In todays digital world, cybersecurity has become a ubiquitous and urgent issue that cuts beyond organizational and industry boundaries. The proliferation of information technology has enabled organizations to operate more efficiently, yet it has simultaneously exposed them to a myriad of cyber threats. Among these threats, vulnerabilities in ethical hacking practices represent a significant problem of practice, and Research demonstrates that traditional safeguards are often insufficient against advanced threats, the problem of vulnerabilities in ethical hacking is crucial for a number of reasons. Firstly, the impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond individual organizations to affect entire communities and society at large. Cyber security breaches can lead to significant financial losses, legal repercussions, and loss of consumer trust, undermining the stability of markets and economies. For example, a study by the Cyber security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, 2021) highlighted that sectors such as healthcare and finance are particularly vulnerable, successful cyberattacks in these industries not only compromise sensitive data but can also disrupt essential services, endangering lives and livelihoods.

Definitions of Hacking

Hacking refers to gaining unauthorized access to data in a system or computer. While "hacking" often carries, destructive associations due to its association with cybercriminal deeds, it can also have neutral or positive implications, especially in ethical hacking, where hacking is performed to improve security. Criminal Hacking: In a more specific sense, where hackers exploit security vulnerabilities for malicious purposes. 

Technical Definition 

From a technical perspective, hacking involves manipulating a structure or network beyond its intended purpose to discover vulnerabilities or flaws. 

Types of Hacking

The legality of the activity, and the techniques used to compromise systems. Below are the significant types of hacking, with a distinction between malicious activities (black hat) and those conducted for ethical purposes (white hat), along with grey hat hacking, Hacking can be categorized founded on the hackers intent, which falls somewhere in between.

Table 1: Types of hacking and description.

Categories of Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking encompasses various techniques and methodologies professionals use, to classify weaknesses and enhance the security of systems and networks. Below fig identify the types of ethical hackers.

Fig. 1: Type of ethical hackers.

Saturation Testing

Saturation testing, often called "pen testing," involves simulating cyber-attacks on a organization, network, or application to classify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit. This type of testing can be performed using various approaches:

• Black Box Testing: The ethical hacker has no prior information of the system, and must gather information and exploit vulnerabilities from scratch. This approach mimics the tactics of an external attacker.
• White Box Testing: The ethical hacker has complete information of the system architecture, source code, and network infrastructure. This allows for a more thorough assessment of vulnerabilities.
• Gray Box Testing: This is a hybrid approach where the hacker partially knows the system, combining external and internal perspectives.

The crucial aim of saturation testing is to provide administrations with a comprehensive report of vulnerabilities and recommendations for mitigating risks (Hassan et al., 2020).

Vulnerability Assessment

Vulnerability assessment is a systematic review of security weaknesses in an information system. This process involves identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities to enhance security. Unlike saturation testing, which may exploit vulnerabilities, vulnerability assessment focuses on discovering and reporting them without necessarily attempting to exploit them. Automated Scanning Tools: Systems and networks are scanned for known vulnerabilities using tools like Nessus, Qualys, and OpenVAS.

• Manual Assessment: Security professionals may conduct manual inspections of code and conformations, to identify potential weaknesses that automated tools might miss.

The output of a weakness calculation is usually a list of weaknesses ranked by severity, along with suggested remediation strategies (Alazab et al., 2019).

Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions compromising security. Ethical hackers may conduct social engineering tests to assess the human element of an organizations security posture (Wang, 2021).

• Phishing: To determine if staff members may click on harmful links or divulge private information, phishing attack simulations are used.
• Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to obtain sensitive information from individuals, such as posing as an IT support technician.

The purpose of social engineering tests is to educate employees about security awareness and the potential threats they may encounter (Wang, 2021).

Web Application Testing

This kind of ethical hacking focuses specifically, on detecting weaknesses within web applications. Given the prevalence of web-based services, this area has become increasingly critical in cyber security.

• Common Vulnerabilities: Ethical hackers look for weaknesses like, SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF).
• Testing Methods: Techniques include manual code reviews, automated scanning tools, and exploiting identified vulnerabilities to demonstrate the potential impact.

The impartial is to ensure web applications are secure from potential attacks and comply with best practices and regulations (OWASP, 2022; Sami and Arifuzzaman, 2021).

Network Security Testing

Network security analysis involves estimating the security of an organizations network infrastructure. This includes analyzing firewalls, routers, and switches for weaknesses that attackers could exploit.

