Which of the following terms refers to ethical hacking used to identify and fix system weaknesses?

The term that refers to ethical hacking aimed at identifying and fixing system weaknesses is known as White Hat Hacking. White hat hackers are individuals who use their skills and knowledge to improve security systems. They work with organizations to find vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach helps in safeguarding data and resources by addressing potential security flaws in a responsible manner.

The distinction lies in their motivation and approach; unlike black hat hackers who engage in illegal activities for personal gain, white hat hackers operate under legal frameworks and often with permission from the organization they are testing. This type of hacking is recognized as a vital part of modern cybersecurity efforts, where ethical considerations guide their work.

Other terms you might encounter in this context include black hat hacking, which refers to malicious hacking for personal gain, and gray hat hacking, which falls somewhere between ethical and unethical hacking. Network testing, while related to assessing security, is a broader term that encompasses various methods for evaluating the security of a network, not specifically the ethical hacking practice.