Types of Hackers

The types of hackers are usually named by the hackers own slang (also knowm as jargon). Generally hackers can be divided into three classes (also groups or even schools)

WHITE HAT HACKER

A white hat hacker breaks security for non-malicious reasons. This type of hacker enjoys learning and working with computer systems, and consequently gains a deeper understanding of the subject. Such people normally go on to use their hacking skills in legitimate ways, such as becoming security consultants. The word 'hacker' was originally used to describe people such as these.

GREY HAT HACKER

A hacker of this type is a skilled hacker who sometimes acts legally and in good will and sometimes not. They are a hybrid between white and black hat hackers. They hack for no personal gain and do not have malicious intentions, but occasionally may or may not commit crimes in their actions. There is no distinction between grey and brown for hackers in this category.

BLACK HAT HACKER

A black hat hacker is someone who subverts computer security without authorization or uses technology (usually a computer or the Internet) for vandalism (malicious destruction), credit card fraud, identity theft, intellectual property theft, or other types of crime. They are also known as "crackers".

CYBERTERRORIST

A Cyberterrorist uses technology to commit acts of terrorism. Their intentions are to cause physical, real-world harm to social, ideological, religious, political, or governmental establishments. Such as using DOS (Denial of Service) attacks to take down entire websites.

Script kiddie

A script kiddie is a non-expert who breaks into computer systems by using pre-packaged automated tools written by others. These are the outcasts of the hacker community.

Hacktivist

A hacktivist is a hacker who utilizes technology to announce a political message.