Definition of Hackers
Hackers are computer experts who use advanced programming skills to neutralize security protocols and gain access to devices or networks. While the image of Hackers is largely bad or negative, not all hacking is unauthorized, and not all hackers break into systems with malicious intent.
For this reason, there are terms like White Hat Hackers and Black Hat Hackers. What’s the difference between the two? Here’s the explanation.
The terms Black Hat and White Hat originated in Western countries in the 1950s. At that time, bad guys usually wore black hats and good guys wore white hats.
Definition of White Hat Hackers
White Hat Hackers identify and fix security vulnerabilities. These hackers hack into systems with the permission of the organization they are hacking into. White Hat Hackers try to uncover system weaknesses in order to fix them. They also help strengthen the overall security of the system.
This goal of white hat hackers makes them often dubbed as ethical hackers or good hackers. These good hackers are recruited by companies to work with the company’s IT team. In addition to benefiting White Hat Hackers, the company also benefits because its security system has been tested by these hackers.
Definition of Black Hat Hackers
Black Hat Hackers are cybercriminals who illegally break systems with malicious intent. These malicious hackers gain unauthorized access to computer systems. After finding security vulnerabilities, these hackers try to exploit them by implanting viruses or malware. Apart from implanting viruses and malware, hackers also use ransomware attacks to extort financial gains or damage data systems.
There are many Black Hat gangs in the world. They are always trying to steal data. They try to break into debit and credit card data. Some groups also hack government sites for various purposes. Some are just showing off their skills, while others have malicious intentions.
Definition of Grey Hat Hackers
Not only Black Hat and White Hat Hackers, there is also a group of Gray Hat Hackers. These gray hat hackers may not have criminal intent or malicious intent. However, they also don’t have prior consent from the people whose systems are hacked, which sets them apart from Grey Hat Hackers.
Grey Hat Hackers will report the results of their hacks to the hacked agency or party rather than fully exploit them. However, these Grey Hat Hackers may also ask for payment in exchange for providing full details of what they found. So, they will restore the system as it was before so that it looks as if it was not hacked.
Another type of hackers
Green Hat Hackers
These green hat hackers are inexperienced and may not have the technical skills of other hat hackers. They rely on phishing and social engineering techniques to bypass security systems.
Blue Hat Hackers
Companies hire White Hat Hackers to help improve security systems by conducting penetration tests. White Hat Hackers who are subordinate to this company are called Blue Hat Hackers.
Red Hat Hackers
Red Hat Hackers are motivated to fight Black Hat Hackers. They do this by infiltrating the Black Hat community and launching hacking attacks against the Black Hats’ networks and devices.
What are the main differences?
Black Hat Hackers, White Hat Hackers, Grey Hat Hackers, Green Hat Hackers, Blue Hat Hackers, and Red Hat Hackers are distinguished by their motivation or intentions when breaking into computer systems.
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