Hacker is generally a person who uses a deep understanding of computer systems, software, networks, etc. to find vulnerabilities in these systems or overcome technical limitations to perform desired tasks. Initially, it was a term with a positive meaning, referring to people with excellent programming skills or problem-solving abilities, but now it is more often used in a negative sense to refer to people who engage in illegal activities.
Hackers can be classified according to their purpose and method of operation as follows:
Classification by purpose:
- White Hat Hacker: A 'good' hacker who discovers vulnerabilities in a system and reports them to the system administrator to help strengthen security. Cyber security experts, information security experts, etc. fall into this category. They are commissioned by companies or government agencies to simulate and analyze security vulnerabilities and build defense systems.
- Black Hat Hacker: A 'malicious' hacker who illegally breaks into a system with malicious intent, steals information, destroys information, or commits criminal acts such as paralyzing the system. The main culprits of hacking incidents that we often see in the news fall into this category.
- Gray Hat Hacker: A hacker who is in the middle of white hat and black hat. Sometimes they find vulnerabilities in the system and report them to the administrator, but sometimes they do borderline things like accessing the system without permission.
Classification by technology and mode of operation:
- Script Kiddie: A term for a hacker with limited technical depth who attempts attacks using hacking tools or scripts created by others.
- Hacktivist: A portmanteau of the words 'hacker' and 'activist', it refers to people who use hacking to achieve political or social goals.
- State-Sponsored Hacker: A hacker group that carries out activities such as cyber attacks and information gathering with the support of a specific country.
Hacking:
It is a comprehensive term for all processes in which hackers use their skills and knowledge to attempt abnormal access to computer systems, networks, and digital devices, or to exploit security vulnerabilities in the system to perform desired actions. The targets of hacking are diverse, including websites, databases, servers, personal computers, and mobile devices, and the purposes are also diverse, including information theft, system paralysis, and financial gain.
Examples of hacking:
- Stealing personal and financial information
- Website tampering
- Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS)
- Malware distribution
- Ransomware attack
- Industrial espionage
Hackers and hacking pose a serious threat to the digital environment of modern society, and require constant attention and preparation at the individual, corporate, and national levels. This is also why the importance of information security is emphasized.
The future of the profession of 'hacker', especially **white hat hacker (information security expert)**, can be said to be very bright. As digital transformation accelerates and cyber threats constantly increase, the demand for specialized personnel who can safely protect systems and data is explosively increasing.
Positive Outlook Factors:
- Cyber threats on the rise: Ransomware, data breaches, cyber attacks, and other forms of cyber threats are causing serious damage to individuals, businesses, and countries alike. The need for specialized personnel to respond to and prevent these threats is growing.
- Acceleration of digital transformation: In the era of the 4th industrial revolution, new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly spreading, and at the same time, new security vulnerabilities and threats are emerging. In line with these environmental changes, the role of cybersecurity experts is becoming more important.
- Increased awareness of the importance of security: In the past, security was considered a part of the IT department's work, but now it is recognized as a core element directly related to the survival of a company. Accordingly, companies are increasing their investment in information security and actively seeking to secure specialized personnel.
- Government-level support: Governments around the world recognize the importance of cybersecurity and are promoting policies to foster related industries and train personnel. This is a factor that brightens the prospects for the hacker profession.
- High demand but short supply: The demand for cybersecurity professionals is steadily increasing, but there is a severe shortage of personnel with the specialized skills and experience required in the field. This leads to high salaries and unstable employment conditions for information security professionals.
Skills required for future hackers:
- Continuous Learning: Cyber threats are constantly evolving and new technologies are emerging, so it is essential for hackers to continuously learn new technologies and attack techniques.
- Broad IT knowledge: In-depth understanding of IT in general, including operating systems, networks, programming, and databases, is required.
- Problem-solving skills: The ability to logically analyze and creatively come up with solutions to complex and unpredictable security problems is important.
- Ethical awareness: As a white hat hacker, you need to have a high level of ethical awareness and a willingness to contribute to society.
In conclusion, the profession of 'hacker', especially information security specialists, will become more important in the 스포츠토토사이트, and a very bright future awaits those with excellent skills and ethical awareness. Beyond simple technical knowledge, it is important to develop the ability to quickly adapt to a changing environment and proactively respond to new threats.
Cybersecurity history has been marked by a number of “legendary” hackers who have made their mark on the world through their innovative technical prowess and sometimes controversial actions. They have often pushed technological boundaries, exposed security vulnerabilities, and sometimes delivered social and political messages. Some notable figures include:
Kevin Mitnick: He was called "the world's most famous hacker" in the 1990s. He combined social engineering techniques with technical hacking skills to break into numerous corporate and government systems. After his arrest, he worked as a security consultant and writer, contributing to raising security awareness based on his experiences. Sadly, he passed away in 2023.
Adrian Lamo: Known as the “Homeless Hacker,” Lamo had a unique way of working, finding security vulnerabilities in corporate networks and reporting them to the companies. He broke into the systems of famous companies such as The New York Times, Yahoo!, and Microsoft to point out security issues. He later worked as a journalist and threat analyst.
John Draper: Better known as "Captain Crunch," Draper was an early pioneer in computer hacking and "phone phreaking." He discovered that a toy whistle from a Captain Crunch cereal box could be used to make free long-distance calls by generating a specific telephone system's frequency. He is also credited with influencing Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs.
There are many other hackers who have made their mark on history, including Robert Morris , the creator of the first Internet worm, and Richard Stallman , the founder of the free software movement and a brilliant programmer.
The stories of these “legendary” hackers are sometimes romanticized, but their actions were not always legal or ethical. What is important is that their technical skills and deep understanding of systems have had a significant impact on the advancement of cybersecurity. Today’s white hat hackers and security professionals often study the skills and insights of hackers of the past to help create a more secure digital world.