What is a Hacker? Legality, Types & Tools

Hackers come in various forms, each with different motivations and skills. Our guide provides an overview of the different types of hackers, including white hats, black hats, and gray hats, and their respective roles in the cybersecurity landscape.

Learn about the ethical implications of hacking, the techniques used by malicious hackers, and how organizations can protect themselves from cyber threats. Discover the importance of ethical hacking in strengthening security measures and fostering a safer digital environment.

Is Hacking Legal?

Whether hacking is legal depends on the specific situation and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the hacking is taking place. In some cases, hacking may be legal if it is performed with the permission of the system owner or network being accessed. For example, if a security consultant is hired by an organization to test the security of their systems, the consultant may be allowed to hack into the systems to identify vulnerabilities.

However, hacking may be illegal in other cases, even if performed with the best intentions. For example, this is typically considered illegal if a person gains unauthorized access to a system or network without the owner’s permission.

In general, it is important to understand the laws and regulations that apply to hacking in your jurisdiction and to obtain the necessary permissions before attempting to hack into any systems or networks. Hacking without the proper permissions can result in legal consequences, even if the intentions are benign.

What Do Real Hackers Do?

Real hackers may do various things for a living, depending on their specific skills and interests. Some real hackers may be employed by organizations to help protect their networks and systems from cyber threats (yes, we are hiring). These hackers may use their skills to test the security of a system, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to prevent unauthorized access.

Other hackers may be independent security consultants or researchers who use their skills to help organizations improve their security posture. They may also participate in hacking competitions or challenges, using their skills to solve problems or complete tasks in a controlled environment. Some make a living out of bug bounty programs.

Bug bounty programs are initiatives in which organizations offer rewards or incentives to individuals who can identify and report vulnerabilities or security flaws in their systems or products. These programs are designed to encourage people to help organizations find and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious hackers.

There are many different bug bounty programs run by a variety of organizations, including technology companies, government agencies, and other organizations. These programs may offer different rewards or incentives and have different participation rules and requirements. There are also  “Bug Bounty as a Service” tools, like Bugcrowd and HackerOne, which pay researchers to find product vulnerabilities.

What Do Hackers Study?

Hackers typically study various topics related to computer science, engineering, and information technology. This may include computer programming, network security, cryptography, and operating systems.

Hackers may also study tools and techniques commonly used in hacking, such as exploits, malware, and other types of attack software. They may also study the tactics and methods other hackers use to understand how these attacks work and how to defend against them.

In addition to technical subjects, hackers may also study social engineering techniques, such as persuasion and manipulation, to better understand how to trick people into revealing sensitive information or granting access to systems.

Here are some of the books we recommend reading to get started with infosec:

Here’s our list: Must-read books for every #infoSec practitioner, a thread

— SentinelOne (@SentinelOne) December 2, 2022

What Software and Tools Do Hackers Use?

Hackers may use various software tools and programs to assist them in their activities. These tools can be broadly grouped into several categories, including the following:

Network scanning and discovery tools

These tools scan networks and identify systems and devices connected to the network. They may also gather information about the systems and devices, such as their IP addresses, operating systems, and open ports. Here are a few examples:

1. Nmap is a widely used network scanning and discovery tool used to scan networks and identify systems and devices connected to the network. It can also gather information about the systems and devices, such as their IP addresses, operating systems, and open ports.
2. Angry IP Scanner: Angry IP Scanner is an open-source network scanning and discovery tool used to scan networks and identify systems and devices connected to the network. It can also gather information about the systems and devices, such as their IP addresses, operating systems, and open ports.
3. Advanced IP Scanner: Advanced IP Scanner is a network scanning and discovery tool used to scan networks and identify systems and devices connected to the network. It can also gather information about the systems and devices, such as their IP addresses, operating systems, and open ports.

