The True Definition of Hacking Within the Computer Science Field

Demand grows for cybersecurity specialists who can test network defense systems

Most people think hackers are shadowy cybercriminals who steal data or identity, scam people or shut down organizations’ websites. In today’s digital world, the definition and role of a hacker is more complex.

The word “hacker” predates modern tech, but today the term largely relates to threats to the everyday digital devices you use at home and at work. But experts with technical skills to get past, or “hack,” digital defenses aren’t all malicious. Some hackers work to counter the bad actors who use that know-how for malicious or illegal activities.

These good hackers, also known as ethical hackers, cybersecurity specialists or penetration testers, employ the same digital tools, skills and approaches of cybercriminals. But their efforts exploit weaknesses and create stronger and more protected systems and networks.

Sacred Heart’s cybersecurity programs prepares students to defend various organizations from modern cyberthreats. With one of the best cybersecurity master’s programs in Connecticut, SHU was the first university in the state to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for its Master of Science in cybersecurity program.

Aspiring to be a force for good can pay off. Job growth is expected to be strong for cybersecurity professionals over the next 10 years. It’s projected to grow 33%, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And annual pay for a cybersecurity professional is $132,962, with those at the higher end earning more than $170,000.

Explore SHU’s additional programs that prepare you for a career in cybersecurity.

Here are several ways these ethical hackers are redefining their work and creating a safer and more secure digital future: strengthening cybersecurity, driving innovation and fostering new ways of thinking.

Strengthening cybersecurity

In the computer science field, hacking can effectively identify and address security vulnerabilities within computer systems and software. The earliest legitimate hacking can be traced to 1963 when a PDP-1 computer was attached to MIT's telephone system and used to intentionally disrupt service.

The word has since taken a knock because of global hacking attacks, which have exposed the sensitive information of millions of consumers. But there have always been cybersecurity experts, or skilled hackers, who have embraced opportunities to be a force for good.

These ethical hackers conduct targeted tests to assess security systems and shore up weaknesses. Known as penetration testing, these simulated real-world attacks are used to create more comprehensive security solutions that help organizations better protect their data, prevent financial losses, secure critical infrastructure and defend their intellectual property.

With a future rise in interconnected digital systems and cloud computing expected, there will be a need for new hackers, or cybersecurity experts, who can predict the evolution of technology and create innovative solutions for digital security.

Driving innovation

When systems are tested beyond what is expected, it can be a catalyst for innovation. For instance, during vulnerability testing, cybersecurity experts might find a bug or security gap in encryption software, which can lead to new tools, new technologies or software that keep digital assets safer.

As part of a broader team, ethical hackers collaborate with developers to identify flaws early on that will lead to innovative security solutions and products that are more robust and dynamic.

At Sacred Heart, students are learning traditional methods and innovative approaches. They also learn about understanding network protocols, investigating cybercrimes, improving defenses against hackers and securing data through encryption and decryption techniques.

“Students learn through traditional testing techniques and innovative approaches such as AI-powered tools and machine learning programs to predict ever-evolving threats, identify potential vulnerabilities and monitor for attacks in real time,” said Igor Khokhlov, assistant professor of cybersecurity at SHU.

Fostering new ways of thinking

The mindset of a hacker—constantly questioning and testing assumptions—can foster new ways to think about old problems. By using unconventional methods, or “hacking” traditional knowledge or systems, hackers may spur breakthroughs that could have been overlooked.

The first step in becoming a cybersecurity expert is to develop a deep understanding of how software and systems work, such as the infrastructure, programming languages and security mechanisms. Done ethically, reverse engineering techniques can lead to discovery of potential vulnerabilities, and subsequently novel strategies to mitigate them.

Participating in hackathons or cybersecurity challenges also helps aspiring cybersecurity professionals to develop their skills. These competitive events can encourage innovative thinking and expose participants to real-world coding problems.

Interested in a career in ethical hacking?

SHU’s cybersecurity programs feature expert faculty with strong industry connections and decades of professional experience. Students also benefit from hands-on experience in SHU’s cybersecurity lab. Students gain expertise in real-world threats and solutions, leading to jobs in the growing fields of cyberoperations and cyberdefense.

To learn more about Sacred Heart’s undergraduate and dual degree programs, you can visit SHU’s undergraduate admissions webpage or call 203-371-7880. If you are interested in master’s degree and certificate offerings, you may schedule a meeting with Ed Nassr, reach out to nassre@sacredheart.edu or call 203-396-6877.