The role of an ethical hacker in a cybersecurity environment is to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers exploit them. They use the same techniques as cybercriminals, but their intentions are to improve security. Ethical hackers conduct penetration testing, assess systems, and provide recommendations to strengthen security measures. By simulating attacks, they help organizations protect sensitive data and maintain compliance with regulations. Their expertise ensures robust security postures and mitigates risks associated with cyber threats.