Campus Network Design Fundamentals

Most of us equate hacking with malicious activities. In fact, hacking is defined as working diligently on a computer system until it performs optimally. The popular use of the term hacking is more related to cracking, which is defined as the act of unlawfully accessing a network infrastructure to perform unethical activities. But for the purposes of this book, the widely accepted term hacking denotes malicious activities directed at networks and systems.

Types of Hackers

There are as many motivating factors for hacking as there are hacker types. From the script-kiddy who downloads hacking shareware and follows on-screen instructions to the cyber-terrorist, one thing is certain: They want to inflict pain on your organization.

Also, although they are not necessarily qualifying as hackers, careless employees can also be dangerous to your organization.

White-Hat Hackers

Not all hackers spell trouble. White-hat hackers are either reformed hackers or network professionals who have achieved mastery of the art and science of hacking. White-hat hackers are paid to provide penetration testing of the corporate network and to produce a detailed report of their findings. White-hat hackers are sometimes hired inconspicuously by senior management to test the ability of the IT department to detect and deal with attacks.

Regardless of whether the hacking motivation is benevolence, carelessness, or maliciousness, hackers wouldn't exist if vulnerabilities weren't available to exploit. The next section delves into network vulnerabilities.