Ethical hacking can be categorized into different types, each focusing on specific areas of security within a system. Below are the main types of ethical hacking:

Network Hacking

Network hacking focuses on assessing the security of network infrastructures, including firewalls, routers, switches, and network protocols. The goal is to detect unauthorized access points and potential vulnerabilities within network communication.

Web Application Hacking

This type of ethical hacking involves analyzing vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). It helps identify weaknesses in the code and configuration of web-based platforms that could be exploited by attackers.

System Hacking

System hacking targets the operating systems, services, and configurations of a system. The objective is to identify areas where privilege escalation may occur or where unauthorized access could be gained, allowing the hacker to gain more control over the system.

Mainframe Hacking

Mainframe hacking specifically targets the security of IBM z/OS mainframe systems, which are critical in sectors such as banking, insurance, and government. Techniques used in mainframe hacking include auditing RACF profiles, analyzing SMF logs, reviewing access to critical datasets, and evaluating the security of subsystems like DB2, CICS, and TCP/IP configurations.

Phases of ethical hacking

Ethical hacking follows a structured process with clear phases to ensure thorough testing and minimize risks. The key phases include:

  • Reconnaissance: gathering information about the target system, such as publicly available data and details about network infrastructure.
  • Scanning and Enumeration: identifying system vulnerabilities using automated tools and manual techniques.
  • Exploitation: attempting to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the system.
  • Maintaining Access: testing how an attacker could maintain access to the system without being detected.
  • Post-Exploitation and Reporting: collecting data and writing detailed reports on the vulnerabilities found, along with recommendations for improvement.

Ethical hacking vs. malicious hacking. Key differences

While both ethical hackers and malicious hackers exploit vulnerabilities in systems, their goals and intentions are drastically different. Below is a comparative table:

Aspect Ethical Hacking Malicious Hacking
Objective To improve security and identify weaknesses To exploit weaknesses for personal gain or damage
Permission Performed with consent of the organization Done without consent, typically illegal
Impact on Security Strengthens system security and prevents attacks Weakens system security, leading to data breaches
Goal Identify and fix vulnerabilities Steal data, extort money, or cause harm

Benefits of ethical hacking for your business

Ethical hacking offers several key benefits to organizations, especially in high-risk sectors where security is paramount. These benefits include:

  • Identifying vulnerabilities: discover weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
  • Improved security posture: ethical hackers help strengthen defenses and close security gaps.
  • Regulatory compliance: ethical hacking ensures systems adhere to regulations such as ISO 27001, NIS2, and DORA.
  • Cost savings: preventing cyberattacks is less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of a breach.
  • Enhanced threat detection: ethical hackers provide insights into emerging threats and improve monitoring systems.

Why ethical hacking is essential for your security

Ethical hacking is a vital practice for protecting IT infrastructures, especially in critical systems like mainframes. By simulating attacks and identifying vulnerabilities, ethical hackers help organizations stay ahead of potential threats. With the growing complexity of cyber threats, adopting ethical hacking practices is essential for maintaining strong cybersecurity defenses and ensuring the integrity of critical systems.