An ethical hacker, also known as White Hat Hacker, is a computer security expert who uses his skills and knowledge to help businesses improve their network and website security. Ethical hackers use the same techniques and tools as malicious hackers (also called black hat hackers) to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, but they do so with the express permission of the system owner and with the aim of improving security.
Ethical hackers often work for companies as part of the internal security team or as consultants. They perform penetration tests, which simulate a real attack on the company's network or website, to identify vulnerabilities and make recommendations on how to fix them. They can also perform vulnerability assessments, which are similar to penetration tests but focus on identifying vulnerabilities without trying to exploit them.
Ethical hackers can also specialise in specific areas such as mobile security, cryptography or cloud security. They are well versed in various security standards, compliance regulations and best practices. They are considered experts in their field and are respected for their knowledge and integrity.
Ethical hacking is an essential aspect of computer security and a valuable tool for companies to identify and eliminate potential security risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors.