Why The Art Of Footprinting Is The First Phrase Used In Information Security?

by Robert Smith Technology Expert

The World Wide Web is highly vulnerable and prone to attack; one of the key things that most of us talk about is information security. Here it becomes important to mention that we need the information to be secured and safe. One of the first things that the hackers do is to gather information about the target. This is the first step in hacking. This information gathering results in cyber attacks. When we talk about this first step, then it becomes important to mention Footprinting.

What is Footprinting?

It is the first step that lets the hacker collect the information about hardware or network. The one who is trying to gather the information can do this actively or passively. Hence we can say that the art of Footprinting is the first step in information security.

Types of Footprinting:

1. Via Search Engine

2. Via Social networking sites

3. Competitive intelligence

4. Website Footprinting

5. DNS Footprinting

6. WHOIS Footprinting

7. Email Footprinting

8. Network Footprinting

9. Footprinting using advanced Google hacking techniques

How it Footprinting is used?

There are various applications of Footprinting, and it is a part of Ethical Hacking. As a concept, Footprinting can be used by attackers and defenders. In the case of attackers, they can easily collect information about the target. This is mostly done passively and legally. This collected information is used to find out the weakness of the target or competitor, and thus, it helps in framing strategies, which can help the company overcome its competitor. Similar, the company can also use this technique to find out vulnerabilities and weaknesses to prevent the attacks. It’s a popular concept and is important to maintain information security.

Final Thoughts-

While we talk about Footprinting, companies are hiring individuals who are Footprinting experts. You can become an Information Security Expert and learn about the Footprinting technique. As we have mentioned this pointer above, it is used by attackers and defenders by becoming an Information Security Expert; you have a great chance of ending up finding a decent job. Since more and more companies now realize the importance of data security, becoming an expert in Information Security will help you rise in the professional world. Global Tech Council offers a wide spectrum of courses like cyber security certification, learning ethical hacking, and Network security certification. You can enroll in the program and become a Certified Information Security Executive.