Hat Hackers

White, Grey and Black Hat Hackers

Alysa Derks

Hacking History

Hacking has a fascinating history. The very first hackers were just enthusiasts probing to see what was possible with emerging technologies. The first type of hacking was done without computers and was called 'Phone Phreaking'. With the rise of the Personal Computer, hacking really took off and became a global phenomenon, introducing some good hackers, and some malicious.

WhiteHats

GreyHats

BlackHats

Ethical v. Unethical Hacking

Ethical and unethical hacking represent two sides of hacking, defined by intent, legality, and the nature of actions taken within a system. Ethical hacking (White Hat hacking) involves authorized, legal hacking performed to identify and address security vulnerabilities in a system. Ethical hackers work within the boundaries of the law and seek to protect, rather than harm, digital assets. Unethical hacking (Black Hat hacking) involves unauthorized access to systems and networks with the intent to exploit, steal, disrupt, or harm. Unethical hackers are individuals or groups who act illegally and for their own benefit, often causing financial or reputational damage to their targets.

White, Grey and Black Hat Hackers

Alysa Derks

The Hats and their relation to cyber security

White, Grey, and Black Hat hackers each play distinct roles in cybersecurity, contributing to its challenges, defenses, and ongoing development. White Hats directly improve cyber security by identifying and mitigating

vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Black Hat hackers exploit cyber security weaknesses for malicious or personal gain, posing one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity. However, their illegal actions force organizations to improve security measures and defenses, often leading to significant advancements in cybersecurity. Grey Hats sometimes contribute indirectly by uncovering vulnerabilities, but their actions are technically illegal without permissions. Together, White, Grey, and Black Hat hackers shape cyber security’s ongoing evolution.

Additional Sources

• https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/hacker-hat-types

• https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/black-white-and-gray-hat-hackers

• https://www.avast.com/c-hacker-types#

Grey Hat Hackers

Maybe Good Guys, Maybe Bad Guys

Grey Hat hackers generally don't have malicious intent while hacking, but they do act without permission from their targets. The way that they use their acquired data comes down to their personal moral code.

White Hat Hackers

The Good Guys

White Hat hackers are typically security researchers and penetration testers whos actions are often sanctioned by companies who pay for their resources. They help to keep everyone safe.

Black Hat Hackers

The Bad Guys

Black Hat hackers exploit systems and networks with malicious intent. They seek unauthorized access to steal data, disrupt operations, or cause other forms of harm often asking for large amounts of money in exchange for repair.