18 Types of Hackers in Cyber Security Explained

A hacker is an individual who identifies and exploits weaknesses in computer systems or networks. Depending on their intentions, hackers are typically classified into three main categories: black hat hackers, white hat hackers, and gray hat hackers. These primary categories can be further divided into more hacker types.

In this article, we will discuss hackers, what are the three types of hackers, and 15 other types of hackers in cybersecurity. We will also cover the difference between black hat, white hat, and gray hat hackers.

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What is a Hacker?

A hacker is an individual who uses their technical expertise to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. Their activities can range from unauthorized access to data, disrupting services, or testing and improving security measures.

Hackers are skilled with programming, networking, and system operations, due to which they can manipulate systems in ways that are not intended by the original developers.

What are the Three Main Types of hackers?

The primary 3 types of Hackers are Black Hat, White Hat, and Gray Hat Hackers.

1. Black Hat Hackers

Black hat hackers, also known as Crackers, engage in illegal hacking activities to cause harm or gain personal profit by exploiting security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or devices without authorization.

They may implant malware, steal sensitive information, or launch disruptive attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or ransomware campaigns.

These hackers often design viruses, worms, and Trojans to infiltrate systems and target personal information, financial data, and corporate secrets,  to blackmail individuals or organizations.

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2. White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, use their skills to improve security by working within legal and ethical boundaries to identify vulnerabilities in systems before they can be exploited by malicious hackers.

Many companies hire white hat hackers to conduct penetration testing, assess security flaws, and harden their systems. These ethical hackers simulate attacks to discover weaknesses, perform thorough security audits of networks, applications, and systems to ensure they meet security standards, and report vulnerabilities responsibly to the affected parties.

White hat hackers play a critical role in enhancing cybersecurity, and many cybersecurity professionals started their careers as white hat hackers. Their work is essential for protecting organizations and individuals from cyber threats.

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3. Gray Hat Hackers

Gray hat hackers take the middle ground between black and white hats. They do not have malicious intentions like black hat hackers, but they also lack the authorization that white hat hackers have for accessing systems.

These hackers typically exploit vulnerabilities without prior consent, inform the affected party after discovering a weakness, sometimes asking for a reward, and operate in a legally gray area due to their ambiguous ethics.

Because of their approach, gray hat hackers can often blur the lines between ethical and unethical behavior, leading to controversy within the cybersecurity community.

Difference Between Black Hat, White Hat, and Grey Hat Hackers

The table below briefly compares black hat vs white hat vs grey hat hackers.

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15 Other Types of Hackers

In addition to the three main types of hackers, there are various other types of hackers in cybersecurity. Below we have explained 15 more hacker types, which you might not know about:

1. Blue Hat Hackers

There are two main types of blue hat hackers:

● Security Experts: These non-malicious hackers are typically employed by companies to test the security of their systems by running penetration tests. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

● Revenge Seekers: These experienced hackers use their skills to attack individuals or organizations out of personal vendetta, with little interest in financial gain or fame. Their actions are driven by anger or a desire for retribution.

2. Purple Hat Hackers

Purple hat hackers practice hacking skills in a controlled environment, often by hacking their own devices.

They typically use one computer to hack another that they own, allowing them to refine their techniques. Since they are learning, they pose little to no risk to anyone outside their practice environment.

3. Red Hat Hackers

Red hat hackers, also called vigilante hackers, are motivated by a desire to combat black hat hackers.

Rather than simply reporting vulnerabilities or exploiting weaknesses for good, Red Hat hackers go on the offensive.

They target black hat hackers by infiltrating their networks, often using aggressive tactics such as disabling systems or destroying data.

4. Green Hat Hackers

Green hat hackers are newcomers to the hacking scene. Lacking technical experience, they may still pose a threat unintentionally due to their lack of skills.

They may rely on phishing scams or other simple techniques to exploit security holes, potentially causing harm without fully understanding the impact of their actions.

5. Hacktivists

Hacktivists use hacking as a tool to promote social or political causes. Their actions target government organizations or corporations to expose information or disrupt systems.

Hacktivists often see themselves as fighting for a just cause, but their actions can harm those who do not share their ideological views.

