Networking Basics

Hello readers, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you. If you want to become a hacker then you must have good knowledge of Networking and your basics should be crystal clear. That's exactly is what we are going to explore today.

 So, first of all - What is networking? Well, Networking is connecting devices together so that they can communicate with each other, in order to share data, files, and other computing resources. It happens all around us from PCs to ATMs and cell phones.
 Basically there are three types of network :-
1.LAN or Local Area Network : The computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small groups of buildings, such as a school, or an airport. Main features being higher data transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.
2.WAN or Wide Area Network : The computer network that covers a broad area i.e., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries. This is in contrast with personal area networks(PANs), local area network(LANs), campus area networks(CANs), or metropolitan area networks(MANs) which are limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area(e.g., a city) respectively.
3.WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network : The network that links two or more networking devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio) and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network.
Common Networking Devices include Hub. Switch, Router and Wireless Access Point.
Since we are talking about networking, let me throw some light on the terms Internet and Intranet because mostly people are confused between the two and often consider them alike. Internet is a global system of interconnected computer systems that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite(TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide.It is a network of networks. Whereas Intranet is a private computer network that uses Internet Protocol technologies to securely share any part of an organisation's information or other resources within that organisation. The term is used in contrast to internet, a network between organisations, and instead refers to  a network within an organisation.
That's all for today, and once again MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Basic Terminologies

Hello readers, from today onwards you all will be taking your first step towards becoming a professional ethical hacker. OK let's start, well to understand who is an ethical hacker you should first know who is a hacker. Basically a hacker is a person who - loves to explore computer technology and takes it to the next level, someone who is good at programming and also who loves to explore the details of programmable systems and know how to stretch their capabilities. However due to common stereotype, Hacking today refers to breaking into computer systems without authorization, and a hacker is a criminal as per law. In true sense people who break into computer systems or networks without authorization are crackers(or Black Hat Hackers) and not hackers(White Hat Hackers). Now, when the hacker uses his in-depth knowledge of the computer systems and programming to understand flaws or vulnerabilities which exist in a system and then uses this knowledge to fix these security issues, the whole process can be termed as Ethical Hacking and the person who do this(i.e. hacking with ethics or as per law with prior authorization) is called an Ethical Hacker.

 An ethical hacker generally takes the following steps while gaining access into a system to find out vulnerabilities :-

Technically there are three levels of hackers:-
1.Neophyte - A newbie in this field of computer security with almost no knowledge.
2.Script Kiddie - A non-expert who uses tools or scripts made by others to hack into system with little knowledge about the concept working behind the tool.
3.Elite - Also known as 1337, it is a term used to describe the most technically advanced hackers who use cutting edge technology and specializes in  one or more of domains like network or web application security, exploit development and reverse engineering  malware analysis/development or cyber forensics.
 You are currently a neophyte or may be a script kiddie but soon if you continue to read my posts and are able to gain the knowledge which I will be sharing with you, even you could become an Elite.
  

Introduction : The Need For Ethical Hackers

With the evolution of technology and the increasing complexity of computer systems, the requirement for skilled persons(called Ethical Hackers) to handle the security of such systems has risen up. That's why I(a CISE) decided to start this blog so that anyone who is interested in learning and mastering such skills can easily acquire them by learning Ethical Hacking. It requires a lot of hardwork and determination to gain expertise but don't worry with time and practice you will get better and better. With the ability to think like a hacker, you’ll be able to protect yourself from hackers attacking you. You may wish to seek a career in Ethical Hacking – Usually hired by an organization, an ethical hacker uses the same tools and techniques as a hacker to find and secure vulnerabilities in computer systems. Or you may just show off ur newfound skills to your friends, and just hack because you want to. It’s FUN!! That's enough of blah!blah!blah from the next post we will get started on our wonderful journey of Ethical Hacking...