Who is a Hacker?

A hacker is a person who breaks into computers and computer networks, either for profit or motivated by the challenge. The subculture that has evolved around hackers is often referred to as the computer underground but is now an open community. A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary. A person who delights in having an intimate understanding of the internal workings of a system, computers and computer networks in particular.

Computer hacking is the practice of modifying computer  hardware and software to accomplish a goal outside of the creator’s original purpose. People who engage in computer  hacking activities are often called hackers. Since the word “hack” has long been used to describe someone who is incompetent at his/her profession, some hackers claim this term is offensive and fails to give appropriate recognition to their skills.

In comparison to those who develop an interest in computer hacking out of simple intellectual curiosity, some hackers have less noble motives. Hackers who are out to steal personal information, change a corporation’s financial data, break security codes to gain unauthorized network access, or conduct other destructive activities are sometimes called “crackers”.

Hacker Attitudes:-

Several subgroups of the computer underground with different attitudes and aims use different terms to demarcate themselves from each other, or try to exclude some specific group with which they do not agree. There are different categories, such as white hat, Grey hat, black hat and script kiddie.

White hat :-

A white hat hacker breaks security for non-malicious reasons, for instance testing their own security system. This type of hacker enjoys learning and working with computer systems, and consequently gains a deeper understanding of the subject. Such people normally go on to use their hacking skills in legitimate ways, such as becoming security consultants. The word 'hacker' originally included people like this, although a hacker may not be someone into security.

Black hat :-

A black hat hacker, sometimes called "cracker", is someone who breaks computer security without authorization or uses technology (usually a computer, phone system or network) for vandalism, credit card fraud, identity theft, piracy, or other types of illegal activity.

Grey hat :-A grey hatted hacker is a hacker of ambiguous ethics and/or borderline legality, often frankly admitted. 

Script kiddie :-

A script kiddie is a non-expert who breaks into computer systems by using pre-packaged automated tools written by others, usually with little understanding of the underlying concept. These are the outcasts of the hacker community.

Noob (term for newbie):-

A noob is a term used to describe someone who has almost no knowledge of the workings of technology, and hacking; yet sometimes pretend to be experts on the topic or declare themselves as "Hackers" when they have no idea on the topic or the true meaning of what is actually means to be a Hacker. Noobs also lack the discipline it takes to be a true hacker. Noobs are at an even lower level than "Script Kiddies" in Hacker terms.

Elite (or known as 1337 or 31337 in 1337_speak):-

Elite is a term used to describe the most advanced and the greatest hackers who are always on "the cutting edge", and a step ahead of everybody else; and one who fully understands the true meaning of what it means to be a hacker. One who is elite finds new security flaws for others to follow, rather than just follow security flaws discovered by others.

Hacktivist:-

A hacktivist is a hacker who utilizes technology to announce a social, ideological, religious, or political message. In general, most hacktivism involves website defacement or denial-of-service attacks. In more extreme cases, hacktivism is used as tool for Cyberterrorism.

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