Understanding the differences between White Hat, Black Hat and Grey Hat Hackers

Hackers are those people who are computer specialists who utilize extensive programming abilities to circumvent security procedures and obtain access to devices or networks. However, not all hacking is illegal, and not all hackers break into systems with malicious intent. Let's look at different sorts of hackers and why hacking is really beneficial.

Understanding The Three Main Types of Hackers

In the world of cybersecurity, there are different types of hackers with different intentions and methods. Hackers are classified into three types such as black hat, white hat, and grey hat. Although most people associate hackers with gaining unauthorized access to computers, systems, or networks by exploiting vulnerabilities, not all hacking is malicious or illegal. Hacking, in its most basic form, is just the use of computer abilities to solve a specific problem. There are several sorts of hackers, and many hacking operations are useful since they expose code flaws that allow engineers to enhance software products. Therefore, understanding the difference between white hat, black hat, and grey hat hackers is crucial in protecting your online security.

White Hat Hacker

White Hat Hacker is also known as Ethical Hacker. They are someone who employs hacking talents to find security flaws in hardware, software, or networks. When it comes to hacking, white hat hackers follow the rule of law. White hat hackers only search for weaknesses or exploits when it is legal to do so. White hat hackers may do research using open-source software as well as software or systems that they own or have permission to investigate, such as bug bounty schemes. These programmers compensate individuals for exposing security issues. Therefore, ethical hacking or white hat hacking is considered a skill not a crime.

White hat hackers are completely opposite to black or grey hat hackers, as they completely report all vulnerabilities they discover to the firm or product owner who is responsible for correcting the weaknesses, allowing the issues to be repaired before they are exploited by malevolent hackers.

Black-Hat Hackers

Black-Hat Hackers are individuals who enter the system without the consent of the system's owners. As entry points, these hackers exploit weaknesses. They unlawfully hack into systems. They utilize their abilities to deceive and hurt others. They carry out numerous assaults, create malware, and compromise system security. By compromising system security, they steal users' passwords, data, and credit card information. Black-hat hackers get a profit on the dark web by selling data and credit card information. They can also destroy anyone's reputation in order to get retribution. They may steal consumers' personal information and blackmail them. They also use links or attachments to hijack social media profiles. Some countries (China, Russia, and the United States) hire black hat hackers to steal military data from other countries.

Grey Hat Hacker

Grey hat hackers are morally between white and black hats. Grey hats, on the whole, see themselves as decent guys who are more lenient with the norms that govern their activities. A grey hat hacker, for example, may be more likely than a white hat hacker to get access to systems without the owners' knowledge or consent, but is less likely than a black hat hacker to inflict harm to such systems.

This form of hacking, however, is still deemed a criminal offense. However, they never share data with black hat hackers. They discover problems and report them to the owner, occasionally seeking a modest sum of money to repair them. However, because the hacker is not bound by ethical hacking policies, some organizations disregard grey hat hackers. No one is at risk from these types of hackers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between white hat, black hat, and grey hat hackers is essential in protecting your online security. The motivation or aim that each sort of hacker has when they infiltrate computer systems is the key distinction between white, black, and grey hat hackers. Grey hat hackers work in the grey region in between - they're not evil, but they're not always ethical either. White hat hackers look for cybersecurity flaws to assist organizations build stronger security. Black hat hackers are driven by malicious intent. You can start your Ethical Hacking career with Beingcert Pentest Professional Certification. Learn More