What Is Hacking And Types Of Hackers

Hacking is a hot topic in today’s modern world. Hacking when technically defined, is something that is used to access something restricted and that’s what gives it a ‘bad’ name. Just like there are superheroes and villains, there are bad and good hackers.

What is Hacking?

Hacking can be defined as an unauthorized intrusion into a computer or a network. The person who is a part of the hacking activity is known as a hacker. A hacker is well known for changing the system or security features of a computer or a network to achieve a goal that differs from the original purpose of the system. On the other hand, hacking can also be referred to as non-malicious activities, usually involving unusual or improvised alterations to equipment or processes.

Below are 6 types of hackers:

1. Ethical Hackers:
Ethical Hacking is identifying weaknesses in a computer system or in a computer network and coming with corrective measures to overcome those identified weaknesses. Simply put, ethical hackers break into your network systems with your permission and then show you the loopholes in your security systems and then serve you to mend those loopholes.

Therefore, before an ethical hacker breaks into your system he has certain rules to follow:

•Get written permission from the owner of the computer system.
•Protect the privacy of the organization/individual been hacked.
•Transparently report all the identified weaknesses in the computer system to the owners.

2. Script Kiddies:
In programming and hacking language, a script kiddie, kiddie, or skid is an unskilled individual who uses scripts or programs developed by others to attack computer systems and networks. Most script kiddies are young kids who lack the ability to write sophisticated programs and hence use existing and frequently well known and easy-to-find techniques and then exploit weaknesses in other computers on the Internet. They have no idea about the possible harmful consequences as they lack maturity. This is most commonly used to impress friends or gain popularity in computer mastermind communities.

3. White-Hat-Hackers:
A white-hat-hacker is a computer security expert who asses the security system by breaking into protected systems and networks. White-hat-hackers are like best friends to your security network as they choose to use their skill set for better security systems. In fact, their skills are optimally utilized as they wear the black hat and find you the loopholes in your security networks and then wear the white hat to bridge the security gaps detected. White-hat-hackers are as qualified as any other hacker but have a very clear motive to improve business security networks and keep businesses away from cyber threats.

4. Grey-Hat-Hackers:
There is no black and white side in anything and so there is a grey side to hacking. Here the hacker is doing what he is doing just for enjoyment’s sake. They enjoy the process of breaking into computer systems and finding gaps in security. They claim to cause no harm to society, but these hackers cannot be trusted.

5. Black-Hat-Hackers:
Black-hat-hackers are the most dangerous from the list of hackers. These hackers break into computer networks with harmful intent. They are as educated as normal hackers but choose to use their skills for personal benefits. They also release malware into the system that destroys files, holds computers hostage, or steals passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information from the computer device.

6. Suicide Hackers:
As the name suggests, a suicide hacker is a hacker who hacks for the sake of destruction, similar to a suicide bomber. They knock out a target just to prove a point. They are hackers who are aware they will not only cause harm but also get punished too. This kind of hacker will never back out, on the other hand, will choose to go all out to create a havoc as there are high chances of him being caught.

All the above types of hackers are equally qualified but choose two different means of making money. Hacking, however, is inevitable but one must adhere to Basic Cyber Ethics to stay away from malicious hackers as much as possible.

Ref:
https://www.guru99.com/what-is-hacking-an-introduction.html#