Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, is a cybersecurity practice where authorized individuals simulate cyberattacks to identify and rectify security vulnerabilities. The primary goal is to assess a system's defenses from an attacker's perspective, proactively identifying weaknesses that malicious actors might exploit. Ethical hackers use their expertise to perform controlled and legal activities, ensuring the security of systems, networks, and applications without causing harm.

Organizations engage ethical hackers to conduct thorough assessments, including vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, and risk mitigation. These professionals employ a range of tools and techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of security measures, providing valuable insights to strengthen defenses against potential cyber threats. Ethical hacking is a proactive approach to cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats and safeguard sensitive information.

Responsible and ethical conduct is a cornerstone of ethical hacking. Ethical hackers adhere to strict codes of ethics, ensuring that their activities are lawful, transparent, and aligned with the organization's objectives. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, ethical hacking plays a crucial role in fortifying digital infrastructure and maintaining trust in an increasingly interconnected and technology-dependent world.