What are the principles of ethical hacking?

The principles of ethical hacking are centered around authorized activities aimed at improving cybersecurity measures. The correct answer highlights that ethical hacking involves authorized testing, which means the hacker has explicit permission from the system owner to probe the systems. This practice is conducted to identify vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the security posture of the organization by fixing the vulnerabilities discovered during the testing.

This approach contrasts sharply with unauthorized activities, which can lead to criminal charges and a lack of trust in the cybersecurity community. Ethical hacking adheres to a defined framework that respects the rights and properties of the organizations involved, ensuring that all actions taken are aimed at enhancing security rather than exploiting weaknesses for malicious purposes. This adherence to ethical standards and collaboration with the system owner distinguishes ethical hacking from illegal hacking practices.