Who is typically referred to as a "White Hat Hacker"?

A "White Hat Hacker" is typically an ethical hacker who is employed to enhance security by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in systems. These individuals utilize their skills to help organizations improve their security posture and protect against malicious attacks. Unlike their "Black Hat" counterparts, who exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, White Hat Hackers operate within legal boundaries and often have permission to test systems. Their activities can include penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and providing recommendations for securing systems.

While network administrators and software engineers play important roles in IT, they are not specifically defined as hackers. Their responsibilities typically don't involve hacking activities. The distinction here is crucial; White Hat Hackers actively engage in ethical hacking practices to safeguard information, which is why this choice accurately denotes the role of a White Hat Hacker.