Final answer:
Non-malicious security experts testing an organization's systems for vulnerabilities are called ethical hackers. They play a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity. To reduce hacking, strong preventive measures and comprehensive cybersecurity practices are crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-malicious computer security experts that test the security measures of an organization's information systems to ensure they are protected against malicious intrusions are called ethical hackers. These individuals use their skills responsibly to find vulnerabilities and assist in improving cybersecurity by making recommendations or taking corrective actions before malicious hackers can exploit these weaknesses. Ethical hackers are not just focused on penetration testing but also on developing proper security protocols to fend off future attacks.
Hackers utilize methods such as phishing attempts, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and infecting systems with malware to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. They might steal passwords, financial data, or personal information and use this for various illicit purposes such as identity theft, financial fraud, or selling the data on dark web markets. To combat hacking, preventative measures like two-factor authentication, using strong and unique passwords, and continuous cybersecurity education are essential.
When organizations like businesses or healthcare systems suffer from hacking, they face not only financial losses but also a loss of public trust. The stolen information can lead to further security breaches elsewhere, making comprehensive cybersecurity a critical priority. To manage data breaches, organizations should have incident response plans in place and consider proactive cybersecurity practices as the best way to prevent future incidents.