Lapsus$ Cyber Attacks – How Ethical Hackers Can Help


An ethical hacker is a specialist with in-depth technical knowledge and talents specifically skilled at identifying and exploiting flaws in target systems. The proprietors of the designs have permitted him to work. An ethical hacker's goal is to evaluate the security posture of a target organization or system, and they must abide by the laws of the target owner and the company.

It's like a secret shopper. They go into stores covertly to look for issues and give comments on what needs to be fixed. To test a store's security, secret shoppers may even simulate thefts. Similarly, firms that wish to identify flaws, strengthen their networks, and enhance their processes may greatly benefit from ethical hacking techniques, which are almost identical to those used by cybercriminals.

Ethical hackers work with organizations, companies, the military, and the government to scan the networks for security flaws and vulnerabilities while considering the perspective of someone who could have criminal intentions.

While many businesses provide ethical hacking as a service, several big corporations retain staff teams of ethical hackers.

The following essential elements will help you learn more about ethical hacking and its relevance.

  • For the system to operate effectively, ethical hacking adheres to safe hacking best practices. Since this is a complicated process, ethical hacking demands more extraordinary skill than penetration testing.

  • Trojan horses, malware, and spam emails are examples of harmful software that disturbs the system and storage space. Here, ethical hacking is helpful since it contributes to high-level security while also assisting in the discovery of these viral attacks on systems.

  • An ethical hacker's main objective is to guarantee wireless infrastructure safety, which aligns with most operating businesses' objectives today.

  • Gaining access to a company's network and information system is a benefit of ethical hacking. This automatically offers defense against logical threats and assaults like viruses. As a result, evaluating the security of software and programs is also a product of ethical hacking.

LAPSUS$

The Brazilian Ministry of Health was the target of a ransomware assault by the Lapsus$ hacking group in December 2021, which exposed the COVID-19 vaccination records of millions of Brazilians. After then, the gang established a reputation for itself through a series of cyberattacks on several well-known targets.

In December 2021, the Lapsus$ hacker organization attacked the Brazilian Ministry of Health with ransomware, exposing the COVID-19 vaccination data of millions of Brazilians. The group gained notoriety through a string of cyberattacks on several well-known targets.

How Can Ethical Hackers Help?

Ethical hackers utilize their knowledge to protect and enhance a company's technology. They offer these companies a crucial service by hunting for weaknesses that may result in a security breach. An ethical hacker notifies an organization of the vulnerabilities found.

These are some of the steps followed by ethical hackers −

Reconnaissance

The hacker's primary endeavor to learn more about the goal is at this stage. It includes locating the target's IP address range, DNS records, network, and other information.

They examine the infrastructure security of a system or network. To go around system security, they will look for and reveal any holes that an evil hacker may exploit. Hardware or software defects and poor system configuration are the two primary sources of vulnerabilities.

Scanning

In this phase, the hacker actively looks for exploitable flaws in an objective machine or organization. It includes using tools for information verification, such as dialers, network mappers, sweepers, port scanners, and vulnerability scanners.

They research documents and discuss their techniques and security discoveries with management and IT teams. Businesses and organizations utilize this knowledge to enhance system security, minimizing or removing any possible assaults. Ethical hackers will offer comments and confirmation while a company makes security improvements.

They perform annual penetration tests, primarily when significant updates to the company's infrastructure or applications exist.

Gaining Access

Using the information gleaned through observation and checking, the hacker plans the general structure of the aim at this stage. After locating and researching the company, the hacker has concluded that they have a few options for gaining access.

Maintaining Access

The interaction is where the hacker has successfully gained access to a system. By gaining access, the hacker creates a few backdoors to use if he ever needs access to the acquired framework. In this cycle, Metasploit is the most preferred tool.

Clearing Tracks

In essence, this procedure is unethical. It has to do with removing records from numerous exercises during hacking interactions.

Reporting

It is the final stage of the ethical hacking procedure. In this, the ethical hacker compiles a report containing his findings and the completed work, including the tools used, vulnerabilities discovered, the success rate, and the endeavor measures.

Limitation of Ethical Hacking

While ethical hacking may be a beneficial technique, some restrictions must be considered. It is crucial to remember that ethical hacking is not failsafe initially. Despite having the best intentions, hacking always carries some danger. The second is that ethical hacking may be costly and time-consuming. The cost of employing a security expert or ethical hacker might be high, and carrying out an ethical hack can take a lot of time. The use of ethical hacking is not always permitted. In some circumstances, getting the target organization's approval is required before moving on. In some cases, this may be difficult or impossible.

Conclusion

Access to a company's network and information system can be obtained through ethical hacking. This automatically offers defense against cyber threats and viruses, among other risks. Ethical hacking, therefore, checks the software and program security standards.

Organizations worldwide regard certified ethical hackers as among their most coveted cyber security assets. These professionals go through complex but enriching training. It's time to take the plunge and explore what this unique bunch of anti-hackers can achieve if you still need to employ CEH professionals.

Cyberattacks may seem like an issue that will never really happen, but they are a severe menace that is rapidly growing. Additionally, hackers are always coming up with new techniques. It is crucial to take the required measures in this day and age where technology plays such a significant role in our lives so that you don't acquire an unpleasant burglar or thief!

Updated on: 26-Dec-2022

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