Ethical Hacking & Hacker Types

This unit introduces the world of ethical hacking, distinguishing it clearly from malicious hacking and insider misuse. It categorizes hackers into distinct types — from professionals working within legal boundaries to those operating with harmful intent — and explains how someone transitions from raw technical skill into a trusted security career. The notes cover common categories of attacks that target software and web applications, giving a sense of how vulnerabilities are typically exploited. A significant portion is dedicated to the guiding principles ethical hackers must follow, emphasizing permission, privacy, and system safety. The structured process a professional follows when conducting authorized security testing is also laid out step by step, from initial planning through to final reporting and follow-up. A solid foundation for understanding the ethical hacking mindset and workflow.