Definition:
In the computer security, a hacker is someone who seeks and exploits weaknesses in a computer/system/computer network. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, such as profit, protest, challenge or enjoyment.
Types & Classification of Hacking:
- White hat
- Black hat
- Grey hat
- Elite hacker
- Script kiddie
- Neophyte
- Blue hat
- Hacktivist
- Nation state
- Organized criminal gangs
White hat:
A white hat hacker break security for non-malicious reasons, perhaps to test their own security system or while working for a security company which makes security software. The term "white hat" in Internet slang refers to an ethical hacker.
Black hat:
A "black hat" hacker is a hacker who "violates computer security for little reason beyond maliciousness or for personal gain". Black hat hackers form the stereotypical, illegal hacking groups often portrayed in popular culture, and are "the epitome of all that the public fears in a computer criminal". Black hat hackers break into secure networks to destroy data or make the network unusable for those who are authorized to use the network. Black hat hackers are also referred to as the "crackers" within the security industry and by modern programmers.
Grey hat:
A grey hat hacker is a combination of a black hat and a white hat hacker. A grey hat hacker may surf the internet and hack into a computer system for the sole purpose of notifying the administrator that their system has a security defect, for example. They may then offer to correct the defect for a fee.
Elite hacker:
A social status among hackers, elite is used to describe the most skilled. Newly discovered exploits circulate among these hackers. Elite groups such as Masters of Deception conferred a kind of credibility on their members.
Script kiddie:
A script kiddie is a non-expert who breaks into computer systems by using pre-packaged automated tools written by others, usually with little understanding of the underlying concept.
Neophyte:
A neophyte, is someone who is new to hacking or phreaking and has almost no knowledge or experience of the workings of technology and hacking.
Blue hat:
A blue hat hacker is someone outside computer security consulting firms who is used to bug-test a system prior to its launch, looking for exploits so they can be closed. Microsoft also uses the term Blue Hat to represent a series of security briefing events.
Hacktivist:
A hacktivist is a hacker who utilizes technology to publicize a social, ideological, religious or political message. Most hacktivism involves website defacement or denial-of-service attacks.
Nation state:
Intelligence agencies and cyber warfare operatives of nation states.
Organized criminal gangs:
Groups of hackers that carry out organized criminal activities for profit.