Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which of the following best describes ethical hacking?

1. Intentionally breaching systems for educational purposes

2. Testing systems without permission

3. Using hacking techniques for defensive measures

4. Creating new malicious tools

The correct answer is: Using hacking techniques for defensive measures

Ethical hacking is best described as using hacking techniques for defensive measures. This approach involves finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems with the purpose of helping organizations improve their security postures. Ethical hackers, often referred to as penetration testers, are authorized to simulate attacks to identify weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Their work is crucial in developing stronger defenses against cyber threats. The other choices reflect aspects that do not align with the core definition of ethical hacking. Intentionally breaching systems for educational purposes, while it might involve some ethical considerations, lacks the structured approach of security testing with authorization and goal-oriented outcomes. Testing systems without permission directly opposes the ethical framework, as consent is a fundamental principle of ethical hacking. Creating new malicious tools does not relate to ethical hacking at all, as ethical hackers aim to prevent and protect rather than create tools for harm.