What is meant by "white-hat hacking"?

White-hat hacking refers to ethical hacking, where individuals use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications with the intention of improving security. These hackers operate with the permission of the organizations they are testing, unlike malicious hackers who exploit weaknesses for personal gain.

By conducting penetration tests, assessing system security, and providing recommendations for improving defenses, white-hat hackers play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and attacks. This practice helps organizations strengthen their security posture and stay ahead of potential threats.

The other options represent forms of hacking that involve malicious intent, unauthorized access, or automated attacks, which are fundamentally different from the ethical motivations underlying white-hat hacking.