Web Scraping vs. Hacking: Understanding the Difference Between Data Collection and Digital Mayhem

The internet is rife with data. It’s embedded in every website, forum, etc. Part of System2’s data sourcing process is web scraping, that is, collecting data from the internet through technical means. That data is then used to surface insights. We’re very aware of the negative stereotypes surrounding this useful practice, however, we also know if done with discernment and care, it’s simply a positive way of gathering information for a greater purpose. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between “good” and “bad” web scraping and what makes it different from hacking.

Source: https://patchfriday.com/105/

What is web-scraping?

  • Chat GPT defines scraping as: “Scraping, also known as web scraping, is the process of automatically extracting large amounts of data from websites. This is typically done using software or scripts that simulate a user browsing the web and interacting with a website to gather the desired information. The data extracted can include text, images, or even entire web pages.”

  • How we think about it: The technical process where data is legally gathered from the internet.

What is hacking?

  • Chat GPT defines hacking as: “Hacking refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to computers, networks, or digital systems. This can involve exploiting vulnerabilities, bypassing security measures, or using deceptive techniques to gain control over or extract data from these systems. Hacking is often associated with malicious intent, such as stealing sensitive information, disrupting services, or causing damage to the targeted systems.”

  • How we think about it: Doing bad and illegal things on the internet.

How does web scraping work?

Web scraping typically contains a few standard steps:

  • Send an HTTP request to the website

  • Download the HTML

  • Parse the HTML to extract relevant information

  • Store the data in a database

Tools like BeautifulSoup, Scrapy, or Selenium make it easier to navigate through websites and scrape the needed information. They basically simulate a user interacting with the website.

Why web scrape?

Efficiency — web scraping saves a lot of time and resources compared to manual data retrieval methods.

Scalability — scrapers can gather big amounts of data from multiple sources at the same time.

Web scraping can also be used for a wide variety of applications, and it is not all good or all bad. Remember, it’s just a technique for acquiring data that can help people make more informed decisions about the world. A good example is price comparison websites. E-commerce platforms and third-party services frequently use web scraping to pull prices for the same product from different websites to help consumers find the best deals.

How does hacking work?

Well, first the hacker buys a black hoodie, always wears it with the hood up, and goes to work in a dark room. We kid, of course. Just as there is no typical look to a hacker, there is no typical hacking method, but some of the most common methods can include:

  • Phishing (image above) — emails that trick users into providing login credentials

  • Exploiting vulnerabilities — finding and taking advantage of network/software weaknesses

  • Brute force attacks — repeatedly guessing passwords or encryption keys until you find the correct one

  • Installing malware — sending trough various methods malicious software into a system so you can control, steal, or destroy the data

There are also different types of hacking but the most common ones are black hat hacking (malicious hacking with the intent to cause harm), white hat hackers (ethical hacking done by professionals to test and improve a system’s security), grey hat hacking (somewhere in between; these hackers don’t have permission to access the system, but they don’t have bad intentions; they usually report the vulnerabilities to the respective organizations).

Web-Scraping vs. Hacking - Knowing the Differences

So how are those two things different? It should be pretty obvious, right? Well… to start, one thing is:

  • Intent The intent of web scraping should be to gather public data (that is, data that is not behind a login or paywall). With hacking, people usually exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or to cause harm.

  • Authorization Web scraping often operates within the public domain of the web, gathering data that is publicly available. This can be legal if done in compliance with the website’s terms of service, while hacking involves gaining unauthorized access to restricted areas of the website.

  • Impact on Systems With web scraping that is conducted responsibly, the impact on a website is typically minimal, while hacking can cause significant damage, including data loss and breaches of privacy.

  • Methods Used When scraping a website, tools and techniques used are not invasive. They basically simulate normal user behavior but in an automated fashion, while hacking uses more aggressive techniques, such as brute-force attacks, code injection (SQL Injections, cross-site scripting), and exploiting software bugs. The hacking techniques are designed to break the barriers that app owners specifically set up to keep unauthorized users out.

  • Legality Web scraping itself is not illegal, but there are ethical and legal considerations to keep in mind. Websites often include terms of service that explicitly prohibit scraping and using bots to collect their data. Ignoring such rules can lead to legal action. On the other hand, hacking is almost always illegal when it involves unauthorized access or damage to systems — the penalties for hacking are severe and range from huge fines to imprisonment.

How System2 Approaches a Web Scrape

How does System2 stay always in the white area?

  • We review a site’s terms of service

  • We confer with our legal team to determine the legality of the scrape

  • We work with our clients’ legal/compliance team to make sure they are comfortable with the scrape

Understanding the differences between web scraping and hacking is essential in today’s digital landscape. While web scraping can be a valuable tool for businesses seeking insights, hacking poses significant risks and legal consequences. By approaching data collection ethically and legally, we can harness the power of information without crossing moral or legal boundaries.

Conclusion?

Web scraping → good

Hacking → bad

Hacker image by Mikhail Nilov on Unsplash

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by System2 employees and their guests are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of System2. This post is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Clients of System2 may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this post.

matei zatreanu