Which type of hacker is typically known as an ethical hacker?

An ethical hacker is typically referred to as a white hat hacker. This designation stems from their role in cybersecurity, where they use their technical skills for defensive purposes rather than malicious intent. White hat hackers are authorized to test and evaluate the security of networks and systems, identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses so that organizations can strengthen their defenses. They often work in tandem with organizations to ensure compliance with security policies and regulations, as well as safeguarding sensitive data.

The term contrasts with other categories of hackers, such as black hat hackers, who exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or malicious intent, and grey hat hackers, who may sometimes violate ethical standards or laws but do not have the same malicious objectives as black hat hackers. Script kiddies, typically inexperienced individuals using pre-written scripts or tools to conduct attacks, lack the sophisticated skills of ethical hackers. Thus, understanding these categories highlights the distinct contributions of white hat hackers in protecting systems from harmful cyber threats.