An ethical hacker plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. They conduct penetration testing, simulating attacks to uncover weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Ethical hackers also assist in compliance by ensuring that security protocols meet industry standards. Their findings lead to effective remediation strategies and enhance the overall security posture of organizations, making them an essential component in the modern cybersecurity landscape.