The term “hacker” often conjures up images of malicious cybercriminals, but there are actually different types of hackers.

Some use their knowledge and skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems and help companies keep their data safe while others engage in activities that can be classified as criminal. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of hackers and how they use their skills for good or bad purposes.

White Hat Hacker
A white hat hacker is someone who uses his or her skills to identify security vulnerabilities on networks or websites before malicious hackers do. White hat hackers also test systems for organizations so that any potential weaknesses can be addressed and patched immediately. They work directly with companies to ensure their systems are secure from outside threats and only ethical methods are used to find these weaknesses. White hat hackers are usually employed by organizations or consulted by them on a contractual basis.

Gray Hat Hacker
Gray hat hackers have both positive and negative elements to their activities. They may use their skills both legally and illegally, depending on the situation. For example, they may hack into a system in order to identify security flaws but not report them or take advantage of those flaws for personal gain. Gray hat hackers are considered more dangerous than a white hat because they may keep information about the flaws they find instead of reporting them so that no one else can exploit them.

Black Hat Hacker
A black hat hacker is someone who uses their skills for malicious purposes such as stealing data, disrupting networks, or writing viruses/malware programs. Black hat hackers often have criminal intent, as they often target large companies or government agencies in order to steal valuable information or disrupt operations. They typically use sophisticated techniques such as exploiting software vulnerabilities and social engineering tactics (manipulating people into divulging sensitive information).

The world of hacking is complex, with many different types of hackers using their skills for various reasons—some good and some bad. It’s important to understand the differences between white hats, gray hats, and black hats so you can protect yourself from malicious activities online while still taking advantage of the benefits that ethical hacking offers organizations around the world. Knowing which type of hacker you’re dealing with can help you make informed decisions about how best to protect your data (and privacy) online!