Not all hackers engage in criminal activity, making option B the correct answer. The term “hacker” broadly refers to individuals with technical skills to understand and manipulate systems. Their intent determines whether their actions are ethical or malicious.
Ethical hackers, also known as White Hat hackers, work legally and with authorization to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. When they discover security weaknesses, they follow responsible disclosure practices by reporting findings to the affected organization so issues can be fixed promptly.
Option A is incorrect because it incorrectly generalizes all hackers as criminals. Option C is incorrect because selling stolen information describes malicious actors, often referred to as Black Hat hackers.
Understanding this distinction is important when analyzingcurrent security trends, as ethical hacking has become a legitimate profession. Many organizations now rely on penetration testers, bug bounty programs, and internal security teams to proactively defend against cyber threats.
Ethical hacking contributes to safer digital environments by helping organizations strengthen defenses before attackers exploit vulnerabilities. Recognizing that hacking skills can be used constructively supports responsible security practices and professional cybersecurity development.
