Hacker (computer security)

Hacker is someone who seeks and exploits weaknesses in a computer or computer network. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, such as profit, protest, or challenge.

Classifications:

      subgroups may be defined by the legal status of their activities:

White hat:

     A "White Hat" Hacker breaks security for non-malicious reasons, perhaps to test their own security system  or while working for a security company which makes security software. The term "white hat" in Internet slang refers to an ethical hacker. This classification also includes individuals who perform penetration tests and vulnerability assessments within a contractual agreement.

Black hat:

     A "black hat" hacker is a hacker who "violates computer security for little reason beyond maliciousness or for personal gain" (Moore, 2005). Black hat hackers form the stereotypical, illegal hacking groups often portrayed in popular culture, and are "the epitome of all that the public fears in a computer criminal". Black hat hackers break into secure networks to destroy data or make the network unusable for those who are authorized to use the network.