hire grey hat hackers(Grey Hat Hackers)

Introduction：

1、Grey Hat Hackers

2、What is Grey hat？

Grey Hat Hackers ♂

　　As hacking headlines saturate the media every year – from the A-list hacking scandal, to Yahoo’s billion accounts in 2016, to the recent data breach that affected 200,000 organisations in 150 countries – there has been a seismic shift in the way that companies view cybersecurity. Two weeks ago, we looked at how women might be able to help bridge this gap. Today, we’re looking to grey hat hackers who still stir up controversy in tech circles. In this turbulent environment, can we afford to cut out the grey hats, and if not, can we afford to let them in?

　　Let’s handle the terminology first. Broadly speaking, hackers can be classified into three categories: white hats, black hats and grey hats. The white hats are your classic good guy, knight in shining armour types. As cybersecurity experts, the white hats are employed to test the relative strength of an organisation’s technical innards. They have full approval, confidentiality clauses and only access those areas they’re entitled to. By contrast, their evil twin, the black hats, are notorious delinquents or members of elite mafia-esque organisations. Black hats exploit weaknesses within the system to hack information that can be used for personal or financial gain or sold on the black market.

　　Then there are grey hats. If we think of white hats as the police and the black hats as criminals, then the grey hats serve as the slightly underhand detective. Grey hat hackers are something of a smart-aleck; illegally breaking and entering into technical systems in the same way as a black hat, but treating the material they find as a white hat. This could mean leaving a helpful note on the system to make companies aware of their indiscretions (like a burglar who leaves a note to let you know you’ve left the tap running while you were on holiday); it could mean disclosing the information to the company privately to enable them to fix the flaw – or it could mean releasing the information publically, leaving the company exposed to black hat hackers until they fix the problem.

　　There are multiple issues with grey hats. Firstly, by hacking into a system they have no authority to – irrespective of how noble a motive there may be – they are acting illegally. Secondly, when a grey hat hacker notices a vulnerability, they have the decision to privately or publically announce their discovery. On the one hand, exposing system errors to the public further compromises the security of an organisation and risks reputational damage, on the other not disclosing this information publicly means that the organisation has the option to not address the problem and for the public to remain oblivious.

　　Thirdly, and almost consequently, should a grey hat hacker elect to disclose the information to the affected company privately, a moral dilemma materialises for the company in question. The grey hat hacker suddenly has leverage. Should they be rewarded for discovering glitches and errors and not going public, or does that incentivise illegal activity and bribery? And what’s to stop a grey hat from turning black if the reward isn’t high enough? As it stands, black hatting is one of the most lucrative ways to make money out of hacking. While cyber security professionals may cash in 2.7x the average wage, skilled black hats can make a lot more. An in-depth study by Trustwave into the different payment schemes highlighted that basic ransomware that targets 20,000 users a day could generate $3,000 for a black hat hacker, amounting to $84,100 a month after expenses. That means that even with companies investing millions in cash prizes for white hat hacking competitions (Google paid out more than ￡1.5 million in 2014 to 200 different researchers as part of its Security Rewards Program), the temptation to turn black is still there.

　　Despite the concerns, the expertise of grey hats cannot be ignored in such a skill short market. The dearth in cybersecurity skills is well reported, leaving companies exposed to the operations of black hats. McAfee’s ‘Hacking the Skills Shortage’ cited that 82% of respondents were affected by a cybersecurity shortage, while a study by Indeed revealed that cyber security job vacancies has risen by nearly a third in two years, resulting in the skills gap rising by 5% in the UK. CyberSecurity Ventures predicts that global spend on cybersecurity will exceed $1 trillion over the next five years and estimates that there will be 1.5 million job vacancies by 2019 . With such a severe disparity between supply and demand, prosecuting grey as well as black hats could have serious repercussions for the cybersecurity market.

What is Grey hat？ ♂

　　Grey hat refers to a unique category of ethical hackers, who operate in a nebulous area between malicious intent (represented by "black hats") and ethical upright coding (denoted by "white hats"). The term "Grey Hat" essentially embodies a blend of both these realms - a grey zone where things are neither black nor white.

　　Grey Hat hacking has been steadily gaining prominence with the advent of the digital age, where internet usage and digital data handling have become an inseparable part of day to day life. While the name itself seems to imply a compromised integrity, the grey hat community tends to work with a sense of righteous code. unlike white hat hackers, who operate within established boundaries of and intent, grey hat hackers often straddle the edges of information ethics. The goal tends to be benevolent, aiming at exposing vulnerabilities and advancing cybersecurity, but the means adopted to reach this goal can sometimes push legal boundaries.

