Types of Hackers and what they do

Hacking has always fascinated me since childhood and I am sure this must be the case with you too. Hacking often refers to the illegal intrusion into a network or computer; normally carried out by one or more “hackers.” However, a hacker can be anyone. They can be an individual like you or me.  They can work solo or be employed by an organization that has the motive to disrupt something or cause havoc––unnecessarily. Often, they look to alter security systems to achieve their goal, which differs from the actual purpose of the system.

There are also many organizations that hire hackers as part of their staff. Professional hackers use their skills to find a spot in the security system and owning the advantage to break through the system and fulfill their motive.

 

Generally, there are 10-types of Hackers, they are:

• White Hat Hackers: White hat hackers are the ones who are authorized or certified hackers who work for the government and organizations by performing penetration testing and identifying loopholes in their cybersecurity. They also ensure protection from malicious cyber crimes. They work under the rules and regulations provided by the government, that’s why they are called Ethical hackers or Cybersecurity experts.
• Black Hat Hackers: They are often called Crackers. Black Hat Hackers can gain unauthorized access to your system and destroy your vital data. The method of attacking they use common hacking practices they have learned earlier. They are considered to be criminals and can be easily identified because of their malicious actions.
• Gray Hat Hackers: Gray hat hackers fall somewhere in the category between white hat and black hat hackers. They are not legally authorized, hackers. They work with both good and bad intentions; they can use their skills for personal gain. It all depends upon the hacker. If a gray hat hacker uses his skill for his personal gains, he/she is considered as black hat hackers.
• Script Kiddies: They are the most dangerous people in terms of hackers. A Script kiddie is an unskilled person who uses scripts or downloads tools available for hacking provided by other hackers. They attempt to attack computer systems and networks and deface websites. Their main purpose is to impress their friends and society. Generally, Script Kiddies are juveniles who are unskilled in hacking.
• Green Hat Hackers: They are also amateurs in the world of hacking but they are a bit different from script kiddies. They care about hacking and strive to become full-blown hackers. They are inspired by the hackers and ask them a few questions. While hackers are answering their questions they will listen to its novelty.
• Blue Hat Hackers: They are much like the script kiddies; are beginners in the field of hacking. If anyone makes angry a script kiddie and he/she may take revenge, then they are considered as the blue hat hackers. Blue Hat hackers payback to those who have challenged them or angry at them. Like the Script Kiddies, Blue hat hackers also have no desire to learn.
• Red Hat Hackers: They are also known as the eagle-eyed hackers. Like white hat hackers, red hat hackers also aims to halt the black hat hackers. There is a major difference in the way they operate. They become ruthless while dealing with the malware actions of the black hat hackers. Red hat hackers will keep on attacking the hacker aggressively that the hacker may know it as well have to replace the whole system.
• State/Nation Sponsored Hackers: State or Nation sponsored hackers are those who are appointed by the government to provide them cybersecurity and to gain confidential information from other countries to stay at the top or to avoid any kind of danger to the country. They are highly paid government workers.
• Hacktivists: These are also called the online versions of the activists. Hacktivist is a hacker or a group of anonymous hackers who gain unauthorized access to the government’s computer files and networks for further social or political ends.
• Malicious Insider or Whistleblower: A malicious insider or a whistleblower could be an employee of a company or a government agency with a grudge or a strategic employee who becomes aware of any illegal activities happening within the organization and can blackmail the organization for his/her personal gain.