What describes individuals hired by companies to gather intelligence on competitors?

Individuals hired by companies to gather intelligence on competitors are referred to as corporate spies. This term encompasses those who engage in activities aimed at obtaining sensitive information about a competitor's business practices, strategies, products, or technologies without their consent. Corporate espionage can involve methods such as infiltration, surveillance, and accessing confidential records, all aimed at gaining a competitive advantage in the market.

The focus on corporate strategies and intelligence gathering differentiates corporate spies from other roles. For instance, hacktivists typically pursue political agendas through hacking and cyber protests rather than focusing on commercial gain. Black hat hackers are individuals who exploit vulnerabilities and engage in illegal or unethical hacking activities primarily for personal gain or malice, which is not aligned with the legitimate objectives of corporate espionage. Green hat hackers, on the other hand, are typically novices in the hacking world who are learning the ropes and are not specifically engaged in corporate intelligence gathering.

This distinction highlights the specific intent and methods associated with corporate spies, making them uniquely qualified for the described role in business intelligence activities.