What are the types of hackers?
What Are the Types of Hackers?
Hackers are often categorized based on their intent, methods, and objectives. These categories help describe how individuals interact with digital systems and what outcomes they pursue. While the term "hacker" broadly refers to someone skilled in navigating and manipulating technology, distinctions arise from context and purpose.
White Hat
White hat hackers work with permission to identify and resolve security issues. Their actions support system integrity and often align with roles in cybersecurity, auditing, or compliance testing. They follow legal and organizational frameworks and contribute to proactive defense.
Black Hat
Black hat hackers operate without authorization and focus on goals such as unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system disruption. Their methods often target vulnerabilities for personal, financial, political or strategic gain.
Grey Hat
Grey hat hackers explore systems with or without permission but do not always seek harm or benefit. Their actions may uncover weaknesses and lead to public disclosure, sometimes before notifying the system owner. Grey hat activity occupies a space between formal permission and independent initiative.
Red Team
Red team hackers simulate real-world attacks to test defenses. Their operations are authorized and structured, designed to challenge the readiness of systems and personnel under realistic threat scenarios.
Blue Team
Blue team hackers focus on defense. They monitor systems, respond to intrusions, and strengthen resilience through detection and mitigation strategies. Their role complements offensive testing by reinforcing protection.
Hacktivist
Hacktivists use hacking techniques to support political, ideological, or social causes. Their actions aim to raise awareness, disrupt opposing entities, or influence public perception through digital means.
Script Kiddie
Script kiddies use prebuilt tools and scripts to perform basic attacks. They may have limited understanding of underlying mechanisms but engage in hacking for curiosity, challenge, or reputation.