A white hat hacker is a computer security specialist who breaks into protected systems and networks to test and asses their security. White hat hackers use their skills to improve security by exposing vulnerabilities before malicious hackers (known as black hat hackers) can detect and exploit them. Although the methods used are similar, if not identical, to those employed by malicious hackers, white hat hackers have permission to employ them against the organization that has hired them.
White hat hackers are usually seen as hackers who are using their skills to benefit society. They may be reformed black hat hackers or they may just be well-versed in the methods and techniques used by hackers. An organization can hire these consultants to do tests and implement best practices that will make them less vulnerable to real hacking attempts in the future.
For the most part, the term is synonymous with "ethical hacker." The term comes from the old Western movies where the cliche was for the "good guy" to wear a white cowboy hat. Of course, the "bad guys" always seemed to wear a black hat.
Read More ยป