---
title: Jericho's Cybersecurity Glossary | Ethical Hacking
description: Ethical hacking refers to the practice of intentionally probing systems or networks for vulnerabilities, with permission, to identify and fix potential security issues before malicious hackers can exploit them.
---

[Jericho Security | Glossary](http://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary)

# [Jericho's Cybersecurity Glossary | Ethical Hacking](http://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/ethical-hacking)

 Written by [Jericho Security Team](http://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/author/jericho-security-team) | September 27, 2024

#### *Definition:*

Ethical hacking refers to the practice of intentionally probing systems or networks for vulnerabilities, with permission, to identify and fix potential security issues before malicious hackers can exploit them.

#### *Use Cases:*

- Used by organizations to find and fix security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
- Employed in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to improve overall security posture.

#### *Related Terms:*

- [Penetration Testing](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/penetration-testing)
- White Hat
- [Vulnerability Assessment](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/vulnerability-assessment)
- [Red Team](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/red-team)

#### *Questions and Answers:*

- **What is the goal of ethical hacking?**The goal is to identify and remediate security weaknesses in systems and networks to prevent malicious attacks.
- **How is ethical hacking different from malicious hacking?**Ethical hacking is performed with the permission of the system owner and aims to improve security, whereas malicious hacking is illegal and intended to cause harm or steal data.
- **What certifications are available for ethical hackers?**Common certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN).

[View full post](http://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/ethical-hacking)

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