In the cutthroat world of cybersecurity, a new kind of professional has emerged – ethical hackers, also known as “white-hat hackers.” These digital mercenaries for hire are turning the tables on cybercriminals by breaking into systems, not to steal or destroy, but to reveal vulnerabilities and close gaps before malicious actors can exploit them. This practice, known as ethical hacking, has grown into a booming industry, with a global market expected to reach $300bn by 2024.
On a quiet Tuesday morning, employees at a global financial services company logged into their systems, completely unaware of the cyber chaos about to unfold. A simple SQL injection vulnerability in their web application – an easily exploitable flaw that had gone undetected – was about to be exploited by cybercriminals, resulting in a massive data breach that exposed millions of customer records.
Ezzeldin Hussein, Regional Senior Director of Solution Engineering at SentinelOne, shares this cautionary tale as an example of the ever-present digital threats companies face. “Cyber threats have moved from basic malware and phishing schemes to sophisticated, targeted attacks, often orchestrated by nation-states or organised crime groups,” Hussein explains. These evolving threats have led to the rise of ethical hacking, transforming the way businesses approach cybersecurity.
Today, the landscape of cyber threats is more complex and perilous than ever. “Companies and high-profile individuals now face advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware with extortion tactics, deepfakes, and supply chain attacks,” Hussein tells ITP Media Group publication Arabian Business. The threats are multifaceted, with cybercriminals targeting the vulnerabilities of emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud services. This has created an ever-expanding digital attack surface, making it increasingly difficult for traditional security measures to keep pace.
The rise of remote work has further complicated matters, increasing the risks for businesses as employees access sensitive information from unsecured home networks. Ethical hackers have become essential to identifying and mitigating these risks proactively, making cybersecurity an ongoing, dynamic process rather than a static defensive posture.
The sheer scale of this emerging industry is staggering. Ethical hacking, a field that once seemed niche, has now become a critical component of cybersecurity strategies across the globe. The global market is driven by the relentless rise in cyberattacks and the increasing recognition of the need for comprehensive cyber protection.
The role of ethical hackers
At its core, ethical hacking involves authorised attempts to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. Ethical hackers, also known as “white-hat hackers,” simulate cyberattacks to mimic the tactics used by malicious hackers. Their mission: To find and expose weaknesses before real cybercriminals can take advantage of them.
“They start by gathering information about the target system, followed by scanning and analysing it to identify potential weaknesses, such as outdated software, misconfigurations, or weak passwords,” Hussein explains. Once vulnerabilities are found, ethical hackers exploit them to assess their impact, often using tools and techniques similar to those used by cybercriminals. They then document their findings and provide detailed reports, including recommendations for remediation.
Ethical hackers work in much the same way as their criminal counterparts – except with one crucial difference: They operate with explicit permission from the organisations they are hired to protect. These companies recognise that only by understanding their weaknesses can they truly defend against cyberattacks.
The hacker’s toolkit
The tools of the ethical hacker’s trade are varied, sophisticated, and constantly evolving. According to insights from CovertSwarm, a company specialising in ethical hacking services, the demands from clients run the gamut, from basic network security assessments to in-depth penetration testing that simulates real-world attacks.
One of the most common requests involves network hacking, which assesses the security of both wired and wireless computer networks. Web application hacking, another frequent request, focuses on analysing applications for vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS), both common methods cybercriminals use to gain unauthorised access.
System hacking, a crucial part of any thorough assessment, identifies vulnerabilities in operating systems and software. Password cracking is also key, despite its ominous-sounding name. Ethical hackers attempt to gain unauthorised access to user accounts to expose weak password policies, providing companies with the insight they need to strengthen their login security.
But ethical hackers don’t stop at technical vulnerabilities. They also assess an organisation’s susceptibility to social engineering – tactics that exploit human psychology rather than technology to gain unauthorised access or information. Social engineering is often the weakest link in a company’s security chain, making it an essential aspect of any ethical hacking engagement.
In an age where mobile devices are integral to business operations, mobile application hacking has also emerged as a critical service. These portable gateways to sensitive information need just as much protection as traditional IT infrastructure. Ethical hackers ensure that mobile applications, often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies, are secure against malicious attacks.
