Can someone hack your website without your permission, know what are the rules

Ethical hacking is the authorized process of legally discovering and fixing security flaws in a computer system, network, or application. This is also called ‘white-hat hacking’. Its main objective is to detect system vulnerabilities before malicious hackers (black-hat hackers) can, so that data theft and cyber attacks can be prevented. But if this is done without permission or consent then it is a crime in India.

What are the legal rules for ethical hacking?

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, it is illegal to hack any system in India without written permission. Ethical hacking is legal only if you have a clear written authorization letter from that company or owner. Ethical hacking is legal, but it depends on how and under what circumstances it is being done. If this work is done with the express written permission of the system owner and within a prescribed scope, then it is completely legal. Hacking any system or network without permission is a legal offense.

Key Legal Aspects of Ethical Hacking

• written consent-Before starting hacking testing, it is necessary to have written permission and legal contract from the owner of the system or company.
• Scope and limitations-The authorization letter should clearly state which systems, applications or data you can test and which you cannot.
• Responsible Disclosure-Deficiencies found during testing have to be reported directly to company officials and not made public or misused.
• Legal Framework- Information Technology Act 2000 has been enacted to control hacking and cyber crimes in India.
• Section 43 and 66- If a person breaks into a computer system, network or database without permission, it is a punishable offence. Under this, there is a provision for heavy fine and jail sentence.
• Section 66C and 66E- Misusing someone’s password, OTP, or digital identity or creating a fake login page is considered online fraud.
• Section 66E- It is illegal to capture, store, or share someone’s personal photos or data without their consent.

Main steps of ethical hacking

• Information gathering – gathering as much information as possible about the target system or organization.
• Scanning – Detecting open ports, active devices and live vulnerabilities in the network.
• Gaining access – Gaining access to a system by taking advantage of vulnerabilities.
• Maintaining access – To see whether that system can be accessed without permission in the future.
• Erasure – Erasing logs and evidence of a system entry so that no one else can trace it.

Disadvantages of illegal hacking

If a person hacks a system without consent, even if he does not intend to cause harm, it is still considered illegal. If proven, unauthorized access can result in heavy fines or several years of imprisonment under cyber security laws.

Career in Ethical Hacker

• Networking fundamentals: understanding of IP addresses, DNS, OSI model, and TCP/IP protocols.
• Operating System: Proficiency in Linux (preferably Kali Linux or Parrot OS) and Windows commands.
• Programming Languages: Working knowledge of languages ​​like Python, Bash, SQL and JavaScript.
• Certifications: Some of the major global certifications to gain recognition in the industry-
• 1-Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v12 / AI)
• 2-Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• 3-CompTIA Security+

Career as an ethical hacker in India

Ethical hacking has become one of the rapidly emerging career options in India. With the increasing use of digital services, online banking, cloud technology and AI, the demand for cyber security experts is continuously increasing. The starting salary of a new ethical hacker can usually range between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 7 lakh per year, while this package can increase manifold as experience and expertise increases. In the era of AI, companies are looking for skilled cyber security professionals to keep their systems and data safe. In such a situation, ethical hacking has emerged as an attractive and promising career option for the youth.

Also read: World-changing Quantum Computer may arrive by 2029, Microsoft introduces Majorana 2 chip