The role of an ethical hacker is to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities within a system or network to help organizations strengthen their defenses against malicious hackers. They perform penetration testing and security assessments, simulating real-world attacks to highlight weaknesses. These professionals work collaboratively with IT teams, providing insights and recommendations for enhancing overall security measures. By engaging ethical hackers, businesses can proactively address vulnerabilities, improve their cybersecurity posture, and safeguard sensitive data against potential threats, thereby mitigating risks in an increasingly complex digital landscape.