• Scanning: Network scanners identify live hosts, open ports, and facilities running on devices within the network.
• Traffic Analysis: Ethical hackers monitor network traffic to detect suspicious activities that may indicate security breaches.

The goal is to fortify network defenses and ensure only legal users can use sensitive information (Khan, 2021).

Wireless Network Testing

Assessing the security of wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, is the main goal of wireless network testing, which has become more significant as remote work and mobile connectivity have increased.

• Wi-Fi Security Assessment: Ethical hackers check for weaknesses in encryption protocols (like WPA, and WPA2) and assess the strength of passwords.
• Rogue Access Point Detection: Locating unapproved access points that can provide hackers the opportunity to obtain information.

The aim is to ensure the honesty and confidentiality of data transmitted over wireless networks (Hassan et al., 2020). Every kind of ethical hacking is essential for locating and fixing security flaws in an organizations infrastructure. By employing various techniques, ethical hackers can provide valuable insights and approvals to help governments develop security measures and protect against threats.

Weaknesses in Ethical Hacking

Vulnerabilities mention to weaknesses in a system that attackers can exploit. In the context of ethical hacking, vulnerabilities can arise from various components such as software, hardware, and even human factors (alazab, 2019).

Types of Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities are software, hardware, or network system weaknesses that hackers can exploit to achievement unauthorized access or cause harm. Understanding the various types of vulnerabilities is essential for enhancing cybersecurity and mitigating their associated risks. Below are the major types of vulnerabilities that ethical hackers typically encounter.

Software Vulnerabilities

These are flaws or weaknesses in software code that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems or manipulate data. Common software vulnerabilities result from poor coding practices, inadequate testing, or the failure to apply software patches and updates.

Examples:

• Buffer Overflow happens when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold, causing the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Attackers exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code (Halfond et al., 2006).
• SQL Injection: An attack where attackers inject malicious SQL queries into a web applications input fields, allowing them to manipulate the backend database and extract sensitive information (Halfond et al., 2006).

Network Vulnerabilities

Network vulnerabilities are hardware, protocols, or configurations weaknesses that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or intercept data in transit.

Examples:

• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: In these attacks, hackers intercept communication between two parties, allowing them to eavesdrop on or alter the transmitted data (Dolev & Yao, 1983).
• Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks: Several networks do not use encryption, leaving them interception and unauthorized access to vulnerable 

Operating System Vulnerabilities

Operating system vulnerabilities occur when the operating system (OS) is not protected suitably, allowing attackers to exploit flaws in its security mechanisms. These weaknesses are especially risky as they provide attackers full access to system resources.

Examples:

• Privilege Escalation: Attackers abuse flaws in the OS to gain eminent permissions, allowing them to execute restricted operations 
• Kernel Exploits: These involve vulnerabilities in the OS kernel, which, if exploited, can give attackers complete control over the system (Canella et al., 2019).

Human Vulnerabilities (Social Engineering)

Human vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses in human behavior that attackers exploit using social engineering techniques. These attacks involve manipulating persons into disclosing sensitive info, or granting unauthorized access.

Examples:

• Phishing: In phishing attacks, attackers send fraudulent emails pretending to be legitimate entities, tricking users into revealing passwords or financial information (Jakobsson & Myers, 2007).
• Pretexting: This social engineering tactic involves fabricating a scenario to obtain sensitive information, often by impersonating someone in authority.

Hardware Vulnerabilities

Hardware weaknesses are flaws in the physical apparatuses of computing devices, such as microchips, processors, or network devices. These vulnerabilities can be more difficult to patch because they may require physical replacement of hardware components.

Examples:

• Meltdown and Spectre: These vulnerabilities in modern processors allow attackers to exploit speculative execution to gain access to sensitive data, such as encryption keys (Kocher et al., 2019).
• Firmware Attacks: Attackers deed vulnerabilities in the devices firmware, such as BIOS or UEFI, to install persistent malware that remains even after an operating system reinstall (Kumar & Kumar, 2015).

Configuration Vulnerabilities

Misconfigurations occur when systems, networks, or applications are improperly set up, exposing them to attacks. These vulnerabilities often arise due to social error or unmodified default settings.

Examples:

• Default Passwords: Many devices and software come with default passwords, which attackers can exploit to gain access (Behrang, 2015).
• Open Ports: Open network ports that are not presence aggressively monitored can provide attackers with a way into the system, allowing them to exploit services running on those ports (Wang & lie, 2021).

Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Zero-day vulnerabilities are software flaws that have not been patched and are unidentified to the vendor or developer. Attackers discovering these vulnerabilities can exploit them before a fix is available, making zero-day attacks particularly dangerous.

Examples:

• Stuxnet: A famous zero-day attack that targeted SCADA systems controlling industrial processes, exploiting vulnerabilities in Windows operating systems (Langner, 2011).
• WannaCry Ransomware: A Ransomware attack that exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Windows SMB protocol to spread across networks and encrypt files.

Understanding the different types of weaknesses is crucial in developing robust defense mechanisms and ensuring the security of systems and networks. Vulnerabilities can arise from software flaws, misconfigurations, hardware weaknesses, or even human error, making organizations need to adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Administrations can meaningfully shrink their risk of cyberattacks and data breaches by addressing these vulnerabilities.

Impact of the Latest Vulnerabilities in Ethical Hacking

The emergence of new vulnerabilities in ethical hacking significantly influences the cybersecurity landscape. As organizations increasingly depend on digital infrastructures, understanding and addressing these vulnerabilities has become paramount. This section explores the impacts of the latest vulnerabilities in ethical hacking, focusing on organizational risks, financial implications, and broader societal effects.

Organizational Risks

The presence of vulnerabilities within an organizations systems exposes it to a variety of risks, including:

• Data Breaches: Vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. According to a report by IBM, (2021) the average cost of a data breach is approximately $4.24 million. Data breaches can result in significant reputational damage, legal consequences, and regulatory fines.
• Operational Disruption: Exploiting vulnerabilities can lead to system outages and interruptions in business operations. For instance, the Solar Winds cyber-attack 2020 demonstrated how vulnerabilities could compromise multiple organizations operations, resulting in substantial disruptions (Friedman et al., 2021).
• Loss of Competitive Advantage: If vulnerabilities lead to breaches, organizations may lose sensitive intellectual property, trade secrets, or customer data, impacting their competitive positioning in the market (Khan & MacDonald, 2021).

Financial Implications

The financial impact of vulnerabilities can be profound, affecting various aspects of an organization:

• Direct Costs: Following a security breach, organizations may incur immediate costs related to incident response, system repairs, and forensic investigations. 
• Long-Term Financial Consequences: Beyond immediate costs, organizations may face long-term financial implications due to customer loss, decreased sales, and increased insurance premiums. 
• Investment in Security Measures: To mitigate risks, organizations often invest heavily in cybersecurity solutions, training, and risk management strategies. 

Broader Societal Effects

The impact of vulnerabilities extends beyond individual organizations to affect society as a whole:

• Trust Erosion: Frequent security breaches contribute to a decline in public trust in organizations, particularly in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. When individuals feel their data is insecure, they may hesitate to engage with businesses or use digital services (Friedman et al., 2021).
• Increased Cybercrime: As susceptibilities in organizations and applications become more prevalent, malicious actors may exploit them to launch cyberattacks, further fueling the cybercrime cycle. The FBI reported a 69% increase in reported cybercrime incidents in 2020 compared to the previous year, illustrating the escalating threat landscape (FBI, 2021).
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Governments increasingly implement regulations to protect consumer data and hold organizations accountable for vulnerabilities. Or the consequences of abusing weaknesses in systems are vast. According to Ahmed et al. (2021), unaddressed vulnerabilities can lead to financial losses data holes, and loss of reputation. The latest vulnerabilities in mobile applications, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) systems present significant risks to organizations. Security breaches through these vulnerabilities can result in intellectual property theft and exposure of sensitive data.

Ethical Hacking Safeguards

Implementing the latest safeguards is a critical step in countering vulnerabilities. Safeguards encompass various security measures, encompassing intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, encryption, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Penetration testing is another tool used by ethical hackers to find any weaknesses before bad actors may take advantage of the. Penetration testing frameworks for example OWASP ZAP have become integral to their toolkits (Burke, 2022). 

Fig. 2: Ethical hacking safeguards.

Ethical hacking, or saturation testing or white hat hacking, is a pre-emptive approach to cyber security that involves identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. Implementing appropriate safeguards is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness and integrity of ethical hacking practices. This section outlines key safeguards that organizations can adopt to enhance their ethical hacking efforts.

Comprehensive Security Policies

Establishing clear and comprehensive security policies is fundamental to effective, ethical hacking. These policies should define the scope of testing, acceptable testing methods, and the protocols for reporting vulnerabilities. 

