Ethical hacking is the practice of legally testing and securing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, use their skills to prevent cyberattacks, protect sensitive data, and enhance cybersecurity. They perform penetration testing, security audits, and risk assessments to strengthen defenses. Industries like finance, healthcare, and government rely on ethical hackers to safeguard critical information. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers follow legal guidelines and work with organizations to fix security flaws. Certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) validate expertise in this field.