What Are the Main Types of Hackers?

Hackers are well-known figures in society, especially with the constant advancements in technology that have changed our daily lives. But did you know there are various types of hackers operating in the digital world?

For those unfamiliar with this reality, it’s common to associate the term "hacker" with fictional characters like Lisbeth Salander from the Millennium Trilogy or Elliot from the series Mr. Robot, among others. Or even with real personalities who have been involved in significant data and information leaks, such as Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.

Just like the world of hackers, these people and characters operate differently, with varied goals and tactics.

So, let’s explain a bit more about the history of these system experts and the main types of hackers known today.

What is a Hacker?

This might seem like a simple question, but do you really know what a hacker is?

The term is generally used to describe people with extensive knowledge of computing and IT who work on developing and modifying hardware and software.

Contrary to popular belief, hackers are not criminals or people with malicious intentions. Many types of hackers work on developing new functionalities for systems or as partners with companies to prevent cyberattacks. Those who use their knowledge for criminal activities are known as cybercriminals.

The Origin of the Term “Hacker”

The term hacker was used as early as the 1960s when people studied telephone systems to make free calls, and these individuals became known as phreakers.

However, the term gained popularity years later when it was associated with computer programmers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who engaged in activities that combined computing and creativity.

Today, hackers are spread across the world, with notable activity in countries like the USA, India, and Pakistan, where the market for these professionals is more vast and diverse.

The Main Types of Hackers

As previously mentioned, technological and digital system developments have led to the emergence of different types of hackers with various objectives.

In an era where cyberattacks grow alongside technological evolution, it’s crucial for individuals, institutions, and companies to differentiate these individuals and even seek help from many of them. Here are some of the most well-known types of hackers:

White Hat

These professionals are known as “ethical hackers.” They are cybersecurity experts who use their knowledge to help companies and institutions prevent cyberattacks.

They are typically individuals passionate about computing who find assisting other organizations a legitimate way to apply their skills.

When white hats find problems and vulnerabilities in their partners' systems, they report their findings to help the organization take protective measures.

Black Hat

This is one of the most popularly known types of hackers, driven by objectives opposite to those of a white hat.

A black hat, also known as a “cybercriminal,” disregards ethical codes and uses their knowledge to carry out attacks and intrusions on networks and systems.

Their main motivation for attacks can be personal and financial gain through unauthorized access to confidential data, intrusion into organizations, or even criminal espionage.

Grey Hat

As the name suggests, grey hats are in a sort of “middle ground” between white and black hats.

They do not act maliciously but do not use entirely ethical and legal means either.

Grey hats perform invasions often casually, sometimes for fun, but aiming to expose vulnerabilities. This can help the company but also cybercriminals.

They may also exploit these errors by showing the organization and offering to fix them in exchange for financial rewards.

Crackers

Crackers are individuals with significant knowledge of systems, motivated by increased recognition of their techniques and popularity.

They can also be considered cybercriminals. They use their knowledge to break various security systems and software, contributing to increased piracy and earning financial rewards for their criminal actions.

The term "cracker" was coined in 1985 by hackers who wanted to distinguish their activities from those of cybercriminals.

Script Kiddies

This term refers to novice black hats with less experience than more seasoned hackers.

Script kiddies use existing programs and scripts downloaded from the internet to attack networks and websites. They are considered “amateurs” because they lack the skills to write their own codes but aim to become black hats.

The Relationship Between Bug Bounty and White Hats

A white hat hacker often seeks ethical work opportunities that also offer recognition and financial rewards due to the complexity of the service.

Bug bounty programs have successfully combined the need for companies to protect themselves from cyberattacks with the need for stability for white hats.

This is a type of reward service where ethical hackers, authorized to explore the systems and networks of partner companies, search for vulnerabilities that could jeopardize these digital environments.

When a hacker identifies a problem, they provide a report to the company, receiving financial rewards and recognition in return. This benefits both parties.

For companies in Brazil looking for such programs to safeguard or protect their systems from cybercriminal attacks, BugHunt, the first Bug Bounty platform in Brazil, offers various business options.

Visit our blog to learn more about Bug Bounty.