What is ethical hacking?

What Is Ethical Hacking? $ Cyber Security: Practices and Types of Hackers $ Ransomware Attack: WannaCry Case Study $ Ethical Hacking: Importance and Process Cyber Security: Practices and Types of Hackers ============================================= Table of Contents ----------------- - [Definition and Importance of Cyber Security](#definition) - [Best Practices for Cyber Security](#practices) - [Types of Hackers](#hackers) Definition and Importance of Cyber Security -------------------------------------------- Cyber security is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It is important to protect sensitive information and prevent financial loss. Best Practices for Cyber Security --------------------------------- * Install and update anti-virus and anti-malware software * Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication * Regularly backup important data * Keep software and operating systems up-to-date * Use a firewall and encrypt sensitive data * Educate employees about security best practices * Implement access controls and user permissions * Use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi Types of Hackers --------------- * **Black Hat Hackers:** also known as crackers, are malicious hackers who break into systems with the intent to steal or damage information. * **White Hat Hackers:** also known as ethical hackers, are hackers who are hired to find and fix security vulnerabilities. * **Grey Hat Hackers:** are hackers who operate in a legal grey area, often breaking into systems without permission but with good intentions. * **Script Kiddies:** are inexperienced hackers who use pre-packaged hacking tools without fully understanding how they work. * **Hacktivists:** are hackers who use their skills to promote a social or political agenda. * **Nation-State Hackers:** are hackers who are supported by a national government and use their skills to steal sensitive information or disrupt critical infrastructure. It is important to be aware of these different types of hackers and the threats they pose in order to implement effective cyber security measures Ransomware Attack: WannaCry Case Study WannaCry Ransomware Attack Case Study Ethical Hacking: Importance and Process (this topic will not be covered in this notes) Cyber Security: Practices and Types of Hackers (this topic will not be covered in this notes) WannaCry Ransomware Attack • WannaCry is a ransomware attack that emerged in May 2017 • It spread rapidly, infecting over 230,000 computers in 150 countries in just a few days • The attack exploited a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, specifically in the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol Impact of WannaCry Attack • Financial losses estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars • Disrupted critical services in hospitals, government agencies, and businesses • Highlighted the importance of cyber security and the need for regular software updates and patching Characteristics of WannaCry Attack • Used an exploit leaked from the NSA, known as EternalBlue • Encrypted files on the infected computer and demanded a ransom to decrypt them • Spread quickly using the SMB protocol to infect other computers on the same network Prevention and Mitigation • Regularly updating and patching software • Implementing firewalls and access controls • Backing up critical data and testing backup systems • Training personnel in cyber security best practices Lessons Learned from WannaCry Attack • The importance of regular software updates and patching • The dangers of unsecured networks • The need for cyber security education and training • The risks posed by state-sponsored cyber attacks References • WannaCry Ransomware Attack • Understanding WannaCry Ransomware Attack • Lessons Learned from the WannaCry Ransomware Attack Ethical Hacking: Importance and Process Ransomware Attack: WannaCry Case Study • WannaCry was a worldwide cyberattack in May 2017, targeting computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system by encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. • The attack was estimated to have affected more than 230,000 computers across 150 countries, with total damages ranging from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. • The attack highlighted the importance of keeping software up-to-date and the dangers of cyber threats, as well as the need for robust cyber security measures. Cyber Security: Practices and Types of Hackers Cyber Security Practices • Keeping software up-to-date • Using strong, unique passwords • Implementing firewalls and antivirus software • Regularly backing up data • Educating employees about cyber threats Types of Hackers • Black Hat Hackers: Criminals who hack for personal gain or malicious purposes. • White Hat Hackers: Also known as ethical hackers, they are hired by organizations to test systems for vulnerabilities. • Grey Hat Hackers: They hack for fun or challenge, but with no malicious intent, and often report the vulnerabilities to the system owner. Ethical Hacking: Importance • Ethical hackers help organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited by black hat hackers. • Ethical hackers follow a strict code of ethics, which includes obtaining proper authorization before testing systems and reporting all findings to the system owner. • Ethical hacking is an important part of an organization's overall cyber security strategy.