7 Types of Hackers You Should Know About
In this post, we will cover all types of hackers that exist.
Who are Hackers?
Hackers are the individual or an organization who has great computer and networking skill which they use to solve a technical problem. He often uses his ability to gain unauthorized access to the system and commits illegal activity or crime.
Hackers are the worst nightmare for the organization. Getting hacked may result in the loss of millions of dollars.
A hacker named Jonathan James hacked into NASA’s network and downloaded source code that cost $1.7 million at the time just to learn how the International Space Station worked.
Because of it, NASA has to shut down its network for three entire weeks while they investigated the breach, costing an additional $41,000.
How dangerous a hacker can be?
Whenever you come across a hacker’s profile in social media you will see their profile photo like this.
So the question is are they really dangerous?
Anyone who uses a computer with an internet connection is prone to internet threats.
Hacker attacks your computer by installing the malware on your PC quietly and try to transmit your personal and financial information without your knowledge or permission.
In either case, they will be able to:
-Hack your usernames and passwords
-Steal your money and can open credit card and bank accounts in your name
-Ruin your credit
-Make purchases
-Obtain cash advances
-Use and abuse your Social Security number
-Sell your information to other parties who will use it for illicit or illegal purpose
And more.
Types of hackers
Generally, there are 3 main types of hackers and in this post, we covered all the 7 types of hackers.
Script Kiddies
In simple words, Script kiddies are the noobs of the hacking world.
It is a disrespectful word used to describe the non-serious hackers. They have no knowledge of programming language.
They just copy the code or software that they found online or purchase it.
Script Kiddies will probably download the code/software and watch a YouTube video on how to use it.
But that doesn’t mean you should take them lightly. Because of the availability of free and open-source software, they pose a significant risk for websites and networks
White Hat
They are the good guys who fight the evil hackers. Commonly known as ethical hackers. They work with the organization and helps them to remove a virus or vulnerability.
White hat Hacker uses the same technique as the black hats but instead of exploiting the weakness they disclose all the vulnerability they find to the company.
White hat hackers are hired to organization or work as contract workers.
To become an ethical hacker you should have great problem-solving skills as well as good communication skills. A bachelor’s degree in computer science. Knowledge of scripting languages like python, java, etc.
You can also get Ethical hacking certification from Edx or Coursera. And the final step is practice. Lots of practice is required in this field.
Black Hat
These are the bad guys in the cyber world. Most of the black hat hacker started as a Script Kiddies, by purchasing tools from the dark web and exploiting vulnerabilities. Most of them started to earn quick bucks.
They don’t follow laws or company policies. Most of them have cost companies hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.
If a black hat hacker finds a weakness in software or network, he will try to sell it to the criminal organization or try blackmailing to earn financial gains.
They not only steal your data, but they can also modify or delete it.
Grey Hat
These guys perform both black and white hat hacker activities. Grey hat hacker will look for weakness without the permission of the owner and if he finds a weakness he will try to inform the organization, sometimes may request some fee to fix it.
In Short, they break law and ethics but without malicious intent.
Green Hat
They are similar to script kiddies but are seriously passionate about hacking.
These individuals might lack some skills or knowledge but are eager to learn it.
Red Hat
Little known about the red hat hackers.
Some say that they are the black hat working for the government and have the ability to put any hat on at any time if employed to do so by a government.
Or.
They work like white-hat hackers but instead of reporting they become ruthless. They will keep on attacking the hacker aggressively that the hacker may know it as well have to replace the whole system
Blue Hat
If a script kiddie is angry with you and tries to take revenge on you they the individual will be considered as a blue hat hacker.
Since they are noobs of the hacking they don’t have an interest in learning.
How much an ethical hacker makes?
It is one of the best and trending career options as of now.
Job profiles for ethical hackers.
-Information Security Analyst
-Security Analyst
-Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
-Ethical Hacker
-Security Consultant, (Computing / Networking / Information Technology)
-Information Security Manager
-Penetration Tester
The salary depends on the country you are working with. Your salary will depend on your knowledge and practical experience.
So in the USA, the average pay-out of an ethical hacker is around $70,000 and around 5 Lakhs in India.
Salary also depends on the company which is hiring you.
Want to become a professional certified hacker?
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