Question

While "hacker" has become a universal term for people who break the law or break into systems without authorization, these people are more correctly known as:

Answer 1

The term 'hacker' is often misused to refer to individuals who break the law or infiltrate systems without authorization. However, these individuals are more accurately known as 'crackers' or 'black hat hackers'. Hackers, on the other hand, are skilled individuals who use their knowledge of computer systems to find vulnerabilities and improve security.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'hacker' is often misused to refer to individuals who break the law or infiltrate systems without authorization. However, these individuals are more accurately known as 'crackers' or 'black hat hackers'. Hackers, on the other hand, are skilled individuals who use their knowledge of computer systems to find vulnerabilities and improve security. They can be categorized into different types based on their activities:

1. White Hat Hackers: These are ethical hackers who work within legal boundaries to identify and fix security vulnerabilities. They are often employed by organizations to help enhance their security measures.
2. Gray Hat Hackers: Gray hat hackers fall somewhere between white hat and black hat hackers. They may break into systems without authorization but with no malicious intent. They often disclose the vulnerabilities they find to the system owner.
3. Black Hat Hackers: Black hat hackers are the ones who engage in illegal activities for personal gain or malicious intent. They break into systems without authorization and exploit them for various purposes, such as stealing sensitive information, causing disruption, or gaining financial benefits.

Hacking techniques can vary widely, and hackers can steal different types of information, such as personal data, financial information, or trade secrets. The stolen information can then be used for various purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, or selling it on the dark web. To combat hacking, organizations and individuals need to implement robust security measures, regularly update their software and systems, and educate themselves about common vulnerabilities and phishing attacks.