Ethical hackers play a crucial role in strengthening cybersecurity defenses by identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems and networks. Also known as white hat hackers, they use their skills and knowledge to help organizations protect their sensitive information from malicious hackers.
One way ethical hackers contribute to cybersecurity is through penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking. This process involves simulating real-world attacks on a system to uncover any potential vulnerabilities. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, ethical hackers can demonstrate the potential impact of a successful attack and provide recommendations for improving security.
For example, an ethical hacker might attempt to gain unauthorized access to a company's network by exploiting a misconfigured firewall or weak password policy. If successful, they would document the steps taken and provide recommendations to mitigate the identified risks.
Another important role of ethical hackers is to conduct vulnerability assessments. This involves systematically identifying and assessing vulnerabilities in a system or network. By using various scanning tools and techniques, ethical hackers can identify weaknesses such as unpatched software, misconfigurations, or insecure network protocols.
Once vulnerabilities are identified, ethical hackers work closely with organizations to prioritize and remediate them. They provide recommendations on patching software, updating configurations, or implementing additional security measures.
Additionally, ethical hackers contribute to the cybersecurity community by sharing their findings and knowledge. They often participate in bug bounty programs, where organizations offer rewards for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities. By responsibly disclosing vulnerabilities, ethical hackers help organizations improve their security posture.
References:
"What is ethical hacking? How to get paid to break into computers" - CSO Online
  
"Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking" - SANS Institute
  
"Ethical Hacking: The Different Types of Hacking" - Australian Computer Society