The term ‘hacker’ refers to a person who is proficient in information technology and identifies a loophole in a computer system, application, or network. A hacker exploits the flaw to gain access to any sort of personal or business sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card information, to either seek a ransom or sell these data to other hackers or on the dark web.
Different types of hackers
1) White Hat Hackers(Ethical Hackers):
White Hat Hackers are cybersecurity experts who work for an organization to make cyberspace a better place for everyone. They use techniques similar to the Black Hat Hackers who gain access to systems and intend to fix the identified weaknesses. They perform penetration testing or vulnerability assessments.
2) Black Hat Hackers (Crackers):
Black Hat Hackers are bad guys and the opposite of White Hat Hackers. They use techniques to find loopholes and exploit them without the organization’s/individual’s permission. They perform destructive actions including altering or destroying websites or exposing data to the public and demanding money in return.
3) Grey Hat Hackers:
These are hackers who fall somewhere between White Hat and Black Hat Hackers. They gain access to the confidential information without an organization/individual’s permission. Unlike Black Hat Hackers, Grey Hat Hackers do not use the acquired information for their benefit or to cause any harm. Instead, they expose the accumulated information publicly to create awareness. Sometimes, they expect money in return.
4) Red Hat Hackers(Aggressive):
Red Hat Hackers are vigilantes. These are similar to White Hat Hackers, but often choose aggressive steps or techniques to stop Black Hat Hackers. They believe that they can take down the Black Hat Hackers themselves by attacking or launching aggressive cyberattacks and destroying the Black Hat Hackers’ computers and networks.
5) Script Kiddies:
Script Kiddies are known as “noobs” or unskilled people in the world of hacking. They have no coding skills, and they rely on existing tools to access web pages or gain information to deface individuals and behave like hackers to impress the society.
6) Blue Hat Hackers:
Blue Hat Hackers are similar to Script Kiddies who don’t actually have hacking skills. They also rely on existing tools to access or gain information about an individual and the main purpose is to pay back those who have challenged them or offended them in some way. They can cause real troubles as their main aim is to seek revenge.
7) Green Hat Hackers:
Green Hat Hackers are newbies in the world of hacking. They use existing tools to gain access to information. However, they are eager to learn more about new hacking techniques and programming to improve their skills.
8) Whistleblowers:
Whistleblowers are internal team members or third parties who have access to an organization’s details and can expose or disclose the organization’s secrets to the public. The main reason behind the attack might be a personal grudge, or the individual might have come across illegal activities within the organization.
9) Hacktivists:
They pose themselves as activists, also known as hacktivists. These hackers use hacking to send social, religious, or political messages. It is usually done by hijacking websites and leaving messages on the hijacked website. They usually remain anonymous, and most government websites are their targets.
Conclusion
Hackers are just people who possess innovative ideas and deep knowledge of technology. The purpose behind hacking is what sets hackers apart. They use their profound knowledge to harm individuals or organizations. On the other hand, Ethical Hacking can have a positive impact, such as strengthening computer and network security, through penetration testing. Moreover, it enables companies to take preventive measures to avoid security breaches. In recent times, a sharp rise in cyber threats has put immense pressure on organizations to adopt the latest cybersecurity protocols.