• Policy Development: Organizations should involve stakeholders from various departments (IT, legal, and compliance) in developing these policies to ensure a holistic approach to security (Whitman & Mattord, 2017).

Qualified Ethical Hackers

It is crucial to make sure that ethical hacking is carried out by trained and licensed individuals. Relevant certifications like GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) shoul

• Continuous Education: Ethical hackers should continue education and training to stay updated on the latest security threats and technologies (Cheng, 2021).

Regular Vulnerability Valuations

Governments and organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to proactively identify faults in their systems. These assessments can be performed using various methods, including automated scanning tools, manual testing, and social engineering tactics (Irvine, 2021).

• Frequency and Scope: These assessments should be performed at least annually or after significant system changes, with a focus on critical systems and applications.

Use of Secure Tools and Technologies

The tools used for ethical hacking should be secure and reliable. Organizations should select reputable tools that comply with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, they should implement strong access controls to limit who can use these tools and what systems they can access (Hassan, 2020).

Incident Response Planning

Organizations should develop and implement an incident response plan to address potential security breaches identified during ethical hacking efforts. 

6. Legal and regulatory standards compliance.

Ethical hacking must be conducted in compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements

• Obtaining Consent: Before conducting ethical hacking activities, organizations must obtain explicit consent from relevant stakeholders to avoid legal repercussions (Whitman & Mattord, 2017).

Post-Engagement Reporting and Remediation

After completing ethical hacking engagements, ethical hackers should provide comprehensive reports detailing their findings, including identified vulnerabilities, potential impacts, and recommended remediation steps. 

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Ethical Hacking

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly incorporated into ethical hacking and cyber security practices. AI-based systems have been developed to detect anomalies and potential breaches in real-time (Mitchell, 2021). This capability allows for quicker identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. However, AI systems themselves can present new vulnerabilities. If improperly trained or configured, AI models can become susceptible to adversarial attacks (Goodfellow, 2020). Ethical hackers now focus on identifying weaknesses in AI algorithms and helping organizations safeguard their AI systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in ethical hacking, strengthening the capacity of security experts to discover and address vulnerabilities efficiently. AI-driven solutions offer powerful tools that improve ethical hacking methods efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. This section explores how AI is integrated into ethical hacking and its consequences for cyber security.

Automating Vulnerability Assessments

AI can automate vulnerability assessment by utilizing machine learning algorithms to analyze large volumes of data and identify potential weaknesses in systems. Traditional vulnerability scanning tools often generate numerous false positives, leading to wasted time and resources.

Example: Tools like Cylance and Darktrace 

Predictive Analysis

By examining past data and patterns, AI can forecast possible attack routes and weaknesses. Ethical hackers can stay ahead of cyber threats by using predictive analytics to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This proactive approach allows organizations to prioritize their security efforts based on the likelihood of specific threats (Patel et al., 2020). Example: Platforms like IBM QRadar use AI to analyze security incidents and predict future vulnerabilities based on attack patterns, helping organizations preemptively strengthen their defenses.

Fig. 3: How AI works in cyber security.

Threat Intelligence Gathering

By automatically evaluating enormous volumes of data from numerous sources, such as security blogs, social media, and dark web forums, artificial intelligence (AI) improves the collection of threat intelligence. Ethical hackers can use this analysis to comprehend attack techniques, spot new threats, and create efficient defenses. Timely decision-making is made possible by AI algorithms significantly faster processing and correlation of data compared to human analysts.

Example: Tools like Recorded Future leverage AI to provide real-time threat intelligence, helping ethical hackers make informed decisions about vulnerabilities and potential attack scenarios (Brackney & Chang, 2021).

Enhanced Penetration Testing

AI tools can assist ethical hackers in conducting more sophisticated penetration tests. By automating reconnaissance and exploiting vulnerabilities, AI can simulate real-world attacks more effectively, allowing security teams to evaluate their defenses comprehensively. These tools can adapt to the environment, learning from their interactions to improve effectiveness (Khan et al., 2021).

Example: Metasploit and Burp Suite are penetration testing tools that incorporate AI functionalities, enabling more efficient vulnerability exploitation and system assessment (Hassan, 2020).

User Behavior Analytics

AI is able to examine user behavior patterns and spot any variations that can point to insider threats or malicious conduct. By forming a baseline of normal behavior, AI algorithms can identify differences that suggest a potential security breach, allowing ethical hackers to investigate further (Alonso et al., 2020).

