Ethical Hacking 101

By Lawrence Bennier

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals, organizations, and governments. "Ethical Hacking 101" is a comprehensive guide designed to empower aspiring ethical hackers with the tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary to safeguard digital landscapes.

Starting with the fundamental concepts of ethical hacking, this book explores the thin line between black hat and white hat hackers and delves into the significance of ethical hacking in today's interconnected world. It opens the doors to the captivating world of Linux, offering hands-on tutorials for mastering the command line, navigating the intricate Linux file system, and utilizing essential hacking tools.

From setting up a personalized hacking lab, understanding network protocols and topologies, to sophisticated subjects such as penetration testing, password cracking, and web application security, this book is a one-stop resource. It doesn't just skim the surface but takes readers on a deep dive into real-world scenarios and practical applications.

With "Ethical Hacking 101," readers will:

Explore various Linux distributions, including Kali Linux and Parrot Security OS, tailored for cybersecurity experts.

Learn basic to advanced Linux commands and the structure of the Linux file system.

Discover essential hacking tools like Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, and more.

Understand the complexities of network scanning, vulnerability assessments, and intrusion detection.

Develop skills in password cracking, data privacy, secure coding practices, and firewall configurations.

Stay compliant with current cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and laws.

Ideal for beginners with no prior experience in cybersecurity, this book is also a valuable resource for seasoned professionals looking to refresh their knowledge or explore new avenues in ethical hacking. With clear explanations, step-by-step tutorials, and real-world examples, "Ethical Hacking 101" paves the path towards becoming a proficient ethical hacker.

Unlock the power of ethical hacking and become an indispensable asset in the battle against cyber threats. Start your journey with "Ethical Hacking 101" and contribute to making the digital world a safer place!

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in "Ethical Hacking 101" is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The author and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained within this book, but they make no guarantee, expressed or implied, about its applicability or suitability for any specific purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Bennier
• Release date: Aug 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223534945

Lawrence Bennier

Hi! My name is Lawrence and I am an aspiring ethical hacker and cyber security professional. I have taken many courses and have over 25 certificates from Google to Oxford, which can confirm that! I hope you enjoyed this book and that you learned one or another new things!

Book preview

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is when a person, who has been hired and has the authorization to do so, tries to break into the own database, website, application, ... of the company itself. The primary goal of ethical hacking is to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats that may be exploited by malicious hackers and provide recommendations to improve the security measures in place.

Ethical hackers use the same tools, techniques, and methodologies as malicious hackers, but they do so with the explicit permission of the system owners and in adherence to ethical guidelines. By mimicking the techniques used by cybercriminals, ethical hackers can uncover security weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed, and help organizations take proactive steps to prevent potential data breaches or other security incidents. That is very important, because if a malicious hacker would gain access to the database, he could do various things, like extort the company for money, or ruin the company’s reputation by publishing these files.

1.2 Ethical Hackers vs. Black Hat Hackers

While both ethical hackers and black hat hackers possess the technical skills to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, they have different goals and motivations. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers or penetration testers (pen testers), work within legal boundaries and use their expertise to improve the security of systems and networks. They operate with the explicit consent of the system owners or company’s managing them and report any findings and vulnerabilities to them.

On the other hand, black hat hackers, or simply hackers, are individuals who engage in unauthorized and malicious activities, typically driven by financial gain, political motives, or personal reasons. They exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks without permission, often causing harm to the target and its users. They may steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or engage in other malicious activities. There are many different types of hackers, including Red hat hackers, Grey hat hackers, Blue hat hackers, ...

1.3 The Importance of Ethical Hacking

In today's digital age, the number of cyberattacks is on the rise, making cybersecurity a top priority for organizations of all sizes. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new techniques to infiltrate systems and networks, and staying ahead of these threats is a challenging task. Ethical hacking plays a crucial role in strengthening an organization's security posture by simulating real-world attacks and identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

By employing ethical hackers, organizations can:

- Identify and fix security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.

- Stay up to date with the latest hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies.

- Comply with regulations and industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard¹ (PCI DSS) and the General Data Protection