While modern media often paints hackers as cybercriminals, the true history of ethical hacking reveals a more nuanced and fascinating story.  

The birth of the hacker

The word "hacker" didn’t always carry the negative connotations it does today. The concept of hacking began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1960s. During this time, "hacking" referred to the inventive process of optimizing systems and machines and finding new ways to make them run more efficiently. It was a creative and intellectual pursuit, embraced by some of the brightest minds in technology. 

Interestingly, the idea of ethical hacking—using hacking skills for good—predates the rise of criminal hacking. Early hackers were problem solvers, driven by curiosity and a desire to improve existing systems.

Phreakers and Tiger Teams: Blurring the lines in the 1970s 

The 1970s marked a turning point in the history of hacking and computing in general. As computers became more widespread, a new wave of individuals who understood systems and programming languages began exploring the potential of these machines. This era also saw the rise of "phreaking," a form of hacking that involved manipulating telephone systems. Future Apple co-founders Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were phreaker pranksters for a while.  

Phreakers, as they were called, learned to exploit the vulnerabilities in telecom networks, often to make free long-distance calls. This was one of the first instances where hacking was used on a large scale for illegal purposes. However, this period also saw the emergence of "tiger teams," groups of technical experts hired by governments and corporations to identify and fix security weaknesses before malicious actors could exploit them.

The rise of the "black hat hacker"

By the 1980s and 1990s, the hacker’s image had shifted dramatically. The rapid adoption of personal computers by businesses and individuals meant that critical data was increasingly stored digitally. Hackers began to realize the value of this information and the potential for financial gain through its theft or manipulation. 

During this time, the media spotlighted hackers as dangerous criminals, leading to the association of hacking with illegal activities. These malicious hackers, now known as black hat hackers, used their skills to steal data, extort businesses, and engage in various cybercrimes. High-profile incidents, like the hacking of major corporations such as eBay and Sony in the 2010s, only reinforced this negative perception.

The new age of cybercrime: Sophistication and scale

Today, the scale and sophistication of cybercrime are staggering. The U.S. government reported that it received a record number of complaints from the American public in 2023: 880,418 complaints with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. This number is likely low due to underreporting and only reflects complaints in one country! Today's hackers range from inexperienced "script kiddies" who use pre-written hacking tools and AI to highly skilled attackers who employ advanced techniques to breach systems. 

While the stereotypical image of a hacker might be someone hunched over a computer in a dark room, black hat hackers often work in organized workplaces (as parodied by our comedy webseries Kubikle). Their daily workload often includes social engineering tactics, where victims are tricked into revealing sensitive information, and password cracking, among other strategies.

The renaissance of the ethical hacker

As cybercriminals have become more cunning and persistent, the need for robust defenses has never been greater. Enter the ethical hacker—a professional who uses the same techniques as black hat hackers but to improve security. Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. 

Today, ethical hackers are vital to protecting businesses from cyber threats. Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) are trained to think like their malicious counterparts, identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Some of the most effective ethical hackers began their careers on the wrong side of the law. For example, Kevin Poulsen, once imprisoned for hacking a radio station to win a Porsche, has since turned his skills to uncovering criminal activities online and is now a prominent cybersecurity journalist.

How ethical hackers safeguard businesses

The benefits of ethical hacking for businesses are numerous. By simulating real-world cyberattacks, white hat hackers can expose weaknesses in a company's defenses before they become liabilities. These professionals use the same strategies and tools as black hat hackers, but with a crucial difference: their goal is to protect rather than to harm.

The tools and techniques of ethical hackers

To be effective, ethical hackers often work under a veil of secrecy, typically employed directly by a company’s management without the knowledge of the broader staff. This allows them to mimic the methods of black hat hackers as closely as possible. 

Common techniques include penetration testing, where hackers attempt to breach a system using their knowledge of coding and vulnerabilities. They also employ password cracking and social engineering tactics to assess how easily an actual attack might succeed.

Hackers on both sides of the law

While too many of us experience cybercrime, some people use hacking techniques for good and to keep us safe. If you are interested in learning more about joining these digital superheroes, learn more about how to launch your cybersecurity career!