SINCE 1828
white hat
nounDefinition of white hat
1
: one who is admirable and honorable
2
: a mark or symbol of goodness
could use a few more guys in white hats— Robert Christgau
3
: a hacker who tests computer systems for possible vulnerabilities so that they can be fixed
Chu, 33, is part of a fraternity known as "penetration testers" or "ethical hackers," a group of experts who are hired to hack into computer systems or find other ways to gain access. These so-called "white hats" will spend days or weeks searching company systems to come up with recommendations for fortifying corporations against such threats.— Greg Wiles
— compare black hat
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on white hat
What made you want to look up white hat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Musical Words Quiz
-
- Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Share white hat
Resources for white hat