What does "white-hat hacking" refer to?

White-hat hacking refers to ethical hacking conducted with the intent to improve an organization's overall security posture. White-hat hackers are cybersecurity professionals who use their skills and knowledge to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications before malicious hackers can exploit them. This proactive approach helps organizations strengthen their defenses against potential cyberattacks.

The practice of white-hat hacking is crucial in maintaining cybersecurity standards, as it provides insights into security weaknesses and enables businesses to implement the necessary measures to safeguard sensitive data. This form of hacking is performed in compliance with laws and regulations, and often involves obtaining permission from the organization being tested.

Other options describe different aspects of cybersecurity, such as illegal hacking or malware, which are distinct from the ethical intent behind white-hat hacking. Thus, the focus on improving security through vulnerability identification solidifies A as the correct answer.