The significance of ethical hacking in cybersecurity lies in its proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers use the same techniques as malicious hackers to uncover weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications, but they do so with permission and for defensive purposes. By conducting penetration testing and security assessments, they help organizations improve their defenses, safeguard sensitive data, and comply with regulatory requirements, ultimately reducing the risk of cyberattacks.