What is ethical hacking and how is it different from hacking as we know it?

Pick up any security research report and India will be among toppers as far as data breaches and cyberattacks are concerned. While individuals are also at risk of being targeted by hackers, companies find themselves especially vulnerable as they have reams of confidential information, such as customer data or trade secrets, to secure.

This is where an independent ethical hacker — also known as a bug bounty hunter — can help companies.

Many of them are drawn from the ranks of security researchers and certified cybersecurity professionals.

They patrol the web and scan systems for gaps through which malicious hackers can sneak in, and then alert the companies about these gaps.