Final answer:
The techniques used by ethical and malicious hackers are indeed the same, but they differ in their intentions. Hackers use tactics like phishing and exploiting vulnerabilities to steal data which they misuse or sell. Combating hacking involves strong security practices and proactive defense measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the reading and techniques used by both ethical and malicious hackers are identical is true. Ethical (white hat) hackers and malicious (black hat) hackers often use the same technical knowledge and tools to probe networks and systems. However, their motives and the legality of their actions are different, with ethical hackers aiming to improve security and malicious hackers often seeking to exploit it for personal gain.
Hackers employ a variety of tactics such as phishing, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and social engineering to gain unauthorized access to systems. They might steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and personal data. With the stolen information, hackers can commit fraud, identity theft, or sell the data on the dark web. Hacking varies in success rates, but persistent hackers can cause significant harm.
To stop or reduce hacking, both individuals and organizations must implement strong security measures like regular software updates, education about phishing, using complex passwords, and employing multi-factor authentication. Additionally, employing ethical hackers to conduct penetration tests can help uncover and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities.