Ethical hacking and cybersecurity: A career of the future

Hackers tend to be associated with illicit activities, but in reality, being a hacker does not necessarily mean engaging in criminal activities that are intended to harm systems or users in any way. In fact, ethical hackers play an extremely important role in protecting information and digital infrastructure.

Would you like to know exactly what the connection is between ethical hacking and cybersecurity? Would you like to work in this field? Read on to find out why it is becoming an increasingly attractive and in-demand career option for companies!

What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hacking is practised by computer security professionals known as 'white hat hackers', who evaluate computer systems with the aim of detecting vulnerabilities that can be strengthened to prevent unauthorised access.

In other words: these professionals match malicious hackers in looking for risks, but instead of exploiting them, they fix them!

How can Artificial Intelligence influence cyber security?

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity depends on how it is used. If done with good intentions, AI can analyse large volumes of data in real time in order to detect suspicious patterns and respond quickly to potential threats.

In addition, this technology can automate repetitive tasks, freeing ethical hackers to focus on more complex problems that really need their attention.

With the right AI tools and ethical hacking and cybersecurity specialists, any business can anticipate potential attacks and proactively strengthen its defences - long before it has to regret it!

Differences between ethical hacking and malicious hacking

Both types of hackers have very similar technical skills, but the intention with which they develop them and the methods they use are completely different.

• Ethical hackers seek to protect and improve the security of systems, while malicious hackers pursue personal gain or simply cause harm.
• A 'good hacker' always works with the expresspermission of system owners. Malicious hackers, however, act without consent.
• In contrast to 'bad hackers', the activities of ethical hackers are legal.
• When they identify vulnerabilities, ethical hackers inform the affected company or organisation so that it can fix them. However, malicious hackers can sell the information or exploit it until they are discovered.
• And the most important of all: ethical hackers seek to help, while the others only want to get rich, sabotage and be popular.

The role of an ethical hacker in cybersecurity

These computer professionals use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and applications - doing good. They aim to stay ahead of potential cyber-attacks by conducting penetration tests and security assessments to strengthen companies' digital defences. When a threat arrives, it is met with an impenetrable wall.

They simulate attacks that are actually controlled, which helps companies discover and address weaknesses before they are exploited by malicious hackers.

As you can see, ethical hacking and cybersecurity are closely linked and cannot be understood without each other.

Tools and techniques used in ethical hacking

Ethical hackers use an endless number of tools and techniques to analyse and improve the security of systems. Do you want to know what they are so that you can try them out too? Here are some of them!

• Nmap: Used to scan and discover networks, mapping the network topology and detecting possible vulnerabilities by locating open ports.
• Metasploit: Facilitates penetration testing by automating simulated attacks to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Wireshark: Captures and examines traffic in real time, allowing professionals to detect security problems and analyse the information transmitted on the network.
• Kali Linux: Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and security audits.

This is just a small sample, you can't imagine how many options there are to ensure the security of data and systems on the internet!

The importance of cybersecurity in the digital world

We are increasingly reliant on technology to communicate, work and manage important information. And it is precisely this increasing degree of digitalisation that exposes us to a multitude of threats that can expose our privacy and data security and that only good cybersecurity practices can keep at bay.

How to train in ethical hacking and cybersecurity

Getting started in this world can seem complex, there are so many things to learn that where do you start?

Luckily, if you've come this far looking for an answer, we can offer you the best of them all: our Master in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking in collaboration with The Bridge, a pioneering training in Spain that is already training the professionals of tomorrow that the business world has been needing for years!

The methodology used is 100% online and practical, and it is the only Official Master in Cybersecurity specialising in ethical hacking in Red Team, secure deployment and Purple Team.

Don't think twice, your professional future starts here!