Not a thud or mobile ringtone for over two hours as audience watched Computer Security and Digital Intelligence Consultant Mr Ankit Fadia share examples of shocking cyber crimes followed by live hacking demonstration at the Residency here.
And it was not just the student community that enjoyed and noted the tips that Mr Fadia offered on accessing sites that are otherwise blocked by college authorities/ systems administrator, but the faculty too.
Most of those present to hear Fadia's lecture on ‘Ethical Hacking' took notes as the expert demonstrated how emails can be tracked and IP addresses hit upon, crack password and so on.
The seminar was organised by EBET Knowledge Park, Kangeyam and URC Infotech, Erode, with The Hindu as media partner to the event.
Mr Fadia demonstrated various techniques to create awareness amongst users about the vulnerability of the Net, if not protected properly from hackers. “Hackers can do anything if the system is not fully protected; they can take complete control of the machine from a remote location, leaving the user to wonder why his keypad is not responding, while responses are displayed on the screen,” he said. He illustrated how the BSNL site was hacked and the defaulters name removed from the list that have not paid the dues on time and thus giving the idea of ‘getting a lifetime free connection' and hacking the DTDC (courier service company) site with ease.
While sharing hacking tricks, Mr Fadia advised the audience against playing with cyber laws. “The need of the hour is to produce more and more ethical hackers to keep our computer networks safe and secure,' he said and cited a Nasscom report, which highlighted the huge demand for ethical hacking professionals in the coming years.
So, what is the qualification to become a hacker? ‘While programming knowledge is essential, to outwit a crook, one has to think like a criminal,' Mr Fadia said.