Hacking is often looked at as an illegal, bad, unethical activity. That’s far from what hacking truly is.
Hacking basically is just the process of finding a solution. But, to find a solution, you must find a problem first. This problem is generally either a loophole, a vulnerability or just a weak human link. Anyone who finds this loophole or vulnerability is basically a hacker.
Now, what they do with this loophole or vulnerability is what gives them their symbolical “hats” that we’ll discuss today.
If you’re short on time, let’s just say that “intention” or different roles each hacker plays is the primary line that separates white/black and grey hat hackers from each other.
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The Role of Password Managers in Protecting Against Hacks
Before we discuss the problem (hackers), let’s discuss the solution (password managers). Each of us generally has to remember at least 10 different passwords. Password managers help solve that.
They’re tools that remember our passwords for us. They also often fill in our login credentials automatically when we visit websites.
And yes, legitimate and authentic password managers are end-to-end encrypted (or better). Meaning, there’s no way a password manager (or any of their team members) can access the stored login credentials on their own.
Some password managers also auto-generate strong passwords. You’ll never have to think about how secure your passwords are again. Furthermore, some managers also support cross-device sync. Meaning, you can create/save a password on one device and easily login on any other device as long as you’ve got the manager on the other device.
White Hat Hackers
“White” is generally associated with peace, positivity and good, isn’t it? The same is true for its hacking symbology as well.
White Hat hackers are the “good guys”. They’re hackers too but with good intentions. They generally obtain permission to hack into systems (so loopholes can be found and patched) in advance. When a loophole or vulnerability is found without permission, it’s shared with the other party whose platform was hacked.
Point is, white hat hackers do not “exploit” these vulnerabilities. There are no mandatory demands for money to disclose the vulnerability. Of course, these acts are generally rewarded by the other party in the form of monetary or other compensation but that’s not the primary goal of a white hat hacker. The goal is simply finding a loophole and maybe sharing it with the hacked party.
White hat hackers are often hired by developers and companies to find loopholes in their systems. Some common positions held by white hat hackers include pentester, security consultant, or just the “IT guy”.
Do note that “Bug bounty hunters” are white hat hackers too. However, they are generally independent and they hack into systems for the bounty that’s offered for a successful hack.
Black Hat Hackers
I’m sure most of you have figured this one out by now. Black, bad, illegal. Exactly. These are basically the people that pop into your mind when you hear the word “hacker”.
So any hacker who hacks into systems without permission and then “exploits” the vulnerability is a black hat hacker.
Black Hat hackers are basically criminals. Their goal is often financial gain. However, disruption, destruction, espionage, personal vendetta are on the list too.
Black Hat Hackers use malware, phishing, social engineering, trojans and specifically zero-day attacks (new loopholes in the app/platform) to hack into systems.
Black Hat Hackers aren’t always independent either. In fact, they’re often hired by secret agencies and nations for espionage, spying or just disrupting rival nations. These state-sponsored hackers are also called “Blue” hat hackers. They may also be hired by wealthy individuals for various purposes. In simpler words, imagine them to be digital mercenaries who’d attack someone digitally for their personal gain.
Grey Hat Hackers
I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “grey area”. Yes, that’s exactly what grey hat hackers are. They belong to a pool that’s not easy to define or categorise.
These are hackers without a very definite moral or ethical line. They’re often not malicious, or less malicious than black hat hackers. Their goals also aren’t always personal gain.
However, they do hack into systems without permission and their goal may not always be the betterment of the app/platform or hacked party.
Hactivists are a good example. These are hacktivists who’re like activists, but digital. They’re black hats because they cause disruption and unethically hack into systems. However, hactivists aren’t exactly criminals and generally raise their voice for social or political reasons.
What grey hat hackers do is still illegal primarily because their intentions, while may be good, may not always be good for the hacked party.
Final words-Spectrum of Hacking: Exploring the Different ‘Hats’ in Cybersecurity
I hope you’ve got a decent idea about the white/black and grey hat hackers by now? Technically, there are many other “hats” in hacking. E.g. the more aggressive black hat hackers are called the “Red” hat hackers.
Point being, as long as you employ a good password manager tool, none of these hats can cause you any damage. Just be sure to use a tool that’s reputed and is tested by many.
