Why Do Organizations Hire A Hacker To Work Full-Time?
hire a hacker “Fear is the foundation of safety.” – Tertullian (Author)
Information Technology (IT) departments all over the world are concerned about cyber-security. As this digital world evolves, it gets more and more complex. And all those complexities raise a huge challenge called cyber-threat. Hackers gain unauthorized access to your data, steal your information, use your network and device, etc. This ordeal has been present since the 1960s. However, in the last decade or so, the boom of smartphones and other digital devices has caused a rapid increase in this crisis.
Sectors such as healthcare, banks, financial institutions, government agencies, and business corporations are under constant cyber attacks. Hence, many organizations and agencies hire a hacker to counter these attacks. These hackers are popularly known as ethical hackers.
Who is an Ethical Hacker?
Just like any other hacker, ethical hacker exploits vulnerabilities in the system to gain illegal access. The only difference is that the ethical hacker has the permission of the individual or corporation they are breaking into. Thus, it cannot be classified as a criminal activity. These types of hackers are popularly known as the ‘White Hats.’ The ones who attack you are called the ‘Black Hats.’
Ethical Hackers test and evaluate security. They can spot any potential weakness in a system and take measures to cover it. They have no ill-intentions and work only for the benefit of the individual they are hired by.
Why do Organizations need Hackers?
Organizations hire a hacker based on their work ethics, to counter the infamous black hats. Here is an outline of their activities and their necessity.
- Before Attack:
- Test Security – These hackers test the security of the organization by breaking into their system. This way, they can spot the openings in their security.
- Monitors Security – They keep an eye out for any possible security breach. There is a possibility that there has already been a bug or malware planted.
- Secures Vulnerabilities – They secure any weak spots and vulnerability they encounter.
- Reduce Risk – They work with the IT departments to reduce the risk of a breach.
- During Attack:
- Locates Opening – They locate the opening or the source of the attack and closes it. Locating the source is essential to counter it.
- Counter Attack – They counter the attacker and block their pathway. Blocking all pathways will stop the exchange of information between the hacker and the bug or malware. Hence, protects your data.
- Removes Remnant – They clean the network off any remaining bugs, viruses, or malware.
- After Attack:
- Repair – They repair and update the anti-virus and anti-malware programs, as well as the firewall. They also repair any other damage that may have happened to the security network.
- Improve Security – They improve the current security measures and implement new methods for the same.
- Ongoing Work:
- Data security – It keeps your data and information safe.
- Network and server security – It keeps your network, servers, and devices (computers, etc.) safe.
- Cyber-security – It monitors all cyber activities and look for any suspicious ones.
Ethical hacking is essential in enterprises where legal information, company data, cyber security, and legal practices is a must.
In Conclusion,
Companies hire a hacker to strengthen their defenses against cyber attacks. These hackers share the same skills, curiosity, and knowledge as any other hacker. They possess the same intellect and natural IT instinct and any professional programmer. Many organizations and agencies confide in these hackers for their cyber-security.
Having someone possessing the right skills on your side reduces the risk of breach and losses. However, black hats may cloak themselves as ethical ones, to break into and steal your information. You must be aware of the ethics, methods, and intentions of the person you are hiring. Also, have faith in the one you have hired. Work together to be more efficient in cyber safety.
