Ethical Hacking and Online Security

Ethical Hacking and Phishing: Online Security

Cyber attack techniques have become a part of life in current times of technology. Ethical hacking assists in discovering security vulnerabilities and protecting users from rogue hackers. One of most common types of attack techniques is a phishing attack, in which hackers make a victim enter sensitive information including passwords and private information. Software like Dark-Phish reveals a demonstration of a phishing attack, but such software is utilized for security and educational purpose for ethical hackers.

Ethical Hacking, Phishing Attacks, and Online Security

Ethical hacking is an activity of legally testing a system, a network, or an application for security vulnerabilities and resolving them. Ethical hackers, sometimes white-hat hackers, allow companies to make security strong enough to protect against cyber criminals.

Different categories of Hackers

1. White-Hat Hackers – Security-aware hackers make cybersecurity strong.

2. Black-Hat Hackers – Hacker thieves utilizing vulnerabilities for financial gain.

3. Grey-Hat Hackers – Hackers in between ethics and unethical hackers, sometimes discovering security vulnerabilities in an unauthorized manner.

How Hackers Hack Social Media Accounts with a Phishing Link

Phishing is an unethical practice in which hackers create a dummy log in page similar to a real site. After a victim enters his username and password, a hacker stores them and enters a victim's social media account.

Steps Hackers Adopt in a Phishing Attack

1. Website Cloning – Hackers use software such as Dark-Phish to create a dummy log in page similar to a site such as Facebook, Instagram, or Gmail.

2. Sending a Phishing Link – Victims receive a dummy page in an email, SMS, or social media message.

3. Deceiving a Victim – "Your account has been compromised. Click to secure it."

4. Capturing Login Credentials – Hackers steal username and password when victims log in.

5. Gaining an Entrance to the Account – Hackers log in and gain victim’s social media profile using hijacked passwords.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

To protect yourself from phishing scams, follow security best practices below:

1. Check Before Clicking

Mouse over a link and confirm if it’s taking them to a secure site.

Avoid suspicious links received through social media and mails.

2. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable two-step verification (two-factor authentication, 2FA) to introduce an added level of security.

Though hackers steal your password, your account will not work for them even with it.

3. Look Cautiously at Website URLs

Official websites use HTTPS (safe lock sign).

Phishing websites use similar site addresses like "faceboook.com" in contrast to "facebook.com."

4. Never Give Out Login Details

No responsible corporation will ever ask for your password through message or mail.

Avoid logging in through unfamiliar websites.

5. Secure Your Device

Use anti-malware software and update your computer regularly.

Avoid downloading files and programs through suspicious sources.

6. Learn & Spread Awareness

Learn about new and updated methods in use.

Educate family and friends about security.

Conclusion

Phishing attack is one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats in use today. As tools such as Dark-Phish allow ethical hackers and security professionals to understand such threats, hackers use them for illegal use. With proper awareness and security best practices, one can protect oneself from phishing scams and similar types of cyberattack.

Be safe, be aware, and don’t ever give your credentials to anyone!