Technological advancements have opened new avenues for exploration while also simplifying daily life. This technology has also proven to strengthen various strategic sectors, such as telecommunications, banking, entertainment, and education.

However, behind the convenience offered by network systems and technology, new challenges and threats have also emerged, namely hacking. Hacking consists of a series of non-legal activities carried out by certain individuals to obtain private data or obstruct accessibility to specific digital spaces.

The threat of hacking continues to evolve with advancements in network systems and technological devices. Hackers can now access data and devices remotely using various methods, from sending phishing links to deploying viruses that can lock down a system.

Although hackers tend to be viewed with negative sentiment, not all are associated with malicious activities. UNDIRA Friends have surely heard the term "white hat hacker" or "ethical hacker." Different by principles from stereotypical hackers we know of, White hat hacking is an activity that involves a proactive approach, prioritizing the security of data and users in the digital space.

In practice, white hat hackers collaborate with relevant institutions to conduct comprehensive system testing. The work performed by white hat hackers includes: vulnerability testing, assessing system resilience against digital attacks (penetration testing), and creating firewalls needed to patch affected systems or those potentially vulnerable to a future Zero-Day Attack.

Besides conducting system testing to maintain security, white hat hackers also have several other tasks:

1. Conducting Social Engineering: 

In addition to technical hacking tests to ensure system security, white hat hackers also apply social engineering. This method essentially functions as a "psychological test" to assess user awareness and vulnerability.

This is important for preventing hacks that tend to exploit users' psychological weaknesses. One example is sending simulated phishing links to identify individuals who could be weak points in the security system.

Indeed, a secure system starts not only with optimal device security but also with user vigilance against suspicious links in the digital space.

2. Wireless Network Testing: 

Besides testing the strength of systems and firewalls (coding), white hat hackers also focus on auditing network security, such as Wi-Fi. A network with weak resilience tends to have loopholes for hackers to intercept data traffic, one of which is through your IP address.

Through this vulnerability, irresponsible attackers can modify data or even inject malicious programs to users connected to that network.

However, the role of white hat hackers is not limited to improving the performance and security of systems and networks for specific institutions. White hat hackers now also play a role in protecting and supporting the performance of vital state systems. One recent popular example is their involvement in testing the Indonesian Core Tax Administration System (Coretax) under the coordination of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

The existence of white hat hackers proves that hackers do more than just breach systems for malicious purposes. The strengthening and testing of system security are clear proof that, amidst the damaging image of hackers, they can be a strategic asset. Heading towards 2030, which is full of digital security challenges, we must not just wait, but actively participate in prevention.

Interested in the world of cybersecurity and cyberattacks? Want to become a professional ethical hacker? UNDIRA's Informatics Engineering is the answer you're looking for! We don't just equip students with system development theory. More than that, we focus on practical learning: how to find system vulnerabilities (loopholes) and devise effective preventive strategies to tackle evolving cyber threats.

UNDIRA graduates are prepared to become leaders in the technology field, who are not only able to compete globally by 2030 but are also dedicated to protecting and advancing Indonesia's digital ecosystem.