The emergence of cyberterrorism and the decentralization of radical networks require a fundamental change in counterterrorism intelligence strategies. Conventional surveillance and monitoring methods are becoming insufficient for identifying early-stage radicalization and advanced digital threats. This research examines the strategic operationalization of ethical hacking to improve intelligence capabilities. The primary objectives are three: to evaluate the contribution of ethical hacking to real-time threat detection, to analyse its impact on disrupting digital radicalization pathways, and to assess its effectiveness in enhancing intelligence-led counterterrorism operations. The research utilizes a qualitative, document-based approach informed by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Data was collected via a systematic review of verified case studies (e.g., Operation Trojan Shield, CDX 2023), national cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001), and peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2025. The analysis employed thematic content analysis, facilitating the identification of trends among security agencies, legal instruments, and technology use cases pertinent to ethical hacking. The results demonstrate that (1) ethical hacking methods, including penetration testing and red teaming, effectively reveal concealed vulnerabilities in national intelligence systems; (2) semantic monitoring and AI-enhanced surveillance have decreased online extremist content by as much as 64% on specific platforms; (3) ethical hacking markedly enhances operational readiness and proactive intelligence collection. Nonetheless, limitations remain owing to legal ambiguity, institutional silos, and the absence of standardized frameworks for cross-border coordination. The research indicates that ethical hacking functions not only as a reactive cybersecurity measure but also as a proactive intelligence strategy that can influence national and global counterterrorism policies. The proposal advocates for the formal incorporation of ethical hacking within national security agencies, increased investment in AI-driven technologies, and the promotion of international collaboration for legal standardization and intelligence exchange. Ethical hacking plays a crucial role in counterterrorism and intelligence operations by addressing digital radicalization. Techniques such as semantic monitoring and penetration testing are essential for enhancing security measures. Additionally, AI surveillance contributes significantly to these efforts.

Ethical hacking, counterterrorism, intelligence operations and digital radicalisation

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