What is a common characteristic of corporate spies?

Corporate spies are typically hired to gather intelligence about competitors, which is a defining characteristic of their role. This involves collecting sensitive information related to business strategies, proprietary technologies, or trade secrets that could give their employers an advantage in the market. By understanding what the competitors are doing, companies can better position themselves to respond or innovate.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of corporate spying. Independent work does not universally apply, as many corporate spies are part of organized efforts by companies or agencies. While some individuals may consider ethical hacking as part of their job, corporate spies often operate outside of ethical guidelines, focusing instead on clandestine tactics. Lastly, being new to the hacking community is not a characteristic of corporate spies; in fact, they typically require substantial experience and knowledge to be effective in gathering intelligence discreetly and successfully.