How Actual Hackers Work
Types of Hackers
White Hat Hackers
- Ethical hackers who work to identify and fix security vulnerabilities
- Perform authorized penetration testing to assess an organization's security
- Aim to improve security and prevent cyberattacks
Black Hat Hackers
- Malicious hackers who gain unauthorized access to systems for personal gain
- May deface websites or steal sensitive data
- Often self-teach hacking techniques or receive formal training
Gray Hat Hackers
- Operate in a legal gray area, sometimes without permission but not for malicious intent
- May identify and report vulnerabilities, but also exploit them for personal reasons
Hacking Techniques
Reconnaissance
- Gather information about the target system or network
- Identify potential vulnerabilities and points of entry
Exploitation
- Utilize identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access
- May involve using malware, social engineering, or other methods
Maintaining Access
- Establish persistent access to the compromised system
- Install backdoors or other tools to maintain control
Covering Tracks
- Attempt to hide their activities and avoid detection
- May delete logs or use techniques to obfuscate their presence
Motivation and Targets
- Hackers may target individuals, organizations, or governments for various reasons
- Motivations can include financial gain, political or ideological goals, or simply the challenge of hacking
- Devices and systems that are most vulnerable to hacking include those with outdated software, weak passwords, or other security weaknesses
Information is missing on the specific tools and software used by hackers, as well as the legal and ethical considerations around hacking activities.