As the tools and tactics used by cybercriminals evolve, so too does the ethical hacker’s arsenal. From analysing software vulnerabilities to testing human susceptibility to deception, ethical hackers ensure that companies are protected on all fronts.
A booming business
The rise of ethical hacking has turned it into a lucrative industry. Companies like CovertSwarm are capitalising on the growing demand for continuous, proactive cybersecurity measures, offering subscription-based services that go beyond traditional, one-off penetration tests.
“We provide continuous red team services,” a CovertSwarm spokesperson tells Arabian Business. This approach simulates relentless attacks, reflecting real-world scenarios and allowing organisations to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Unlike the traditional model of conducting annual or bi-annual security audits, these continuous red team services offer organisations a dynamic way to protect themselves. In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, businesses can no longer afford to rely on outdated security measures. Continuous engagement ensures that defences are regularly tested and improved.
CovertSwarm offers different subscription tiers, based on the number of days their team will invest each month in simulating attack plans for their clients. These tiers typically cover 25, 50, or 100 percent of the month’s working days, ensuring that organisations of all sizes have access to ongoing protection.
This subscription-based model reflects a broader understanding in the business world: Cyber threats are not static, and neither should cybersecurity be. In an era where new vulnerabilities and attack methods emerge daily, continuous engagement is becoming the gold standard for cyber defence.
Not your typical hacker
Despite the Hollywood image of hackers as rebellious geniuses operating from dimly lit basements, the reality of ethical hacking is far more mundane – and far more professional. Ethical hackers are not typically reformed criminals. In fact, many come from highly conventional backgrounds.
“They can include anyone from technical and IT professionals, software developers, and computer science graduates, to individuals with law enforcement or military backgrounds,” Hussein says. Some ethical hackers are academics or researchers in the field of cybersecurity, while others are self-taught hackers who have turned their passion for cybersecurity into a career.
Many ethical hackers hold industry-specific certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications validate their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they adhere to industry best practices and ethical standards.
Still, the term “hackers for hire” can evoke images of digital mercenaries with questionable loyalties – a concern that industry professionals are acutely aware of. “The ‘hackers for hire’ industry must be approached with caution to ensure that only qualified, reputable professionals are engaged,” Hussein emphasised.
To address these concerns, companies like SentinelOne employ rigorous vetting processes. “We emphasise reviewing the ethical hacker’s credentials, certifications, and past performance,” Hussein explains. “We prioritise working with professionals who have a proven track record of success, strong references, and a clear understanding of legal and ethical guidelines.”
This level of professionalism is essential in an industry where trust is paramount. Ethical hackers are granted access to some of the most sensitive information and systems within a company, and businesses must be certain that their security is in capable hands.
Legal and ethical boundaries
While the ethical hacking industry is booming, it also operates in a tightly regulated space. Legal and ethical compliance is critical. In the UK, ethical hackers must operate within the bounds of the Computer Misuse Act, while in the US, they adhere to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Both laws ensure that ethical hackers are not stepping over the line from lawful security assessments into illegal activity.
Before any ethical hacking engagement begins, explicit written consent must be obtained from the system owners, ensuring that all parties are aware of the scope and nature of the hacking activities. CovertSwarm stressed the importance of operating strictly within these defined scopes, which are agreed upon in advance with their clients.
These legal safeguards ensure that ethical hackers remain firmly on the right side of the law, even as they push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of identifying and exploiting system vulnerabilities.
But as the ethical hacking industry continues to grow, new challenges are emerging. AI, for example, is poised to play a significant role in the future of cybersecurity – both as a tool for ethical hackers and as a potential vulnerability to be exploited by malicious actors.
“Companies need to begin thinking about attacking and securing AI systems, as this area is still a relatively unknown territory in cybersecurity,” CovertSwarm warned. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business processes, it creates new attack surfaces for cybercriminals, requiring ethical hackers to stay ahead of the curve.
The world of “hackers for hire” may sound controversial, but in reality, it’s a crucial part of the fight to secure the digital world. As the threats continue to evolve, so too will the role of ethical hackers. They are the vanguard of cybersecurity, and in a world where the next cyberattack is always just a click away, their expertise is more valuable than ever.