What is Hacking? Types of hackers and Hacking Tools by Anshul 2023

What is Hacking

Hacking is an attempt to exploit a computer system or a private network inside a computer. Simply put, it is unauthorized access to or control of computer network security systems for any illegal purpose. Hacking is the activity of identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks in order to exploit security in order to gain access to personal data or business data. An example of computer hacking could be: using password cracking algorithms to gain access to a computer system.

Who is a Hacker

A hacker is a person who finds and exploits vulnerabilities in computer systems and/or networks in order to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled computer programmers with knowledge of computer security.

Types of Hackers

Hackers are classified according to the intent of their actions. The following list categorizes the types of hackers according to their intent:

1. Ethical Hacker (White Hat)
2. Cracker (Black Hat)
3. Gray Hat
4. Script Kiddies
5. Hacktivist
6. Freaker

Ethical Hacker (White Hat): A security hacker who gains access to systems for the purpose of fixing identified vulnerabilities. They may also perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

Cracker (Black Hat): A hacker who gains unauthorized access to a computer system for personal gain. The intent is usually to steal corporate data, violate privacy rights, transfer money from bank accounts, etc.

Gray Hat: A hacker who is somewhere between ethical and black hat hackers. He breaks into computer systems without authorization with the aim of identifying vulnerabilities and disclosing them to the system owner.

Script Kiddies: A non-skilled person who gains access to a computer system using pre-made tools.

Hacktivist: A hacker who uses hacking to send social, religious, and political messages. This is usually done by hijacking websites and leaving messages on the hijacked website.

Freaker: A hacker who identifies and exploits vulnerabilities in telephones rather than computers.

Hacking Tools:

Hacking is typically technical in nature (such as creating malware that deposits malware in a drive-by attack that does not require user interaction). But hackers can also use psychology to trick a user into clicking on a malicious attachment or providing personal data. These tactics are called "social engineering".

In fact, it is accurate to characterize hacking as a broad term for the activity behind most malware and malicious cyber attacks on the computing public, businesses, and governments. In addition to social engineering and malware, common hacking techniques include:

• Botnets
• Trojan
• Virus
• Insects
• Rootkit
• Browser hijack
• Ransomware
• Denial of service (DDoS) attacks