Over the past decade, Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical field in the technological world. This blog post explores, in detail, an intriguing facet of the cybersecurity domain 'Ethical hacking', focusing predominantly on understanding the pivotal role they play in this digital era. The key question we will delve into is 'What is the ethical hacker?'

Cybersecurity, essentially, is the practice of safeguarding internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyber threats. As hackers become increasingly advanced, using sophisticated methods to breach security systems, the demand for experts who can counter these threats has risen stupendously. Among these experts are a special breed called 'Ethical Hackers'.

Understanding Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking, also known as Penetration testing or white hat hacking, primarily involves an authorized individual hacking into a system to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. But what is an ethical hacker really? In simple terms, an ethical hacker is a cybersecurity professional who uses their skills and knowledge not for malicious intent, but to help identify vulnerabilities and rectify them before a malicious hacker can exploit them.

Role of Ethical Hackers

Ethical hackers play a pivotal role in cybersecurity, providing a proactive approach to security. Their practice is based on the principle of 'in order to catch a thief, think like a thief'. They simulate cyber-attacks, similar to those performed by malevolent hackers, but with the primary aim of spotting weak points that may be exploited.

Skills of an Ethical Hacker

Having understood what the ethical hacker is, it's crucial to look into the unique skill set they possess. They are well-versed in various hacking practices, programming languages, system structures, and more. They possess the ability to reverse engineer, which essentially means breaking down, analyzing, and understanding how a system is constructed. Moreover, they have an in-depth knowledge of operating systems, database systems, and networks.

Certifications for Ethical Hackers

While passion and curiosity could be the foundations of becoming an ethical hacker, certified training can undoubtedly steer the journey effectively. Various internationally recognized certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN) are highly valuable in this field. These certifications validate the knowledge and abilities of the ethical hacker, making them a valuable asset to any organization.

Consequences of Non-Ethical Hacking

To truly appreciate the importance of what an ethical hacker does, understanding the consequences of non-Ethical hacking is crucial. Cybercrime damages can result in financial loss, data theft, and reputational damage for businesses. In contrast, an ethical hacker can prevent these damages by identifying and rectifying the vulnerabilities before a malicious hacker can exploit them.

Employment and Scope for Ethical Hackers

With the rising threat of cybercrime, the demand for ethical hackers is exponentially increasing. The scope extends to various fields including finance, healthcare, defense, and more. Job roles are diverse, ranging from penetration testers, security consultants, IT Auditors, to Forensic Analysts. The career opportunities in the field of Ethical hacking are vast and growing.

In conclusion, the world of cybersecurity is vast and complex. Understanding the role and importance of an ethical hacker is crucial in today’s digitally interconnected world. 'What is an ethical hacker?' is more than just a question. It encapsulates the role, skills, certifications, and scope of a profession that stands as the vanguard of cyber security. Ethical hackers are the unsung heroes of the digital world--they stand on the front lines of cybersecurity, tirelessly working to ensure that information and systems remain safe. And today, as our lives become more and more digitized, their role becomes even more critical.