Hacking and Hackers

Hacking generally refers to unauthorised intrusion into a computer or a network. The person engaged in hacking activities is known as a hacker. This hacker may alter system or security features to accomplish a goal for his own profit or to harm the owner.

Hacking can also refer to non-malicious activities, usually involving unusual or improvised alterations to equipment or processes.

As per the type of hacking, hackers are classified as White hat, Grey hat and Black hat hackers

A security hacker is someone who explores methods for breaching defences and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network. They work for the public interest and is completely legal. They are often hired by big companies, organisations or governments to defend their system or network from malicious hackers, they are paid high amounts to do so. They are also know as White hat hackers or Ethical hackers.

A black hat hacker is a hacker who violates computer security without permission for personal gain or maliciousness or for money. They are hired by people with malicious intensity to harm the victim by leaking their confidential data, destroying the database, etc.

A Gray hat hacker is someone who exploits a security weakness in a computer system or product in order to bring the weakness to the attention of the owners. Unlike a black hat, a gray hat acts without malicious intent. The goal of a gray hat is to improve system and network security.