Gray Hat Hacker vs. White Hat Hacker vs. Black Hat Hacker

 Hackers are computer experts who use advanced programming skills to bypass security protocols and gain access to devices or networks. However, not all hacking is unauthorized or malicious. There are different types of hackers, some of whom use their skills for beneficial purposes. Understanding these distinctions can help you appreciate how some hacking can be helpful. To protect your device from unauthorized hacking, consider using anti-hacking software like Avast One.

Hackers can be categorized into three general types: black hat hackers, white hat hackers, and gray hat hackers. While hackers are often associated with exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to computers, systems, or networks, not all hacking is malicious or illegal.
At its core, hacking involves using computer skills to solve specific problems. Many hacking activities are beneficial, as they uncover programming weaknesses that help developers improve software products.

Black Hat Hacker Definition

Black hat hackers are cybercriminals who infiltrate computer networks with malicious intent. They may deploy malware to destroy files, hold computers hostage, or steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Motivated by financial gain, revenge, or ideological reasons, black hats aim to cause harm or profit from their actions.

What is a Black Hat Hacker?

Black hat hackers often begin as novice "script kiddies" using pre-made hacking tools. Some receive training from criminal bosses eager for quick profits. The most skilled black hats work for sophisticated criminal organizations, which provide collaboration tools and service agreements, mimicking legitimate business practices. Black hat malware kits sold on the dark web may even include warranties and customer service.

How black hat hackers work

Black hat hackers often specialize in areas such as phishing or managing remote access tools. They find "jobs" through dark web forums and connections. Some develop and sell malicious software, while others work through franchises or leasing arrangements. Hacking operates like big business, with partners, resellers, and vendors buying and selling malware licenses.

Black Hat Hacker Tactics and Skills

Black hat organizations sometimes have call centers to scam victims by pretending to represent well-known tech companies. They convince victims to grant remote access or download software, enabling the theft of passwords and banking information. Other hacks are automated, with attack bots searching the internet for vulnerable computers to infiltrate through phishing, malware attachments, or compromised websites.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Black hat hacking is a global issue, making it difficult to combat. Hackers often leave minimal evidence, use victims' computers, and operate across multiple jurisdictions. Law enforcement may shut down a hacking site in one country, only for the operation to continue elsewhere.

White Hat Hacker Definition

*White hat hackers*, also known as "ethical hackers" or "good hackers," are the counterparts to black hats. They exploit computer systems or networks to identify security flaws and recommend improvements.

What is a White Hat Hacker?

White hat hackers use their skills to uncover security failings and help protect organizations from malicious hackers. They may be paid employees or contractors working as security specialists to find and fix security gaps. Their efforts help large organizations experience less downtime and fewer issues with their websites, making it harder for malicious hackers to penetrate their systems.

A specialized subset of white hat hackers includes penetration testers, or "pentesters," who focus on finding vulnerabilities and assessing risk within systems.

How White Hat Hackers Work

White hat hackers use the same methods as black hats, but with the system owner's permission, making their activities legal. They work with network operators to fix issues before others can exploit them.

White Hat Hacker Tactics and Skills

1. Social Engineering

   - White hat hackers use social engineering to discover weaknesses in an organization’s human defenses. This involves tricking and manipulating individuals into actions like sharing login credentials or making wire transfers.

2. Penetration Testing

   - Penetration testing aims to uncover vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization’s defenses and endpoints so they can be addressed.

3. Reconnaissance and Research

   - This involves researching the organization to identify vulnerabilities within the physical and IT infrastructure, allowing hackers to legally bypass security controls without causing damage.

4. Programming

   - White hat hackers create honeypots as decoys to lure cybercriminals, distracting them or gaining valuable information about the attackers.

5. Using a Variety of Digital and Physical Tools

   - This includes hardware and devices that allow penetration testers to install bots, malware, and gain access to networks or servers.

 Bug Bounty Programs

For some white hat hackers, the process is gamified through bug bounty programs, which offer cash prizes for reporting vulnerabilities. There are also training courses, events, and certifications dedicated to ethical hacking.

Black Hat Hacker vs. White Hat Hacker

Motivation is the primary difference between black hat and white hat hackers. Black hat hackers access systems illegally, driven by malicious intent and personal gain. In contrast, white hat hackers work with companies to identify and fix system weaknesses. Their goal is to prevent black hat hackers from illegally accessing the system's data.

Gray Hat Hacker Definition

Gray hat hackers operate between the ethical boundaries of white hat and black hat hackers, engaging in both authorized and unauthorized activities. They often search for vulnerabilities in systems without the owner's permission or knowledge. If they find issues, they may report them and sometimes request a fee for fixing the problem.

Some gray hat hackers believe they are benefiting companies by exposing security flaws without permission. However, business owners typically do not appreciate these unauthorized intrusions into their information infrastructure.

Often, gray hat hackers seek to showcase their skills and gain publicity, viewing their actions as contributions to cybersecurity.

What is a Gray Hat Hacker?

Gray hat hackers may sometimes breach laws or ethical standards, but unlike black hat hackers, they do not have malicious intent. Unlike white hat hackers, who exploit vulnerabilities with permission and keep their findings confidential until resolved, gray hats do not seek permission before exploiting vulnerabilities but do not exploit them maliciously either.

Gray hats often argue that the internet is inherently unsafe and see their role as highlighting these dangers. They hack websites and networks to demonstrate vulnerabilities, claiming they intend no harm, but their actions often disregard privacy and legal boundaries.

How Gray Hat Hackers Work

When gray hat hackers gain unauthorized access to systems, they might offer to fix the problem for a fee. However, this practice has declined as businesses increasingly prosecute unauthorized intrusions.

Some companies use bug bounty programs to incentivize gray hats to report vulnerabilities. These programs offer rewards to avoid potential exploitation. Still, obtaining permission from the organization remains the only legal and ethical way for hackers to operate.

If organizations do not respond or comply promptly, gray hat hackers might turn to black hat methods, such as posting the exploit online or using it themselves.

Gray Hat Hacker vs. White Hat Hacker

The key difference between gray hat and white hat hackers is that gray hats operate without explicit permission, and if ignored, they are not bound by ethical hacking rules or employment contracts. They might exploit the flaw themselves or share it online, whereas white hats work strictly within legal and ethical boundaries.