Now, the term “Hacker” is always associated with everything and anything negative in the tech underworld. A person who breaches into the system steals data, or often someone who develops very random viruses to destroy other systems. I hope I put that one out alright. But to give a reality check, it is far more nuanced than most of us think. First of all, keep your mind open, it's a skill you have to learn and figure it out. Many people might be good developers, including Full Stack Developers, in general theory, yes, they kind of have the technical knowledge, understanding and skill to be hackers.
But the question is again, Can a Full Stack Developer Hack?
Let’s understand what is full stack development first to route back into this question.
In simple words, to sum it up, most full-stack developers are unique programmers who can work on both the front end and back end of a web application. Most full-stack developers are said to be a complete mix package with very diverse skill sets and have a broad understanding of various concepts and technologies. Technologies such as programming languages, from JavaScript, Python, and Ruby, to say some, now it is not just programming languages that dabble in Frameworks like React, Angular, Django and but also Databases like My SQL and MongoDB. Ain’t that a complete package, or what can I say? Doesn’t that make them a complete asset for any development team?
The process of gaining unauthorised access to a systems or a network often with antagonistic intent. Hackers can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a system and gain control of it to steal information. Now hacking ranges from Black Hat Hacking, White Hat Hacking and Gray Hat Hacking, each has its own intent and making them how they act on it makes the difference.
With the technical ability they posses, yes they can potentially learn ethical hacking and indulge in hacking.
Here’s how:
Since they are well versed in web application architecture, most full stack developers can identify potential vulnerabilities within codes, its easy peasy for them to identify SQL ingestions, Cross-Site Scripting and Cross- Site Request Forgery.
Now this deep knowledge is a boon, as they have a good flair and understanding over programming language and frameworks, they can easily develop exploits which can take advantage of othe vulnerability of systems.
In certain cases, Full-stack developers do use social engineering technologies to get access to system or information, illegally.
Well, if I go back in the past decade, hacking has existed, and there are unethical and ethical hackers out there. But here, we have to emphasise the factor that the vast majority of Full-stack developers are ethical professionals who use their skills for more creative and constructive purposes. Compared to destroying , what i have seen is more of a crowd who build software solutions with incredible user experiances and leading technological progress.
Now how it usually creates a dilemma, is when the intent of the developer changes, from ethical to malicious. This malicious intent have a quiet serious consequences such as it would pull you into legal repercussions, reputation damage and it can be personal harm or harm to organizations.
Only way to preventing full stack developers in engaging in threatful or malicious hacking is by promoting ethical behaviour and proper training.
Ethical Guidelines:When giving basic training Full stack developers, organisation should clearly establish ethical codes, enlighten them on code of conduct on the acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the industry.
Security Training:Having a routined security training programs or conferences can help developers to be enlightened and stay informed about the latest threats they can come across and also have a clear understanding on the best practices in order to protect the systems.
Code Review:A general code review every once in a while is worth a step to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure that your code and systems are safe.
Access Control:Limiting access control is vital as it can limit the ability for individual to get access across confidential data and sensitive systems.
Yes, they can. Now this is not because being a full stack developer doesn’t make them a good hacker already. But one can upscale themselves by learning ethical hacking any time. It is important to note that most full stack developer are ethical professionals who wishes to use their ability for positive purpose. Learning ethical hacking to improve security skills and it paves the path for you to take on more roles in cyber security. Now it is an ethical imperative too use technology with responsibility for progress and your actions should guide for good deeds.
