Thread: Ethical Hacking?

  1. #1
    The superhaterodyne twomers's Avatar
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    Ethical Hacking?

    So I read this, and I thought "Is this serious!?!?!?!"

    this

  2. #2
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    I don't really see anything wrong with this. Hacking in the security sense is simply finding security holes in systems. This course could have been named "secure coding practices" to attract less negative publicity.

  3. #3
    The superhaterodyne twomers's Avatar
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    Some google-esque definition of hacking is: Unauthorized use, or attempts to circumvent or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network.

    My major amusment in it was the ... non-sensicality (sp?) of it. How can the above be ethical? Don't mention that this isn't a Philosophy Forum please!

  4. #4
    (?<!re)tired Mario F.'s Avatar
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    The definition is wrong. That is the... popular view of hacking.

    Regardless, these students will learn how to use modern hacking techniques in order to create and maintain security systems. It's not novel by any means. Many companies already employ so-called hackers. In fact, you have to know about hacking in order to effectively protect against unauthorized access and use.
    Originally Posted by brewbuck:
    Reimplementing a large system in another language to get a 25% performance boost is nonsense. It would be cheaper to just get a computer which is 25% faster.

  5. #5
    Banned SniperSAS's Avatar
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    if jesus wanted people to be able to hack he would have given them USB ports thus there is no such thing as ethical hacking

  6. #6
    The Right Honourable psychopath's Avatar
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    Hallelujah brother.
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    I agree with Quantum1204 - the wording is obviously attracting negative publicity. Considering how easy it would have been to avoid this negative publicity, I am skeptical of the competence of the program's administrators.

  8. #8
    pwns nooblars
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    Just from my experience, I learned how to do SQL injection in order to prevent and test against it. Along with a lot of other techniques to breaking into databases without permission.

    This was all part of learning to code a secure login system for at work.

  9. #9
    Registered User major_small's Avatar
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    "hacking" really just means finding alternative methods of doing something not intended by it's designers.

    "cracking" is what you're referring to. That's when you're gaining unauthorized entry, etc. etc.

    The best security courses teach you how to break things so you know how to prevent others from doing it.
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  10. #10
    pwns nooblars
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    http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hacking

    definition 3b:To gain access to (a computer file or network) illegally or without authorization: hacked the firm's personnel database.

    http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cracker

    definition 2d:One who makes unauthorized use of a computer, especially to tamper with data or programs.

    If people want to get all picky about definitions...

  11. #11
    Registered User major_small's Avatar
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    http://www.cultdeadcow.com/cDc_files/cDc-0037.php

    any major hacking group will tell you that definition is wrong.
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  12. #12
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    Many companies get software tested with a DREAD (and use STRIDE) rating regularly as a requirement by their customers, particularly in financials.

    This rating shows how easily (and how much damage) can be done by a hacker of any given experience level.

    How is it worked out? By hacking the software.....

    Google it....
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  13. #13
    (?<!re)tired Mario F.'s Avatar
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    The hacking versus cracking argument all over again. After so much virtual ink has been spilt over this, and we still have people confusing both words... *sigh*

    Has major_small said those definitions are wrong. The term has been abused all over the years and is now mostly widespread. Escpecially by the media. They are the biggest culprits on the destruction of a perfectly acceptable word. You would have to be around during late 80s and early 90s to understand exactly what I am talking about.

    There is such a thing as ethical hacking. Capiche?
    Many companies hire people to get into their system, exploits their weaknesses and then build the needed security measures.

    Welcome to the real world of hackers.
    Originally Posted by brewbuck:
    Reimplementing a large system in another language to get a 25% performance boost is nonsense. It would be cheaper to just get a computer which is 25% faster.

  14. #14
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    Definitions change, people. If the majority of the world thinks that hacking refers to illegally gaining access to or control of a computer system, who gives a crap what Webster says? People who use the word 'hacking' and are appalled when people misunderstand them need to work on their communication skills.

  15. #15
    Reverse Engineer maxorator's Avatar
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    After I learned SQL injections I found several security holes from my web site.
    So these things are actually useful for making secure things not only for breaking into non-secure things.

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