Hacking is a big deal and there are communities of hackers all over the world. There are also categories of hackers based on behavioural activities. Black Hat Hackers use their hacking skill for stealing. They break into systems and steal information illegally. White Hat Hackers specialize in testing the security strength of their clients’ information systems. They engage in ethical hacking.
The third community of hackers are those who want to come clean . Grey Hat Hackers work for the people they torment and become security consultants or employees to them.
White Hats
If the interest of the White Hat Hackers is to be paid, they will attempt hacking into a company’s network. Then present the affected company with a report detailing the existing security loopholes of the company. And how those anomalies could be tackled. The advantage is that, White Hats can use their skills for a good cause and help stop other cyber criminals. Therefore, keeping up with security and cybercriminals becomes a fulltime job for them.
Another devastating aspect of internet hacking is the “Social Engineering” routine which tricks user to reveal personal information. Social engineering attackers frequently involve very convincing fake stories to lure victims into their trap. Some of these tricks include: sending victims an email that claims there’s problem with their account. This mail will contain a link to a fake website. Another trick is to convince victims to open email attachments that contain malware. Further trick is to pretend to be a network/account administrator and asking for the victim’s password to perform maintenance activity. The recent antics of cybercriminals, call for a constant and consistent update of advanced security software.
The third world factor
Presently, developing countries as Nigeria, are less-privileged in regard to advanced anti-hacking or anti-malware software. Hence they need to act fast in this regard. Most importantly, every computer/internet firm owner should endeavour to engage an expert on Ethical Hacking. Our various schools at all levels, the tertiary institutions in particular, ought to take teachings on internet hacking more seriously. This should be incorporated in the ongoing general studies on Computer Literacy.
The fact remains that, if we commence from the foundation level to educate our young ones on the needful as regards the lingering IT menace, when they eventually become in-charge of any enterprise in the future, they wouldn’t be taken unawares.
Maybe we will deliberately build more community of White hats than the Black Hats if the Nigerian and African educational system considers this field strongly.
Your thoughts.
