Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What are individuals known as who take on the role of ethical hackers or security analysts?

1. Gray Hats

2. Script Kiddies

3. White Hats

4. Red Teamers

The correct answer is: White Hats

Individuals who take on the role of ethical hackers or security analysts are commonly referred to as White Hats. This term denotes professionals who use their hacking skills for ethical purposes, primarily to improve security systems, identify vulnerabilities, and protect organizations from malicious attacks. White Hats typically conduct authorized penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, seeking to enhance security measures by finding and fixing weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. They often work in collaboration with organizations, following a code of ethics that distinguishes their activities from those of hackers engaging in illegal or harmful activities. In contrast, Gray Hats operate in a more ambiguous moral space, sometimes exploiting vulnerabilities without permission but without malicious intent. Script Kiddies are individuals who use existing scripts or tools to launch attacks without fully understanding the underlying technology, often lacking the expertise of skilled hackers. Red Teamers are a specific subset of security professionals who simulate attacks to assess the defenses of an organization, but they may not fit the broader definition of ethical hackers found in the role of White Hats.