Cybercrime and Ethical Hacking

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is the use of computers and networks to perform illegal activities such as spreading computer viruses, online bullying, performing unauthorized electronic fund transfers etc.  Most cybercrimes are committed through the internet. Some cybercrimes can also be carried out using mobile phones via SMS and online chatting applications.

Types of Cybercrime

The following list presents the common types of cybercrimes :

• Computer fraud : Intentional deception for personal gain via the use of computer systems.
• Privacy violation : Exposing personal information such as email addresses, phone number, account details etc. on social media, websites etc.
• Identity Theft : Stealing personal information from somebody and impersonating that person.
• Sharing copyrighted files/information : This involves distributing copyright protected files such as eBooks and computer programs etc.
• Electronic funds transfer : This involves gaining an un-authorized access to bank computer networks and making illegal fund transfers.
• ATM Fraud:This involves intercepting ATM card details such as account number and PIN numbers. These details are then used to withdraw funds from the intercepted accounts.
• Denial of Service Attacks:This involves the use of computers in multiple locations to attack servers with a view of shutting them down.
• Spam:Sending unauthorized emails. These emails usually contain advertisements.

What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems and/or computer networks and coming with counter measures that protect the weaknesses. Ethical hackers must abide by the following rules.

• Get written permission from the owner of the computer system and/or computer network before hacking.
• Protect the privacy of the organization been hacked.
• Transparently report all the identified weaknesses in the computer system to the organization.
• Inform hardware and software vendors of the identified weaknesses.

Why ethical hacking?

• Information is one of the most valuable assets of an organization. Keeping information secure can protect an organization’s image and save an organization a lot of money.
• Hacking can lead to loss of business for organizations that deal in finance such as PayPal. Ethical hacking puts them a step ahead of the cyber criminals who would otherwise lead to loss of business.

Legality of ethical hacking

Ethical hacking is legal if the hacker abides by the rules stipulated in the above section on the definition of ethical hacking. The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) provides a certification program that tests individual’s skills. Those who pass the examination are awarded with certificates. The certificates are supposed to be renewed after some time.

Summary

• Hacking is identifying and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems and/or computer networks.
• Cybercrime is committing crime with the aid of computers and information technology infrastructure.
• Ethical hacking is about improving the security of computer systems and/or computer networks.
• Ethical hacking is legal.