Which of the following best defines ethical hacking's main purpose?

The primary purpose of ethical hacking is to ensure system security through testing. Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, are authorized individuals who simulate cyberattacks on an organization’s systems to identify vulnerabilities. Their role is crucial in the security landscape because they mimic the techniques and tactics used by malicious hackers, but with the clear intention of improving security rather than harming it.

By identifying and addressing weaknesses before they can be exploited by actual attackers, ethical hackers help organizations bolster their defenses, protect sensitive data, and maintain the trust of their customers. This proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential in today's threat landscape, where new vulnerabilities are constantly emerging. The results of their testing lead to actionable insights that can be used to strengthen security measures and implement best practices.

In contrast, exploiting weaknesses in systems would align more with malicious intent rather than ethical hacking. Increasing software pricing doesn't relate directly to the ethical aspects of hacking, as that focuses on financial implications rather than security. Developing new malware is also contrary to the ethical hacking approach, since ethical hackers seek to protect systems rather than create threats.