WHO ARE THESE HACKERS?

The term "hack" initially emerged to refer to messing with machines at M.I.T [1]. Let's explain the answer to the question of what is hacking.

People who carry out network attacks are called hackers. The word hack means to break something [2], and in general hacking is to gain unauthorized access to a system. According to their purpose, they are classified as black, white, or gray [3]. 

Hackers use their knowledge and skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, and databases to steal information, disrupt services, and commit other cybercrimes [4]. While some hackers may be motivated by curiosity, many are driven by financial gain or malicious intent. Hacking can come in many forms, ranging from phishing emails to malicious software. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your data from hackers. Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication, using firewalls and antivirus software, and regularly patching your systems can help protect you from hackers.

Black hat hackers are people who use their experience and knowledge gained over the years in a way that causes financial and moral harm to other people. Black hat hackers can pose a serious threat to organizations, as they can access sensitive information and disrupt operations [4]. It is important to be aware of the signs of a potential attack and to take steps to protect yourself and your data from this type of cybercrime./ Implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication, using firewalls and antivirus software, and regularly patching your systems can help protect you from black hat hackers. 

White hat hackers, on the other hand, are experts who are the exact opposite of black hat view, care about the security of people and companies and warn about these issues. A white hat hacker is a computer security expert who specializes in testing the security of networks and computer systems by simulating attacks from malicious hackers, in order to identify potential security vulnerabilities./ White hat hackers use their skills to improve security by exposing vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can detect and exploit them [4].

Gray hat hackers are those who are torn between these two approaches and prefer either one depending on their situation. A gray hat hacker is someone who may engage in activities that could be considered illegal, but generally for altruistic reasons./ Their goal is usually to expose weaknesses in computer systems or networks, and then alert the system owner or provider who can then correct the issue [4]. Gray hat hackers are often seen as a combination of white hat and black hat hackers.

Understanding hackers and thinking like them allows us to take appropriate measures against these cyber-attacks.

Publish date: 23 December 2022

References:

1. C. Chawla, "A review paper on hacking," Asian Journal of Multidimensional Research, pp. 110-115, 2021. 
2. C. B. E. Dictionary, "hack," Cambridge University Press, [Online]. Available: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hack.
3. C. Falk, "Gray hat hacking: morally black and white," CERIAS Tech Report , 2014.
4. https://beta.openai.com/playground