Example: Exabeam uses AI for user behavior analytics, enabling organizations to promptly identify and respond to suspicious activities (Friedman et al., 2021). The effectiveness of cybersecurity initiatives is greatly increased when artificial intelligence is incorporated into ethical hacking. By automating vulnerability assessments, predicting potential threats, gathering threat intelligence, improving penetration testing, and enabling continuous monitoring, AI empowers ethical hackers to address vulnerabilities proactively. As cyber threats evolve, ethical hacking and AI synergy will be crucial in developing robust security measures that protect sensitive data and systems.

Human Factors in Ethical Hacking

The human element is one of the most important weaknesses in any system. Phishing attacks, weak passwords, and insider threats remain critical vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers must consider human factors when assessing an organizations cybersecurity posture. Hackers often employ social engineering techniques to manipulate individuals into providing access to secure systems. To mitigate these risks, administrations need to implement regular cybersecurity awareness training for their staff (Furnell & Warren, 2019).

Safeguards against Emerging Threats

As cyber threats develop, so must the safeguards used to defend against them. Cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework provide comprehensive guidelines for safeguarding against emerging threats. Ethical hackers are crucial in ensuring these safeguards are implemented effectively within organizations. One of the emerging areas of focus for ethical hacking is the security of IoT devices. The rapid proliferation of IoT has introduced a wide range of new vulnerabilities, particularly in home automation and industrial control systems (Zhang, 2021). Ethical hackers are tasked with identifying weaknesses in IoT systems and ensuring they are secured against potential attacks. Adequate protections must be put in place to protect systems and data from potential breaches as cyber threats change and become more complex. This section examines many measures that businesses can take to lessen the dangers brought on by new threats in the cybersecurity space.

Advanced Threat Detection and Response Systems

Businesses should implement sophisticated threat detection systems that use machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to spot unusual activity and quickly identify any dangers. These systems enable quick incident response and damage minimization by analyzing enormous volumes of data and identifying trends that can point to a cyberattack.

For example, Splunk and LogRhythm, two Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, give societies comprehensive insight into their security posture.

Regular Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing

Finding flaws in systems and apps before attackers can take advantage of them requires regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. By taking these proactive steps, firms may evaluate their security posture and make the required corrections.

Example: Organizations can utilize automated vulnerability scanning tools like Qualys and Nessus to regularly evaluate their systems for known vulnerabilities, while penetration tests can be carried out by ethical hackers to replicate actual attacks and find security flaws (Dewangan et al., 2021).

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by asking users to give multiple verification forms before accessing systems or data. This safeguard considerably minimizes the chance of unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.

Example: Organizations can use MFA solutions such as Duo Security and Okta to enhance user authentication processes, making it more problematic for attackers to access sensitive information (Patel et al., 2020).

Data Encryption

Encrypting sensitive data while its in transit and at rest protects it from unauthorized access and data breaches. Even in the event that encrypted data is intercepted or stolen, it is assured to remain unreadable without the required decryption keys.

Example: Organizations can implement encryption protocols such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) to secure data communications and protect stored information (Khan et al., 2021).

Security Awareness Training

In order to reduce risks associated with people, it is crucial to teach staff members on cybersecurity best practices. By enabling them to identify phishing efforts, social engineering techniques, and other prevalent risks, security awareness training can help staff members make wise decisions and prevent assaults.

Incident Response Planning

Organizations must create a thorough incident response strategy in order to properly handle and manage security problems. The actions to be taken in the event of a breach are outlined in a clear strategy, which guarantees that teams can react quickly and efficiently to reduce the impact.

Example: Organizations can establish incident response teams and conduct tabletop exercises to simulate cyber incidents. This allows them to practice their response strategies and improve coordination among team members (Alonso et al., 2020).

Frequent Patch Management and Software Updates 

Fixing known vulnerabilities requires updating software and systems. By defending against the most recent threats and exploits, regular updates and patch management assist enterprises in reducing risks. 

Example: Organizations should establish patch management policies to ensure timely updates for operating systems, applications, and security software (Alonso et al., 2020).

The literature on ethical hacking highlights the importance of continuous vulnerability assessment and the implementation of modern safeguards. Ethical hackers remain crucial in identifying and mitigating risks as cyber threats evolve. Safeguards such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and AI-based detection systems are essential tools in the fight against cybercrime. But one of the biggest obstacles to preserving security is still the human element. Organizations can stay one step ahead of attackers with proactive testing through ethical hacking, ongoing training, and awareness.

