Hackers: Understanding the Different Types and Their Motivations

Extremely skilled at handling computer software and hardware, hackers are categorised into various types depending on their intent and purpose, and are mostly denoted by different coloured hats. In the 105th part of this series, Riju Mehta lists the various categories of hackers.

Who is a hacker?

The term ‘hacker’ originated in the 1950s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the United States, referring to the creative and clever shortcuts deployed by programmers for more efficient work. Over time, the connotation has become negative and refers to those who use unauthorised means to access computer networks to steal information for personal gain.

However, not all hackers are engaged in criminal activities. This is why Oxford dictionary also has a dual definition for hackers, describing them either as ‘a person who uses computers to get access to data in somebody else’s computer or phone system without permission’ or ‘a person who uses or writes computer programs with enthusiasm and skill’.

Extremely skilled at handling computer software and hardware, hackers are categorised into various types depending on their intent and purpose, and are mostly denoted by different coloured hats.

Types of hackers

Black hat

These are malicious hackers intent on stealing information for personal and financial gain, and creating chaos. They indulge in theft of data and sensitive information, and introduce malware, spyware and ransomware for extortion, destruction and disruption.

White hat

These are ethical hackers, who work to curb cybercrime by carrying out tests and identifying loopholes or vulnerabilities in the system, and fixing these to enhance security. They work for governments and organisations to hack in an ethical and authorised manner by following rules and regulations.

Grey hat

These hackers straddle the grey area between black and white hats. They are not legally authorised to hack systems, but do it without malice or illintent. They mostly hack to find loopholes and inform the owners either for fame, personal satisfaction, or sometimes for gains.

Green hat

These are newbie, amateur hackers, who are enthusiastic about learning and don’t want to act with malice or with intent to cause damage. They use scripted software and tools to practise their craft, but can accidentally cause damage.

Blue hat

These are professional, ethical hackers, who are invited by organisations to run a check on their systems and detect any flaws before a formal product launch. Unlike while hat hackers who are employed by organisations, blue hat hackers are outsourced by firms to test their systems.

Red hat

These are ethical hackers who go to an extreme in disabling cybercriminals, but do not work within legal bounds. They can take on black hat hackers by launching very aggressive offensives to destroy their resources.

Script kiddies

These are the amateur, juvenile hackers, who use downloadable software, tools and scripts to launch cyber attacks, mostly for thrill and recognition. Despite their inexperience, or because of it, they can render serious damage to companies.

Hacktivists

These are digital activists or protestors, who use hacking to promote a social cause, political ideology or purpose. They may want to highlight social injustice, corruption or inequality by hacking and leaking information.

State-sponsored hackers: These hackers are appointed by the government to infiltrate other countries’ computer systems and pull out data or other sensitive information to enhance their own country’s security.