Vulnerability assessment and exploitation tools

Vulnerability assessment and exploitation tools are used by hackers to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks and to exploit those vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. These tools may be used to scan systems and networks for vulnerabilities and test systems’ security to identify weaknesses that can be exploited. Some common examples of vulnerability assessment and exploitation tools include the following:

1. Metasploit: Metasploit is a widely used vulnerability assessment and exploitation tool used to identify systems and networks and exploit those vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. It includes many exploits that can be used to target specific vulnerabilities and tools for creating and deploying custom exploits.
2. Nessus: Nessus is a vulnerability assessment and exploitation tool used to scan systems and networks for vulnerabilities and identify potential weaknesses that can be exploited. It includes a large database of known vulnerabilities and tools for testing the security of systems and networks.
3. Burp Suite: Burp Suite is a vulnerability assessment and exploitation tool that is used to identify vulnerabilities in web applications and to exploit those vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. It includes several different tools, such as a web application scanner, an intercepting proxy, and a web application vulnerability scanner.

Password cracking and brute-force attack tools

Password cracking and brute-force attack tools are used by hackers to guess or crack passwords to gain access to systems and accounts. These tools use various algorithms and techniques to generate and try different password combinations in an attempt to guess the correct password. Some common examples of password cracking and brute-force attack tools include the following:

1. John the Ripper: John the Ripper is a widely used password cracking and brute-force attack tool to guess or crack passwords. It uses various algorithms and techniques to generate and try different password combinations to guess the correct password.
2. Hashcat: Hashcat is a password-cracking and brute-force attack tool used to guess or crack passwords. It uses a variety of algorithms and techniques to generate and try different password combinations in an attempt to guess the correct password.
3. RainbowCrack: RainbowCrack is a password-cracking and brute-force attack tool used to guess or crack passwords. It uses a pre-computed hash rainbow table to speed up guessing or cracking passwords, making it more efficient than other tools.

Malware creation and deployment tools

Malware creation and deployment tools are used by hackers to create and deploy malware, such as viruses, Trojans, and other types of malicious software. These tools may create custom malware tailored to a specific target or modify and repackage existing malware to avoid detection. Some common examples of malware creation and deployment tools include the following:

1. Metasploit: Metasploit is a widely used malware creation and deployment tool to create and deploy custom malware. It includes many exploits that can target specific vulnerabilities and tools for creating and deploying custom malware payloads.
2. Veil-Evasion: Veil-Evasion is a tool for creating and deploying custom malware payloads. It uses various techniques to generate undetectable payloads that can evade detection by antivirus software.
3. TheFatRat: TheFatRat is a tool for creating and deploying custom malware payloads. It includes many different features, such as the ability to generate payloads in multiple languages and to bypass antivirus software.

Social engineering and phishing tools

Social engineering and phishing tools are used by hackers to trick people into revealing sensitive information or granting access to systems. These tools may be used to create and send phishing emails, set up fake websites or social media accounts, or impersonate legitimate organizations to gain the trust of potential victims. Some common examples of social engineering and phishing tools include the following:

1. SET (Social-Engineer Toolkit): SET is a widely used social engineering and phishing tool to create and send phishing emails and set up fake websites or social media accounts. It includes many different features and templates, making it easy to create convincing phishing campaigns.
2. Maltego: Maltego is a social engineering and phishing tool used to gather information about people and organizations and identify potential targets for phishing attacks. It includes several different data sources and algorithms, making it a powerful tool for gathering information.
3. CredCrack: CredCrack is a social engineering and phishing tool used to crack password hashes to gain access to systems and accounts. It uses various algorithms and techniques to guess or crack passwords, making it a useful tool for phishing attacks.

Do Hackers Get Punished?

Yes, hackers can be punished if caught and charged with a crime. The specific punishment that a hacker may face can vary depending on the laws of the jurisdiction where the crime was committed, as well as the specific details of the crime.

In many cases, hackers can face significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and other forms of punishment. For example, in the United States, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) provides penalties of up to 20 years in prison for certain hacking crimes.