　　Just like their white hat counter-parts, grey hat hackers exploit and weaknesses in a system's defence. the distinguishing part of their operation style is the disclosure of these vulnerabilities. When a grey hat hacker discovers a vulnerability, they often disclose it to the organization privately, asking for a fee for the fix or making it public if their conditions are not met. Sometimes, they even disclose these vulnerabilities without alerting the organization, creating chaos and requiring immediate action for mitigation. Their actions may not always abide strictly with the law, but their objective is not to harm, but rather warn and improve.

　　Their intrusion doesn't come from a place of malicious intent but rather, to take it as a notch against the prevalent shortcomings in cybersecurity practices. Grey hat hackers capitalize on their skillsets to benefit society and foster an environment where strengthened cybersecurity is a priority.

　　In the sphere of antiviruses, grey hat hacking acts as a check for new threats or unattended vulnerabilities which may be overlooked in routine checks conducted by organizations. This offers an opportunity for antivirus companies to update and calibrate their software, security systems and operational algorithms in real-time, thereby ensuring their customers receive advanced and improved protection.

　　Whether an enhancement is made to the programming to combat an impeccable (APT) or a holistic review is performed on systems following a grey hat hacking exposure, each action ultimately contributes significantly towards robust network security and a resilient digital world.

　　There is an ongoing debate about grey hat hackers' ethics as their methods often involve intrusion and potential violation of privacy without obtaining the necessary lawful permissions. There is also an increased need for their activities to be regulated and transparent, to mitigate any confusion regarding their intentions and maintain public trust.

　　Despite this, grey hat hacking can be a valuable asset to cybersecurity if its boundaries are effectively managed. Their unique techniques and uncanny knack for finding a course through complex programming commands play a pivotal role in our understanding and addressing of in a proactive manner.

　　It is crucial that the objectives and methods of grey hat hackers are subject to scrutiny and aligned with legal, ethical practices promoting cooperation with organizations rather than confronting them. This approach can lead to a scenario where grey hat hackers and organizations operate synergistically, aiding in the creation of secure cyber networks which are inhospitable to malicious threats. In retrospection, with proper regulation, grey hat hackers serve as unconventional heroes who guard the precarious world of cyberspace against unseen enemies. Their value cannot be underestimated but must be managed responsibly.

　　A grey hat hacker is someone who operates between the ethical boundaries of a white hat hacker and the unethical boundaries of a black hat hacker. They may sometimes use their skills for good, but other times they may engage in activities that are considered illegal or unethical.

　　Grey hat hackers may engage in activities such as accessing systems without permission, stealing data, and exploiting vulnerabilities for their own gain. While they may sometimes use their skills to uncover vulnerabilities and help organizations improve their cybersecurity, their motives are not strictly ethical.

　　No, it is not legal to hire a grey hat hacker. Even if they are hired to help uncover vulnerabilities or provide cybersecurity services, their tactics may still be considered illegal or unethical. Instead, it is recommended to hire a certified ethical hacker who operates within legal and ethical boundaries.

　　To protect your system from grey hat hackers, it is important to implement strong cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, regular system updates, and vulnerability assessments. Additionally, it is crucial to have a comprehensive security policy in place and educate employees on best practices for cybersecurity. If you suspect that your system has been compromised, it is important to seek professional help from a certified ethical hacker or cybersecurity expert.

Related questions

If you're looking to hire a cybersecurity professional or ethical hacker for legitimate purposes, here are safe and legal options:

1. Reputable Platforms:

   • HackerOne or Bugcrowd: Platforms connecting businesses with ethical hackers for bug-bounty programs.
   • Upwork or Fiverr: Freelance platforms where certified cybersecurity experts offer services like penetration testing or vulnerability assessments.
   • LinkedIn: Search for professionals with certifications (e.g., CEH, CISSP, OSCP).

2. Cybersecurity Firms:

   • Hire established companies like CrowdStrike, FireEye, or Palo Alto Networks for comprehensive security audits.

3. Certifications Matter:

   • Look for professionals with credentials like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

?? Important Warnings:

• Avoid "Hire Hacker" Websites: Sites like "hirehacker.net" (if they exist) may be scams or promote illegal activities. Engaging with them could lead to legal consequences or financial loss.
• Illegal Hacking Risks: Hiring unauthorized hackers for activities like data theft, fraud, or network intrusion is a crime in most jurisdictions. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.

If You’re Concerned About Security:

• Strengthen Defenses: Use strong passwords, enable 2FA, update software, and train employees on phishing.
• Consult a Professional: Legitimate cybersecurity experts can help secure your systems.

Always prioritize legal and ethical solutions to protect yourself and your organization.