Ethical hacking is the practice of using the skills and methods of hackers to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems in order to eliminate them, as well as improve cybersecurity. White hackers work only with the permission of the owners and operate within the law. Their work is very important: they help maintain a secure digital environment and protect user data.
In this article, we will tell you the stories of the most famous “white” hackers in the world. And if your child also wants to discover the world of technology, welcome to Progkids!
The most famous white hackers
Ethical burglars are true modern heroes who don't hesitate to show their face. Here are a few of the best-known “white hat” hackers who have made significant contributions to maintaining cybersecurity:
# 1. Kevin Mitnick
One of the most famous hackers in the world, who at the beginning of his career was on the “dark” side and participated in hacking into large corporations and government agencies. After several arrests and imprisonment, he decided he had enough and retrained as a cybersecurity consultant. Kevin has also conducted training sessions and has authored several books.
# 2. Charlie Miller
A PhD in mathematics and a renowned security researcher who has collaborated with Twitter. He became famous for becoming the first iPhone hacker back in 2007 after the original model of the device went on sale. A hacker has found a way to copy files from a smartphone without touching it. Charlie later found “holes” in MacBook security and — believe it or not! — tried to blow it up with a code! However, he did not succeed.
#3. Dan Kaminsky
A well-known American cybersecurity expert who discovered a critical “hole” in the DNS system in 2008. This vulnerability gave attackers a chance to redirect internet traffic to fake sites. The attack that the hacker helped prevent was named after him.
Kaminsky once admitted that he tried to hack Bitcoin, whose code seemed terrible to him at first glance. However, the guy did not find a single “loophole” in the system. Despite the defeat, Dan had a great time.
#4. Jason Haddix
The world's leading specialist in pentesting (penetration testing). Jason hacked games as a child, and when he grew up, he started working with large companies, where he helped organize bug bounty programs.
Jason creates courses for other ethical hackers and is a frequent speaker at conferences. His work helps improve cybersecurity for numerous companies and products. However, he still doesn't betray his favorite hobby, gaming.
#5. Chris Valasek
Another well-known safety researcher who, along with Charlie Miller, demonstrated the vulnerabilities of Jeep Cherokee cars. Their work has drawn attention to safety issues in the automotive industry.
Chris Valasek continues to work on securing cars and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, helping to make them more secure from cyber attacks.
Every day, white hackers identify “gaps” and help organizations protect their systems from cybercriminals. Their stories show how using hacking skills for good can make the digital world a safer place.
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