Question

Describe the fundamental differences between “White Hat, Black Hat, and Grey Hat” Hackers. What do all these different types of hackers have in common? What positive and negative consequences could their actions have? Include a question that responding students can reply to within your initial post.

Answer 1

Hacking is identifying weakness in computer systems or networks to exploit its weaknesses to gain access. Example of Hacking: Using password cracking algorithm to gain access to a system

A Hacker is a person who finds and exploits the weakness in computer systems and/or networks to gain access. Hackers are usually skilled computer programmers with knowledge of computer security.

Hackers are classified according to the intent of their actions. The following list classifies hackers according to their intent.

Ethical Hacker (White hat): A hacker who gains access to systems with a view to fix the identified weaknesses. They may also perform penetration Testing and vulnerability assessments.

Cracker (Black hat): A hacker who gains unauthorized access to computer systems for personal gain. The intent is usually to steal corporate data, violate privacy rights, transfer funds from bank accounts etc.

Grey hat: A hacker who is in between ethical and black hat hackers. He/she breaks into computer systems without authority with a view to identify weaknesses and reveal them to the system owner.

All typical hackers – regardless of hat color – are highly intelligent, curious, individualistic people who appreciate novelty and abstract thinking. Some people say that all hacking experts are autodidacts and “true” hackers don’t take training or bother with certifications. It’s certainly true that any hacker will be self-taught to some degree. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field with new material introduced all the time. To be successful, you must have a desire to learn and a capacity to teach yourself.

Advantages of White Hat:

It helps to fight against cyber terrorism and to fight against national security breaches.
➨It helps to take preventive action against hackers.
➨It helps to build a system which prevents any kinds of penetration by hackers.
➨Ethical hacking offers security to banking and financial establishments.
➨It helps to identify and close the open holes in a computer system or network.

Disadvantages of White Hat:

➨This may corrupt the files of an organization.
➨Ethical hacker might use information gained for malicious use. Hence trustful hackers are needed to have success in this system.
➨Hiring such professionals will increase cost to the company.
➨The technique can harm someone's privacy.
➨The system is illegal.

Advantages of Black Hat :

earn short-term money but huge money

With blackhat method you got many unfair advantage.

may lead to a boost in SERPS.

Disadvantages of Black Hats:

may lead to ban of your site.

you may get caught for your illegal practices.

Question : Who do you think will win in White hats vs Black hats ?