Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

white-hat

noun
/ˈwaɪt hæt/
Definition
A white-hat refers to an ethical hacker who uses their skills to improve security by identifying vulnerabilities in systems, helping organizations protect against malicious attacks.
Examples
  • John is a white-hat who helps companies secure their networks.
  • Many tech firms hire white-hats to conduct penetration testing.
  • In discussions about hacking, the contrast between white-hats and black-hats is often made.
Meaning
The term ‘white-hat’ is often associated with ethical hacking and cybersecurity, where individuals use their expertise for defensive purposes rather than exploiting security flaws.
Synonyms
  • ethical hacker
  • security researcher