In this part, the author discusses various previously published research papers on ethical hacking: Research has documented various vulnerabilities inherent in ethical hacking processes. One critical aspect is the knowledge gap among ethical hackers regarding the systems they are testing. According to a study by the SANS Institute, (2018) ethical hackers often overlook vulnerabilities due to an insufficient understanding of specific configurations and technologies. Social engineering represents another significant vulnerability in ethical hacking. Jang et al. (2020) draw attention to the fact that social engineering methods, such phishing simulations, are widely used by ethical hackers to gauge staff members security knowledge. Dependency on outside resources exacerbates ethical hacking techniques weaknesses.

The use of open-source tools in ethical hacking activities is examined by Khan et al. (2021), who point out that many of these programs might not receive frequent security patches or updates. In addition, Biggio and Roli, (2018) focus on the vulnerabilities introduced by the Internet of Things (IoT). They note that many IoT devices lack adequate security features, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. 

To address the weaknesses identified in ethical hacking, Younis et al. (2020) advocate for establishing a robust incident response framework. This framework includes developing protocols and procedures to manage security incidents and conducting regular training and simulations to prepare organizations for potential breaches. Combining machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become a potential safety measure. Alzahrani et al. (2021). 

The role of motivation in ethical hacking is also noteworthy. Kreitner et al. (1999) suggest that motivated professionals are more likely to achieve organizational goals. Grobauer et al. (2019) point out that cloud computing environments are particularly vulnerable due to misconfigurations and inadequate security practices. Their research indicates that organizations must implement robust security measures to mitigate these risks effectively.

The research design involves a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Data is gathered through cybersecurity professionals, case studies, and analysis of recent incidents. The data analyzed using statistical techniques to identify trends and correlations related to ethical hacking vulnerabilities.

The vulnerabilities identified span various sectors, notably supply chains, cloud environments, artificial intelligence (AI) the ransomware, and zero-day exploits. Each section offers a detailed examination of vulnerabilities and practical recommendations for mitigation. The findings of this research shed light on critical vulnerabilities that organizations encounter in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. The prevalence of supply chain risks highlights the urgent need for organizations to implement stringent vendor management practices, financial implications are profound, as evidenced by the average cost of a data breach at $4.24 million, and Organizations must take a proactive stance to reduce these risks, which is consistent with previous research that highlights the financial toll that cyber security incidents take.

Fig. 4: Flow chart for mixed methods research approach.                

Including investing in advanced threat detection systems and regular vulnerability assessments, the effectiveness of safeguards, such as multi-factor authentication and continuous employee training, is supported by our findings. Organizations that actively engage in these practices reported a significant reduction in successful attacks, aligning with current best performs in the field. However, this study has limitations, including potential biases in self-reported data from organizations. Future research should explore the effectiveness of developing technologies, such as AI-driven solutions, in enhancing cybersecurity measures.  In brief below are some recommendations and informations

1) Recommendations:

• It is recommended that organizations set explicit security standards, carry out frequent risk assessments, and put in place strong vendor management structures.
• Mitigation strategies include regular security audits and employee training to enhance awareness of cloud security risks
• Organizations should prioritize proactive patch management and establish relationships with cybersecurity researchers for timely threat intelligence.
• Organizations must enhance AI defenses through rigorous testing and continuous monitoring.

2) Latest Vulnerabilities in Ethical Hacking

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• Cloud Infrastructure Weaknesses
• Risks Associated with AI and Machine Learning (ML)

3) Safeguards and Countermeasures

• AI-Powered Threat Detection Systems
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
• Ransomware Mitigation Strategies

This research has provided an in-depth exploration of the latest vulnerabilities in ethical hacking and the necessary safeguards to address these evolving threats. The study identified critical vulnerabilities across various domains, including supply chains, cloud infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Each of these areas presents unique challenges that require tailored strategies for protection. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these vulnerabilities, organizations can adopt a holistic perspective in their security efforts, addressing both technical and human factors. Implementing the recommended safeguards, such as strengthening vendor management, enhancing cloud security practices, investing in AI security measures, and promoting security awareness training, will be crucial for administrations seeking, to fortify their defenses. Addressing vulnerabilities in ethical hacking is critical for keeping the integrity of organizational networks; Sensitive data will be protected from changing cyber threats with the support of ongoing cybersecurity assessment and adaptation.

To the participants and family members of the researchers who helped and supported them, the author(s) express their gratitude.

The studys authors attest that there are no possible conflicts of interest.