However, it is important to note that not all hackers are caught and prosecuted. Many hacks go undetected, and the perpetrators may never be identified or punished. Additionally, some hackers may operate from countries where the laws and penalties for hacking are less strict, making it more difficult to prosecute them.

What Was the Biggest Hack of All Time?

It is difficult to determine the biggest hack of all time, as many high-profile hacks have resulted in significant damage and losses. Some of the largest and most well-known hacks include the following:

1. The WannaCry ransomware attack: In May 2017, a group of hackers launched a ransomware attack that infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries. The attack used a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, and resulted in widespread disruptions to businesses and public services. The hackers demanded a ransom in exchange for the decryption keys, but it is unclear how much money they could collect.
2. The Equifax data breach: In 2017, the credit reporting agency Equifax announced that hackers had gained access to the personal information of 143 million customers, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and birth dates. The breach resulted from a vulnerability in the company’s web application, and it is considered one of the largest data breaches in history.
3. The OPM data breach: In 2015, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that hackers had accessed the personal information of more than 21 million federal employees and contractors. The breach was the result of a series of attacks that had been ongoing for over a year, and it is considered one of the largest breaches of government data in history.

Who is the Best Hacker in the World?

It is difficult to determine who the best hacker in the world is, as the term “best” can be subjective and there are many different ways to measure a person’s hacking skills. Additionally, the world of hacking is constantly evolving, and new individuals and groups may emerge as leaders in the field. With that being said, many well-known and highly skilled hackers have gained recognition for their abilities. Some of the most famous and respected hackers include the following:

1. Kevin Mitnick: Kevin Mitnick is a well-known and highly skilled hacker who was once considered one of the most wanted cybercriminals in the world. He was arrested and sentenced to prison in 1999 for hacking into the computer systems of various companies and organizations. Since his release from prison, Mitnick has become a security consultant and author, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best hackers.
2. LulzSec: LulzSec was a hacking group active from 2011 to 2012. The group was known for its high-profile attacks on government, military, and corporate websites and its public release of stolen data. Despite its short lifespan, LulzSec was considered one of the world’s most skilled and effective hacking groups, and its members were highly regarded in the hacking community.
3. Anonymous: Anonymous is a loosely-organized hacking group known for its high-profile attacks on government, military, and corporate websites. The group is known for using the “Guy Fawkes” mask as a symbol and for its use of the slogan “We are Anonymous. We are legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.” Despite its decentralized and anonymous nature, Anonymous has been involved in many high-profile hacks and is considered one of the world’s most skilled and capable hacking groups.

Who Hacked NASA in 1999?

In 1999, a hacker named Gary McKinnon was accused of hacking into the computer systems of NASA and other US government agencies. McKinnon, a British citizen, admitted to hacking into the systems but claimed that he was looking for evidence of extraterrestrial life and advanced energy technology.

McKinnon was indicted on multiple counts of computer fraud and related offenses, and the US government sought to extradite him from the UK to face trial. However, the extradition was ultimately blocked because McKinnon was at risk of suicide if he was extradited.

McKinnon was never prosecuted for his actions, but his case attracted significant media attention and raised questions about the security of government computer systems.

Hackers in Movies

Many famous movie scenes feature hacking and have gained widespread recognition and popularity. Some of the most well-known examples include the scenes from “The Matrix,” “WarGames,” and “Hackers.”

1. “The Matrix”: In the 1999 movie “The Matrix,” the main character Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) is a hacker who can manipulate the digital world of the Matrix using his computer skills. The movie includes several scenes that show Neo using his hacking abilities to gain access to restricted systems and fight against the agents trying to stop him.
2. “WarGames”: In the 1983 movie “WarGames,” a young hacker named David Lightman (played by Matthew Broderick) accidentally hacks into a US military computer that is designed to control the country’s nuclear weapons. The movie includes several scenes that show David using his hacking skills to navigate the computer system and try to prevent a global nuclear war.
3. “Hackers”: In the 1995 movie “Hackers,” a group of young hackers (played by Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, and others) are targeted by a corrupt government official who is trying to frame them for a cybercrime. The movie includes several scenes that show the hackers using their skills to outsmart the authorities and uncover the truth.
   

