Ethical hackers now allowed to hack Belgian companies without their permission

On Wednesday, a new Belgian law has gone into effect that allows ethical hackers to hack companies without their consent. That way, they can test the security systems of the companies and search for vulnerabilities.

Before, ethical hacking in Belgium was only legal if the company in question specifically asked a hacker to test their security system. Belgium is the first country in the world where unsolicited hacking is no longer punishable by law, wrote ethical hacker Inti De Ceukelaire on Twitter.

However, hackers still have to adhere to several conditions. For instance, they are only allowed to target Belgian companies. Hackers also have to disclose any vulnerabilities to the targeted company within 72 hours after their discovery and, asking for a reward is not allowed.

"Belgium has over 3,000 ethical hackers," explained De Ceukelaire to VRT NWS. "They will now be able to test if the data of the average citizen is well protected."

^{© BELGA PHOTO STEPHAN ENGLER}