What is the role of an ethical hacker?

The role of an ethical hacker is fundamentally about using hacking techniques in a legal and authorized manner to assist organizations in identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities within their systems. Ethical hackers, often referred to as "white hat" hackers, perform penetration testing, security assessments, and vulnerability analysis to help organizations safeguard their data and infrastructure.

By simulating the tactics and methods used by malicious hackers, ethical hackers provide valuable insights that enable organizations to strengthen their defenses before an actual attack occurs. Their work not only contributes to the overall security posture of the organization but also helps in educating stakeholders about the importance of cybersecurity.

The other roles mentioned, while related to cybersecurity, do not encapsulate the primary function of an ethical hacker. For instance, illegally accessing and stealing organizational data does not reflect ethical behavior; promoting cybersecurity awareness is important but is more about education than direct technical intervention; and installing prevention software is a part of broader cybersecurity measures but does not specifically define the active role of ethical hacking.