Getting “Hacked” Series: Part 3 - Types of Hackers
With the internet changing the work environment of the world, computers end up becoming a major part of our lives. Anything that was once physically written down and in a file cabinet, has now become a digital record. While reducing the physical burden on workers, it’s increased the chances of data theft. The people involved with stealing the data or harming systems are known as Hackers. While it’s important to understand the different types of hacking, it’s also important to understand that there are several different kinds of hackers as well.
TYPES OF HACKERS
White Hat Hackers
Black Hat Hackers
Gray Hat Hackers
Script Kiddies
Green Hat Hackers
Blue Hat Hackers
Red Hat Hackers
State and or Nation Sponsored Hackers
Hacktivist
Malicious insider or Whistleblower
1. White Hat Hackers
White hat hackers are types of hackers who are professionals with an expertise in cybersecurity. They are authorized or certified to hack systems. These White Hat Hackers work for governments or organizations by getting into the system. They hack the system from the loopholes within the cybersecurity of the organization. This hacking is done to test the level of cybersecurity in their organization. By doing so, they identify the weak points and fix them to avoid attacks from external sources. White hat hackers work as per the rules and regulations set by their government. They are traditionally also known as ethical hackers.
Motives & Aims: The goals of these types of hackers are in helping businesses that are looking to detect gaps in a network’s security. They aim to protect and assist companies in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. They help enterprises create defenses, detect vulnerabilities, and solve them before other cybercriminals can find them.
2. Black Hat Hackers
Black hat hackers are also knowledgeable computer experts but with the wrong intentions. They attack other systems to get access where they do not have authorized entry. On gaining entry they might steal the data or destroy the system. The hacking practices used by these types of hackers depend on the individual’s hacking capacity and knowledge. As the intentions of this type of hacker are malicious, it make this type of hacker a criminal.
Motives & Aims: To hack into organizations networks, steal data, bank information, funds, or sensitive information. Normally, they use the stolen resources to profit for themselves, by selling information on the black market, or harass their target company.
3. Gray Hat Hackers
The intention behind the hacking is considered while categorizing the hacker. The Gray hat hacker falls between the black hat hackers and white hat hackers. They are not certified, hackers. These types of hackers work with either good or bad intentions. If the intention is for personal gain, then the hacker is considered to be a gray hat hacker.
Motives & Aims: The difference is, they don’t want to rob people nor want to help people in particular. Rather, they enjoy experimenting with systems to find loopholes, crack defenses, and generally find a fun hacking experience.
4. Script Kiddies
It is a known fact that half knowledge is always dangerous. The Script Kiddies are the amateur type of hackers. They try to hack the system with scripts they’ve picked up from other fellow hackers. They then try to hack the systems, networks, or websites. The intention behind the hacking is just to get attention from their peers. Script Kiddies are typically juveniles who do not have complete knowledge of the hacking process.
Motives & Aims: One standard Kiddie Script attack is a DoS (Denial of Service) or DDoS attack (Distributed Denial of Service). This simply means that an IP address is flooded with too much excessive traffic to the point that it collapses. For example, consider several Black Friday shopping websites. It creates confusion and prevents someone else using the service.
5. Green Hat Hackers
These are hackers who are still learning the ropes of hacking. They are slightly different from the Script Kiddies due to their intention. The intent is to strive and learn to become full-fledged hackers. They are also looking for opportunities to learn from experienced hackers.
6. Blue Hat Hackers
Blue Hat Hackers are similar to Script Kiddies but their intent to learn is missing. They use hacking as a weapon to gain popularity among their fellow beings. They use hacking to settle scores with their adversaries. Blue Hat Hackers are dangerous due to the intent behind the hacking rather than their knowledge.
7. Red Hat Hackers
Red Hat Hackers are synonymous with Eagle-Eyed Hackers. They are similar to White hat hackers. The red hat hackers intend to stop the attack of black hat hackers. The difference between red hat hackers and white hat hackers lay in the process of hacking though the intention remains the same. Red hat hackers are quite ruthless while dealing with black hat hackers or counteracting malware. The red hat hackers continue to attack and may even end up having to replace the entire system set up.
The above are 7 types of hackers broadly referred to in the cybersecurity world.
The three types of hackers listed below work in different capacities.
8. State/Nation Sponsored Hackers
Governments appoint hackers to gain information about other countries. These types of hackers are known as State/Nation sponsored hackers. They use their knowledge to gain confidential information from other countries to be well prepared for any upcoming danger to their country. The sensitive information they manage to gain aids their State/Nation to avoid upcoming danger. They report only to their governments.
9. Hacktivist
These types of hackers intend to hack government websites. They pose themselves as activists, so hence they are known as a hacktivist. Hacktivist’s can be an individual or a bunch of nameless hackers whose intent is to gain access to government websites and networks. The data gained from government files accessed are typically used for personal, political, or social gain.
10. Malicious insider or Whistleblower
These types of hackers include individuals working within an organization who can expose confidential information. The intent behind the exposure might be a personal grudge with the organization or the individual might have come across the illegal activities within the organization. The reason for exposure defines the intent. These individuals are known as whistleblowers.
With Information being widely available over the internet. Keen individuals can learn and adapt immediately. The intent behind hacking is what sets hackers apart. If the knowledge is used for harming individuals, governments, or for personal gain, that’s when hackers are dangerous. The types of hacker attacks vary from organization to organization. Both the intensity and type of attack are dependent on the hacker’s ability to find the loophole and penetrate the security system. This has created a huge challenge to organizations and governments to be always to date with their cybersecurity and training.