Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or authorized hacking, is the practice of identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers operate with permission from organizations to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and prevent cyber threats. Ethical hackers use various hacking techniques to assess security weaknesses, including brute force attacks, where they attempt to guess passwords, and keyloggers, which track keystrokes to evaluate potential risks. These methods help organizations understand where their defenses may be compromised.

Infrastructure technology knowledge is essential for ethical hackers, as they must understand how networks, servers, and cloud systems function to identify vulnerabilities effectively.

Programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ are commonly used by ethical hackers to write scripts, automate security tasks, and analyze software vulnerabilities.

Analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for ethical hackers, allowing them to think like attackers, identify weaknesses, and develop solutions to mitigate threats before they can be exploited.

Ethical hackers rely on specialized tools to conduct their security assessments. Some of the most commonly used include network scanners (such as Nmap) to detect active devices and vulnerabilities, and penetration testing software (such as Metasploit) to simulate cyberattacks in a controlled environment.

While penetration testing is a core aspect of ethical hacking, the field extends beyond just testing and includes security research, threat intelligence, and security policy development, all of which contribute to an organization's overall cybersecurity strategy.

As cyber threats evolve, the demand for skilled ethical hackers continues to grow. Many organizations seek professionals with industry-recognized certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), to ensure they have the necessary skills to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Ethical hacking plays a critical role in modern cybersecurity, helping businesses and governments safeguard sensitive information, protect infrastructure, and stay ahead of cybercriminals in an increasingly digital world.