Introduction of Hacking & types of hacker

Introduction of Hacking & types of hacker

Hacking may be identifying the weakness of computer systems or networks to exploit its weaknesses to gain access.

Hacking usually refers to unauthorized intrusion into a pc or a network. The person who engaged in hacking activities is called hacker.

Example: Using password cracking algorithm to gain access to a system.

The given list classifies hackers according to their intent.

• White hat
• Grey hat
• Black hat
• Script kiddie
• Hacktivist
• Phreaker

• White hat-: A white hacker does hacking with no criminal intention in the mind. There are some Companies around the world who want to test their systems through white hackers. They test how secure are their systems and point any faults that they may found. It is also known as Ethical hacker.

• Grey hat-: A grey hat hacker is someone who may use his skills for legal or illegal acts, but not for his/her personal gains. A grey hat hacker may be the hacker of ambiguous ethics and/or borderline legality, often frankly admitted.

• Black hat-: A hacker who gains unauthorized access of the computer systems for personal gains. The intent is usually to steal corporate data, violate privacy rights, transfer funds from bank accounts etc. It is also known as cracker.

• Script kiddie-: A non-skilled person who gains access to the computer systems by using the pre-packaged automated tools written by other hackers.

• Hacktivist-: A hacker who use hacking to send social, religious, and political messages. This is usually done by hijacking websites and leaving the message on the hijacked website.

• Phreaker-: A hacker who identifies and exploits weaknesses in telephones instead of computer systems.