Ethical Hacking · 4 min
Ethical Hacking
Permission is what separates testing from attacking
This lesson explains the concept, then checks your understanding in a short interactive exercise.
What ethical hacking actually is
Ethical hacking is the practice of testing systems for weaknesses with explicit, documented permission from the system's owner, in order to help them fix issues before someone else finds them.
- Written authorization comes first
- Testing follows an agreed scope
- Findings are reported, not exploited for gain
Scope and rules of engagement
Before any testing begins, the tester and the client agree on what can be tested, when, how aggressively, and what's off-limits.
- Scope: which systems, apps, or networks are included
- Timing: testing windows, blackout periods
- Limits: no denial-of-service, no social engineering unless agreed
- Contacts: who to call if something breaks
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