Ethical hacking is often contrasted with other forms of hacking based on intent and legality:

White Hat Hackers:

• Operate legally and with permission.
• Focus on improving security and protecting systems.
• Example: Conducting penetration tests to simulate attacks.

Black Hat Hackers:

• Engage in illegal activities for personal gain or to cause harm.
• Exploit vulnerabilities to steal data, disrupt operations, or demand ransom.
• Example: Launching ransomware attacks or selling stolen data on the dark web.

Gray Hat Hackers:

• Operate in a gray area, often without explicit permission but without malicious intent.
• May identify vulnerabilities and disclose them, sometimes demanding compensation for their findings.

Ethical hackers adhere strictly to legal and ethical guidelines, distinguishing them from black hat and gray hat hackers.