As someone who has always been interested in technology, I have to admit that when I first heard about ethical hacking, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Ethical hacking" seemed like an oxymoron to me – how can hacking, a term that is often associated with heinous activities and cybercriminals, be ethical?
But as it turns out, ethical hacking is no joke. In fact, it is a crucial part of ensuring the security and integrity of computer systems. Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are professionals who use their hacking skills for the purpose of finding and fixing vulnerabilities in computer systems.
Unlike their counterparts, the malicious hackers, or black hat hackers, who use their skills for nefarious purposes such as stealing sensitive data or causing damage to systems, ethical hackers work with organizations to help them identify and fix security weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Therefore, while the name "ethical hacking" may seem like a bit of a contradiction at first, these professionals are serious about using their skills for good and helping to keep the internet a safe and secure place for everyone.
Thus, the next time someone tells you about their job as an ethical hacker, don't laugh – they're probably one of the good guys (or gals)!
In fact, join us in the Digi-Tech symposium which will be happening on the 24th of February 2023 at the University of Nairobi Chandaria Auditorium.
Written by: Caro Ndinda