Hacker

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What Does Hacker Mean?

A hacker utilizes alternative system access methods to sabotage computer systems and networks.

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Hacking actions are differentiated as illegal and unacceptable (black/grey hat hacking), or legal and acceptable (white hat hacking).

Techopedia Explains Hacker

Hacker is a term that refers to many different computing topics. However, in the mainstream, a hacker is any individual or group that circumvents security to access unauthorized data.

Most hackers are highly skilled computer programmers that locate security gaps and access secure systems via unique analytical skills. A great hacker is known to be able to “think outside the box.”

Hacker types are delineated according to intent, as follows:

  • Black hat hackers break into computer systems illegally and cause harm by stealing or destroying data, i.e., a banking system to steal money for personal gain.
  • White hat hackers use their skills to help enterprises create robust computer systems.
  • Grey hat hackers perform illegal hacking activities to show off their skills, rather than to achieve personal gain.
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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret é uma premiada redatora e professora conhecida por sua habilidade de explicar assuntos técnicos complexos para um público empresarial não técnico. Nos últimos vinte anos, suas definições de TI foram publicadas pela Que em uma enciclopédia de termos tecnológicos e citadas em artigos do New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine e Discovery Magazine. Ela ingressou na Techopedia em 2011. A ideia de Margaret de um dia divertido é ajudar os profissionais de TI e de negócios a aprenderem a falar os idiomas altamente especializados uns dos outros.