Which hacker uses their skills legally to identify vulnerabilities?

A White Hat Hacker uses their skills legally to identify vulnerabilities within a system or network. These professionals are often employed by organizations to conduct penetration testing and security assessments, aiming to help protect against malicious attacks. By ethically finding and reporting security issues, White Hat Hackers play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity.

In contrast, Black Hat Hackers engage in illegal activities by exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, such as stealing information or damaging systems. Pink Hat Hackers are not a widely recognized category and may sometimes be referred to as a playful or variant term. Gray Hat Hackers fall somewhere in between, as they may exploit vulnerabilities without malicious intent but still operate outside legal boundaries, possibly exposing systems without permission. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the integral role that White Hat Hackers play in safeguarding digital environments.