What Type of Hackers Are There?

Hackers are typically classified into different categories depending on their motivations and methods. For example, some common categories of cybersecurity hackers include black hat hackers, who engage in illegal activities for personal gain; white hat hackers, who use their skills to test the security of systems and networks; and gray hat hackers, who may engage in both legal and illegal activities.

What is a White Hat Hacker?

A white hat hacker is a computer expert who uses their technical knowledge and skills to solve problems or create new programs. This type of hacker is often called a “white hat” because they use their skills for good rather than malicious purposes.

White hat hackers are often employed by organizations to help protect their networks and systems from cyber threats. They may use their skills to test the security of a system, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to prevent unauthorized access.

White hat hackers may also be independent security consultants or researchers who use their skills to help organizations improve their security posture. They may also participate in hacking competitions or challenges, using their skills to solve problems or complete tasks in a controlled environment.

What is a Blue Hat Hacker?

A Blue Hat Hacker is a term often used to refer to a person who is not a professional hacker but is interested in hacking and has some technical knowledge. This type of hacker is often called a “blue hat” because they are not part of the professional hacker community but are still interested in hacking and may have some skill level in this area. They may be hobbyists, employees, or others interested in learning more about hacking and experimenting with different techniques.

Blue hat hackers may be self-taught hobbyists or have learned about hacking through online tutorials and other resources. They may be interested in hacking for personal reasons, such as learning more about computer systems and networks or experimenting with different techniques and tools.

Blue hat hackers may also be employees of an organization who have some knowledge of hacking but are not professional hackers. They may be asked to test a system or network’s security or help identify and fix vulnerabilities.

What is a Red Hat Hacker?

A Red Hat Hacker is a term that is often used to refer to a professional hacker who uses their skills and knowledge for defensive purposes. This type of hacker is often called a “red hat” because they are part of the professional hacker community, but they use their skills to protect networks and systems from attacks rather than to carry out attacks themselves.

Red hat hackers may be employed by organizations to help protect their networks and systems from cyber threats. They may use their skills to test the security of a system, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to prevent unauthorized access.

Red hat hackers may also be independent security consultants or researchers who use their skills to help organizations improve their security posture. They may also participate in hacking competitions or challenges, using their skills to solve problems or complete tasks in a controlled environment.

What is a Black Hat Hacker?

A Black Hat Hacker is a person who uses their computer skills and knowledge to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. This type of hacker is often called a “black hat” because they use their skills for malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information or disrupting a system’s operation. They pose a serious threat to organizations and individuals and can cause significant damage if they successfully attack.

Black hat hackers may use various techniques and tools to gain access to systems, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in software, using social engineering tactics to trick users into revealing their login credentials or deploying malware to gain remote access to a system.

Black hat hackers may operate independently or be part of a larger group or organization. They may be motivated by financial gain, political ideology, or other factors.

What is a Gray Hat Hacker?

A Gray Hat Hacker is a person who uses their computer skills and knowledge to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or networks but who does not have malicious intentions. This type of hacker is often called a “gray hat” because they operate in a gray area between legal and illegal activities.

Gray hat hackers may use their skills to test the security of a system or network without the owner’s permission. They may also disclose any vulnerabilities they find to the owner, either for free or for a fee.

Gray hat hackers may also use their skills to help organizations improve their security posture by pointing out vulnerabilities and providing advice on fixing them. However, they may also engage in illegal activities, such as selling the information they find to third parties.

Conclusion

Enterprises need to be careful of hackers because hacking can have significant consequences for businesses. Hackers can steal sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records, which can lead to financial losses, legal liabilities, and damage to the company’s reputation. Hackers can also disrupt critical business operations by shutting down websites or email servers, which can lead to lost revenue and productivity. Additionally, hackers can use a company’s computer systems and networks as a launchpad to attack other organizations, putting the company at risk of legal action and damaging its reputation.

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