Hacker – a specialist in information technology who possesses deep knowledge in programming, network technologies, and computer security. The term is ambiguous and can refer to both a security specialist and a cybercriminal.
Origin and Evolution of the Term
The term “hacker” emerged in the 1960s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where it referred to students capable of finding solutions to non-standard technical problems. Initially, the idea had an exclusively positive connotation, and a hacker was any talented programmer who understood computer systems at a deep level.
With the spread of personal computers and the Internet in the 1980s-90s, the term became associated with unauthorized access to computer systems. This was facilitated by high-profile incidents and sensational publications in the media.
Classification of Hackers
The community conditionally divides hackers into several categories based on their motivations and methods:
- White Hat (ethical hacker) – a security specialist who discovers vulnerabilities on legal grounds, with the permission of system owners. Usually works in the field of information security.
- Black Hat (cracker) – uses their skills to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or distribute malicious software. Acts out of self-interest or malicious intent.
- Grey Hat – falls between “white” and “black” hackers. May search for vulnerabilities without permission, but upon discovery, informs the system owners.
- Script Kiddie – a beginning enthusiast who uses ready-made tools and scripts without a deep understanding of how they work.
- Hacktivists – use their skills to achieve financial or social goals, conducting protest actions in the digital space.
Legal Aspect
The legislation of most countries distinguishes between legal and illegal hacking activities:
- Legal: authorized penetration testing, participation in Bug Bounty programs.
- Illegal: unauthorized access, data protection violations, disruption of system operation.
The term “hacker” today represents a complex socio-technical phenomenon that is often mentioned in the context of information technology, cybersecurity, and digital culture.