Cyber Security vs Ethical hacking: What is the difference?
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity and ethical hacking have become critical buzzwords. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this article, we’ll dive into the key differences between cyber security and ethical hacking, and why it matters to your personal and business safety.
In simple terms, cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from digital attacks, theft, and damage.
On the other hand, ethical hacking refers to the practice of using the same techniques and tools as hackers to find vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, but with the permission of the owner of the system. Let’s dive into these two topics more deeply.
What is Cyber Security?
As previously mentioned, cyber security involves safeguarding computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, attack, and damage. Cybersecurity aims to protect data from cybercriminals, hackers, and other unauthorized individuals. Cybersecurity can be divided into four main components: confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authenticity.
History of Cyber Security
The need for cyber security began with the development of the first computer systems in the 1960s. With the advent of the internet in the 1990s, cyber security became more important as businesses and individuals began storing their sensitive information online. The first antivirus software was developed in 1987, and the first firewall in 1992. The term “cybersecurity” was coined in the late 1990s.
Why is Cyber Security Important?
Cyber security is critical because cyber threats are increasing every day. These threats include viruses, malware, phishing, and hacking attacks. Cybersecurity ensures that sensitive information is secure and that companies and individuals can protect their reputations and avoid financial losses resulting from cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity is important to all types of businesses, organizations, and governments.
Different Types of CyberSecurity
There are several types of cybersecurity that businesses and individuals can use to protect their systems and data:
i. Network Security
Network security refers to the practice of securing a computer network from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of service attacks. This type of security protects both wired and wireless networks and their components, including hardware, software, and data.
ii. Application Security
Application security refers to the practice of securing software applications from external threats. This type of security aims to prevent unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of sensitive data.
iii. Cloud Security
Cloud security involves protecting data stored in cloud-based systems. This includes data that is accessed from multiple locations and devices.
iv. Endpoint Security
Endpoint security refers to the practice of protecting computer systems and networks that are accessed by remote devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is the process of using the same methods and tools as the History of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is not a new concept. As long as computers have been connected to the internet, there have been attempts to hack them. The first computer virus was created in the early 1970s by a programmer named Bob Thomas. The virus, called “Creeper,” was designed to move from one computer to another using the ARPANET, the precursor to the internet.
As the use of computers and the internet grew, so did the need for cybersecurity. In the 1980s, the first antivirus software was developed, and the first firewall was introduced in the early 1990s. As cyber-attacks continued to become more sophisticated, cybersecurity technology continued to evolve. Today, cybersecurity is a critical component of every business that uses computers and the internet.
History of Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking is not a new concept, and its origins can be traced back to the 1960s. In the early days of computing, security was not a significant concern, as computers were not connected to the internet. As the internet grew in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, security became a more significant concern, and the first ethical hackers emerged.
One of the first ethical hackers was a man named Cliff Stoll, who worked at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the 1980s. Stoll noticed that someone was using the lab’s computer network to connect to other networks and steal data. He set out to track down the hacker, which he eventually did after several months of investigation. Stoll’s work helped to establish the field of computer security and inspired others to take up the cause.
Why is Ethical Hacking Important?
Ethical hacking is important for several reasons. First, it helps organizations identify vulnerabilities in their computer systems before they can be exploited by malicious actors. By conducting ethical hacking tests, organizations can fix these vulnerabilities and prevent cyber attacks.
Second, ethical hacking is a crucial tool in the fight against cybercrime. As cybercrime continues to grow, ethical hackers are needed to help law enforcement agencies catch cyber criminals and prevent future attacks.
Finally, ethical hacking is essential for ensuring the privacy and security of individuals’ data. With so much personal and sensitive data being stored online, it’s essential to have ethical hackers working to keep that data secure.
Different Types of Ethical Hacking
There are several different types of ethical hacking, each with its specific focus. Here are some of the most common types:
i. Web Application Testing
Web application testing involves testing the security of web applications to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. This type of testing is essential for organizations that rely on web applications to store or transmit sensitive data.
ii. Network Testing
Network testing involves testing the security of computer networks to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. This type of testing is critical for organizations that rely on computer networks to store or transmit sensitive data.
iii. Social Engineering Testing
Social engineering testing involves testing the security of an organization’s employees by attempting to trick them into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that could compromise the organization’s security. This type of testing is essential for organizations that want to ensure that their employees are aware of potential security risks.
What is the Difference between Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking?
While cyber security and ethical hacking are related, there are significant differences between the two. Cyber security refers to the practices and technologies used to protect computer systems and networks from cyber-attacks. Ethical hacking, on the other hand, refers to the practice of testing computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities.
Cyber security is a proactive approach that aims to prevent cyber attacks from occurring, while ethical hacking is a reactive approach that aims to identify and fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals. While both are essential for ensuring the security of computer systems and networks, they serve different purposes.
Future of Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
The future of cyber security and ethical hacking is bright, as cybercrime continues to grow in frequency and severity. As more organizations rely on computer systems and networks to store and transmit sensitive data, the need for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers will only increase.
As technology continues to evolve, new threats will emerge, and cyber security and ethical hacking will need to adapt to keep up. The future of cyber security and ethical hacking will be characterized by a continued focus on innovation and collaboration, as professionals work together to keep computer systems and networks secure.
FAQs
Q1. What are the benefits of cyber security?
A. Cyber security helps organizations protect their data, prevent cyber attacks, comply with regulations and standards related to cybersecurity, and maintain their reputation.
Q2. What is the difference between a hacker and an ethical hacker?
A: A hacker is someone who uses their computer skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. An ethical hacker, on the other hand, is someone who uses their computer skills to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to help organizations improve their security posture.
Q3. What is the best way to protect my computer from cyber-attacks?
A: The best way to protect your computer from cyber attacks is to ensure that you have up-to-date anti-virus software installed, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Q4. What is the average salary of a cyber security professional?
A: The average salary of a cyber security professional varies depending on the level of experience and the specific role. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a cyber security analyst is $76,410 per year.
Q5. What are some common types of cyber attacks?
A: Some common types of cyber attacks include phishing, malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks.
