A Thorough Insight into Common Ethical Hacking Tools and Resources

Updated on June 11, 2024

Article Outline

In today’s advanced digital space, ethical hacking has become essential, especially for organisations, to fortify their defences against various cyber threats. To effectively carry out ethical hacking, professionals make use of several tools and resources that are specially developed for accomplishing this purpose. 

 

This article will focus on offering extensive knowledge of various ethical hacking resources and tools as well as providing some insights into their applications and functionalities. 

 

What Is Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking is the professional term for the authorised practice of assessing the system of security of a computer system, network, or application and identifying any weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Through this identification, the owner can stay safe from cyber threats and prevent valuable data from being compromised.

*Image
Get curriculum highlights, career paths, industry insights and accelerate your technology journey.
Download brochure

Importance of Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking is important in today’s interconnected world. It ensures proactive security by mimicking potential hackers. They identify the weaknesses beforehand and help organisations to implement necessary strategies to strengthen overall security.

 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker?

The roles and responsibilities of an ethical hacker involve the following.

 

  • Analysing and scanning systems to discover weaknesses in the system’s security.
  • Carrying out authorised tests to identify vulnerabilities. 
  • Testing and developing exploits for verifying vulnerabilities and recommending strategies for mitigation.
  • Carrying out comprehensive system audits.
  • Raising potential threat awareness and educating stakeholders to stay safe.

It is also essential to learn about the various Trends in Technology.

 

Skills Required to Become an Ethical Hacker

To become an ethical hacker, an individual must develop a combination of technical knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Some of the essential skills include

 

Proficiency in various programming languages such as C, C++, and other scripting languages. Some common skills required are

 

  • Detailed understanding of various network protocols.
  • Familiarity with tools that are used in penetration testing.
  • Strong knowledge of web application security and common vulnerabilities.
  • Possession of problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Reporting and communication skills
  • Ethical mindset for aligning to ethical standards and respecting privacy.

If you are interested in esports and gaming, you can opt for Gaming and Esports course.

 

What are the Types of Ethical Hacking Tools?

There are various types of ethical hacking tools that are available for use; these are

 

Network Scanning and Mapping Tools

These tools help in the identification of live hosts, open ports, and network topology. Some common tools are NetScanTools, Nmap, and Angry IP Scanner.

 

Vulnerability Scanning Tools

These tools offer automatic scans for the identification of vulnerabilities in security. This involves common tools such as Qualys, OpenVAS, and Nessus.

 

Exploitation Tools

These tools offer frameworks to assist in the procedure of exploitation of vulnerabilities and gaining authorised access. Some mentionable tools are Canvas, Metasploit, and Cobalt Strike. 

 

Password Cracking Tools

These tools help in cracking passwords and testing their strength, such as Hydra, Hashcat, and John the Ripper. You can also learn about what is P-hacking in data science from here.

 

Forensics and Incident Response Tools

Forensic and incident response tools are helpful in digital forensics and response against incidents, thereby assisting in analysing and investigating security incidents.

 

Wireless Network Tools

These tools are used for securing wireless networks and monitoring network traffic. The most useful tools are Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, and Kismet. 

 

Social Engineering Tools

The use of these tools is for various social engineering attacks like client-side attacks or phishing. Examples include BeEF and SET.

 

Web Application Security Tools

These identify vulnerabilities in web applications like XSS, CSRF, etc. Common tools that are used are OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and Acunetix.

Reporting and Documentation Tools

As the name suggests, these help in documenting, reporting, and organising results and finding ethical hacking activities. The tools that are commonly used are Faraday and Dradis.

 

You can also look at some of the Best DevOps Tools to Master. 

 

Advantages of Ethical Hacking

  • Identification of vulnerabilities
  • Proactive approach toward security
  • Adherence to security standards of the industry
  • Ensures immediate incident response
  • Improved awareness concerning security

 

Disadvantages of Ethical Hacking

  • A false sense of security may make organisations negligent to several cyber threats.
  • Concerns regarding ethics and law 
  • It entertains a limited scope, leaving some gaps in security unaddressed.
  • It can be a costly process for smaller organisations.

 

Resources for Ethical Hackers

Ethical hackers can access a wide variety of resources to enhance their knowledge and skills in the oeuvre of cyber security. Most common resources include online forums and communities that offer spaces for exchanging knowledge, training courses and certifications, publications, and books on the subject, blogs by subject experts, and tutorials. 

 

What is the Difference Between Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security? 

Below is the Difference Between Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security for a better understanding:

 

Aspects Ethical Hacking Cyber Security
Focus Finding system vulnerabilities Protection of data and system from unauthorized attacks
Objectives Identification and exploitation of vulnerabilities to enhance security Ensuring integrity and confidentiality of systems
Authorization Granted by the target organization Protection of systems and information from unauthorized access, irrespective of any permission
Activities Security audits, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment Development of security policies and implementation of security measures.
Legal Implications Conducted within the boundaries of the law Adherence to laws and regulations to prevent legal repercussions.

 

 

 

FAQs
Ethical hacking, also commonly referred to as white hat hacking, is a practice of identifying various weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the computer system. Applications as well as networks. This is done by securing permission from the owner of the system.
Ethical hackers are often required to purchase several tools and software to accomplish the tasks. Some of the most popular tools include Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, Nessus, Burp Suite, John the Ripper, and Kali Linux, among many more, which help in scanning the vulnerability of the system.
Python is one of the most common programming languages that is used by ethical hackers. This is because of its ease of use and versatility. Some other programming languages which are also commonly used are Perl, PowerShell, C, C++, Ruby, which are utilised for particular hacking tasks.
The main purpose behind the use of ethical hacking is to address and identify the vulnerabilities concerning the security system of a computer, network, or application.
Yes, learning ethical hacking on your own is possible, especially in today’s technologically advanced world. Various online tutorials, books, resources, and courses can equip you with all the relevant knowledge and a deep understanding of the subject.

Updated on June 11, 2024

Link

Upskill with expert articles

View all
Free courses curated for you
Basics of Python
icon
5 Hrs. duration
icon
Beginner level
icon
9 Modules
icon
Certification included
avatar
1800+ Learners
View
Essentials of Excel
icon
4 Hrs. duration
icon
Beginner level
icon
12 Modules
icon
Certification included
avatar
2200+ Learners
View
Basics of SQL
icon
12 Hrs. duration
icon
Beginner level
icon
12 Modules
icon
Certification included
avatar
2600+ Learners
View
next_arrow
Hero Vired logo
Hero Vired is a leading LearnTech company dedicated to offering cutting-edge programs in collaboration with top-tier global institutions. As part of the esteemed Hero Group, we are committed to revolutionizing the skill development landscape in India. Our programs, delivered by industry experts, are designed to empower professionals and students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Blogs
Reviews
Events
In the News
About Us
Contact us
Learning Hub
18003093939     ·     hello@herovired.com     ·    Whatsapp
Privacy policy and Terms of use

|

Sitemap

© 2024 Hero Vired. All rights reserved