Hacking
Dr Sajeena S.
• Hacking refers to activities that seek to
compromise digital devices, such as
computers, smartphones, tablets, and
even entire networks.
• And while hacking might not always be
for malicious purposes, nowadays most
references to hacking, and hackers,
characterize it/them as unlawful activity
by cybercriminals—motivated by
financial gain, protest, information
gathering (spying), and even just for the
“fun” of the challenge.
• The term “hacker” is popularly associated
with cybercriminals harbouring malicious
intentions, when in reality, it’s a lot more.
• A hacker can be anyone who utilizes their
computer software and hardware
knowledge to break down and bypass a
computer, device, or network’s security
measures.
• It’s popularly believed hacking is illegal on
principle, which isn’t the case if a system
owner willingly and knowingly grants
access.
• In fact, many private entities and
government agencies hire hackers to help
maintain their system’s security.
• There are two main factors that determine
what type of hacker an individual is: their
motives and legality of their actions.
Hackers are divided into three types—
white, black, and grey hat, a naming
system that was derived from old western
films, where the protagonists would always
wear white hats and vice versa for villain
characters.
1. Black Hat
• Black hat hackers are normally responsible for
creating malware, which is frequently used to
infiltrate computerized networks and systems.
• They’re usually motivated by personal or financial
gain, but can also participate in espionage, protests,
or merely enjoy the thrill.
• Black hat hackers can be anyone from amateurs to
highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals
looking to spread malware, steal private data, like
login credentials, along with financial and personal
information. Upon accessing their targets and
depending on their motives, black hat hackers can
either steal, manipulate, or destroy system data.
2. White Hat
• Also known as “ethical hackers,” they’re often
employed or contracted by companies and
governmental entities, working as security specialists
looking for vulnerabilities.
• While they employ the same methods as black hat
hackers, they always have permission from the
system’s owner, making their actions completely legal.
• White hat hackers implement strategies like penetration
tests, monitor in-place security systems, along with
vulnerability assessments.
• Ethical hacking, the term used to describe the nature of
a white hat hackers’ actions, can even be learned
through independent sources, training, conferences,
and certifications.
3. Grey Hat
• As the name suggests, these individuals utilize
aspects from black and white hat hackers, but will
usually seek out vulnerabilities in a system without
an owner’s permission or knowledge.
• While they’ll report any issues they encounter to
the owner, they’ll also request some sort of
compensation or incentive. Should the owner not
respond or reject their proposition, a grey hat
hacker might exploit the newfound flaws.
• Grey hat hackers aren’t malicious by nature, but do
seek to have their efforts rewarded. Since grey hat
hackers don’t have permission to access the system
by its owner, their actions are ultimately
considered illegal, despite any alarming findings
they might reveal.
• THANK YOU