Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are cybersecurity professionals who use their skills to help organizations protect their systems. They simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in software, networks, and applications. By doing this, they help companies strengthen their defenses against malicious hackers, or black hat hackers, who exploit these weaknesses for illegal purposes. These skilled individuals often work with businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to ensure their data remains safe. Ethical hackers follow a strict code of conduct and obtain permission before testing systems, making them a crucial part of the cybersecurity landscape.