6. Script Kiddies

Script kiddies are inexperienced hackers who lack the technical know-how to create their hacking programs. Instead, they use pre-existing scripts and tools to carry out attacks.

Although they may not fully understand the damage they are causing, their actions can still be harmful, especially because they often don't know how to control the power of the tools they are using.

7. Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are individuals within organizations who leak confidential or sensitive information to expose illegal or unethical practices.

While their intentions may vary, whistleblowers are often controversial. Some view them as heroes for exposing wrongdoing, while others see them as a threat to organizational security.

8. Botnet Hackers

Botnet hackers create networks of infected devices, known as "botnets," which they control remotely.

These botnets can carry out large-scale attacks, such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, spam campaigns, and spreading malware.

By harnessing the power of numerous infected devices, botnet hackers can cause significant damage to targeted systems.

9. Crypto hackers

Crypto hackers target cryptocurrency exchanges and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to steal digital assets.

These hackers use phishing attacks to deceive users into providing access to their accounts or to lure them into fake exchanges, where they can then steal cryptocurrency.

10. Cryptojackers

Cryptojackers exploit users' devices to mine cryptocurrency without their consent.

Rather than investing in expensive hardware, these hackers hijack the computing power of unsuspecting devices to conduct the resource-intensive process of mining digital currency.

This can slow down systems and increase electricity costs for victims.

11. Cyberterrorists

Cyberterrorists use hacking to advance their ideological goals. Their attacks may target critical infrastructure, such as electricity grids, transportation systems, or financial networks, with the intent to disrupt or damage it.

Often, they seek to instill fear, spread propaganda, or extort money through ransomware, usually financing their operations through cryptocurrency.

12. Elite Hackers

Elite hackers are highly skilled professionals who are at the top of the hacking world. With years of experience and expertise, they can shift between white and black hat hacking.

Elite hackers are often innovators in both cybersecurity and cyberattacks, capable of discovering and creating new methods for hacking systems and defending against them.

13. Gaming Hackers

Gaming hackers focus on online gaming platforms, seeking to steal account information, login credentials, and in-game assets.

They may use DDoS attacks to take down opponents' accounts or exploit weaknesses in game design to gain an unfair advantage.

With eSports prize pools often reaching millions of dollars, hacking in gaming has become a big business.

14. Malicious Insiders

Malicious insiders are employees or contractors who have access to sensitive systems and data.

However, instead of using their access for legitimate purposes, they exploit it for personal gain or to cause damage.

Their actions can stem from personal grievances, a desire for revenge, or financial motivations, often resulting in the theft or destruction of data.

15. State-Sponsored Hackers

State-sponsored hackers are employed by governments to carry out cyber espionage or digital warfare.

They are often tasked with stealing confidential information, sabotaging rival nations' infrastructure, or monitoring digital activities.

These hackers are usually well-funded and operate with a sense of impunity, as they are backed by government resources.

How to Protect Yourself From Hackers?

Protecting yourself from hackers, regardless of their type, requires a combination of vigilance, tools, and best practices:

● Download Files Only from Trusted Sources: Hackers often use infected files to gain access to systems. Avoid downloading anything from suspicious or unfamiliar sites.

● Use Antivirus Software: Basic antivirus tools may not catch the most sophisticated malware. Invest in comprehensive antivirus software for added protection.

● Install a VPN: A VPN helps conceal your location and encrypts your data, protecting you from being tracked or intercepted by hackers.

● Create Strong Passwords and Enable 2FA: Strong passwords, along with two-factor authentication, add extra layers of security to your accounts.

● Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them prime targets for hackers. If you must use them, always connect via a VPN.

● Keep Software Updated: Regular updates help patch security vulnerabilities and protect against newly discovered threats.

● Back Up Your Files: Regularly back up important data so you can recover it in case of an attack, such as ransomware.

Conclusion

The world of hacking is diverse, with hackers ranging from the altruistic white hats who protect our systems, to the malicious black hats and vigilante red hats.

Regardless of their motivation, all types of hackers pose a potential risk to digital security. By understanding these hacker types and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself and your information from cyber threats.