First, let’s understand the term Cyber Security in detail, and then, we will discuss Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a combination of different skills and tools, which combines together to provide the best security environment to users.

Cyber security is the practice to defend internet-connected systems, such as hardware, software, programs, and data from damage, malicious attacks, or unauthorized access. It helps prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to data, systems, or networks. Cyber security is a broad subject that includes many security mechanisms, such as data security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.

As organizations collect and manage a large amount of important data, they are also responsible for their security. For this reason, they should invest in the security of their infrastructure, networks, applications, clouds, and Internet of Things (IoT), as well as implement adequate security management systems and policies.

Moreover, organizations should invest in the education of their employees and raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. All these processes, and more, should be estimated and managed by professionals with the proper competency. That is why organizations need to hire cybersecurity experts.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Suppose, you have launched an application and established all the security controls to protect it. But, how can you be so sure that your application is fully secure and nobody can bypass the security systems?

You’ll definitely have to test it against all security breaches and check whether the security controls protect your system or not.

Well, this process of testing the system against all possible security breaches is known as Ethical Hacking.

Ethical Hacking is part of Cyber Security, which mainly deals with finding vulnerabilities in a system and solving them before any malicious or black-hat hacker exploits them.

It is the process of testing and validating the system to discover the weaknesses present in it and inform the organization about all those weaknesses. Later, the organization will hire some Cyber Security professionals to recommend measures that will help prevent the data from any kind of theft or fraud.

Differences between cybersecurity and ethical hacking 

Although cybersecurity and ethical hacking share many similarities, and ethical hacking is actually a form of cybersecurity, they differ in terms of the methods they use. 

While cybersecurity experts implement defensive methods of security, in terms of using appropriate security and protection controls, ethical hackers play a more offensive role, meaning that they target security loopholes. 

Importance of ethical hacking in cybersecurity 

Ethical hacking plays a vital role when it comes to testing the security systems of organizations, hence, its importance in cybersecurity is crucial. As it is ethical hackers’ job to think and act like an attacker, by using the attacker’s perspective, they can find the potential weaknesses before the criminals try to attack. 

Using ethical hacking testing techniques, represents a proactive strategic approach of managing, controlling, and preventing cyber risks. Long-term, this will help organizations avoid becoming victims and facing destructive consequences.