Final answer:
Option 2 is the correct answer: Grey hatters engage in both legal and illegal activities for a cause. They operate in a moral grey area, often exposing vulnerabilities without malicious intent, but their actions can still be illegal. Effective cybersecurity practices are vital in reducing hacking incidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to identify which statement accurately describes hacktivists known as grey hatters. Grey hatters are individuals who engage in hacking activities that fall into a moral grey area, often justifying their actions by a belief that they are working for a greater good. The correct answer to the question is Option 2: They engage in both legal and illegal activities for a cause. Grey hatters may break into systems to draw attention to vulnerabilities, often without malicious intent, but this can still be against the law.
Hackers use a variety of tactics including phishing, exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and social engineering to break into websites and steal information. They target a wide range of digital assets, such as personal information, intellectual property, and government secrets, and they use this stolen information in various ways including selling it on the dark web, committing identity theft, or leveraging it for espionage. The success of hackers varies, but due to the increasing reliance on technology, their impact can be significant. To reduce hacking, cybersecurity measures such as implementing strong passwords, using two-factor authentication, updating software, and educating the public on cyber threats are crucial.