The word “hacker” is often synonymous with cybercrime. But not all hacking is criminal or malicious. Hacking itself is not illegal. It is only illegal when a hacker compromises a system or network without the owner’s authorization. White hat hackers, for example, help businesses with their hacking skills.
In this guide, you will learn about white hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, who help businesses secure their IT systems.
The Profile of a White Hat
Also known as a certified ethical hacker or ethical hacker, a white hat hacker is a computer security specialist who compromises systems and networks with the intent of testing and assessing their security stability. Simply put, white hat hacking entails hacking for a legal reason.
Unlike black hats, a white hat hacker helps organizations to identify security gaps and blocks them before the bad guys take advantage. Since white hackers are familiar with the tactics used by black hackers, they are best suitable for the job.
When employed by an organization, a white hat hacker may choose to assume cybersecurity titles. Classic white hat hacker job titles include network security analyst, IT security engineer, and cybersecurity analyst.
Due to the fierce competition in the world of cybersecurity, hackers often acquire several additional security certifications and technical certifications.
Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker
A white hat hacker’s responsibility goes beyond checking for system vulnerabilities. They can also include educating staff on the latest cybersecurity risks and setting up security policies to ensure best practice among IT personnel. Additionally, white hats may also develop new tools that businesses can use to protect their systems.
Not all hackers are evil. White hat hackers are the good guys of the hacking world. They are the Jedis in a world full of Sith.
