5 Types of Hackers

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jan 30, 2025

A cybersecurity professional reviews code on a laptop.

5 Types of Hackers

By 2028, the amount of global data will balloon to 394 zettabytes, according to Statista. All of this data — from personal information to government records — is a potential target for hackers aiming to commit identity theft, steal corporate secrets, or compromise critical infrastructures such as power grids.

With cybercrime growing more sophisticated and relentless, it’s critical for professionals in the field to identify the various types of hackers and their roles in either committing or safeguarding against cybercrimes. Anyone interested in developing the skills to anticipate and defend against different security threats should consider a master’s degree in cybersecurity .

The Importance of Understanding Different Types of Hackers

Cybersecurity professionals defend systems, data, and networks from hackers, but not all hackers are alike.

While profit drives some bad actors, ideologies can motivate others. Knowing the difference between the various types of hackers is crucial for developing reliable defenses, and the stakes for failing are immense. FBI and IMF data suggest that by 2027, the cost of cybercrime will increase to $23 trillion a year.

When cybersecurity professionals understand the different types of hackers — along with their motivations and methods — they can design security measures tailored to the specific risks those attackers pose.

For example, attackers motivated by financial gain can often be countered with strict encryption protocols and fraud detection systems that protect sensitive financial data. In contrast, cybersecurity efforts to defend against hacktivists — those who use hacking to promote political or social causes — may focus on protecting websites and social media accounts from defacement or disruption.

By tailoring defenses to distinct motivations, organizations can stay ahead of threats, rather than solely reacting to them. In this context, understanding ethical hacking becomes critical. Professionals who learn ethical hacking can better anticipate and counter diverse hacker threats.

Players in the Cybersecurity Landscape

From thrill-seekers breaking into secure systems purely for the challenge to state-sponsored actors pursuing political goals, hackers can wear all sorts of hats and follow very different sets of ethics. While some hackers act as malicious criminals, others serve as digital guardians. Still others operate in the gray areas in between.

Consider the following types of hackers shaping how cybersecurity professionals navigate and combat cyber threats.

White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, help organizations secure their systems, data, and networks. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers operate with permission, conducting tests to identify vulnerabilities — weaknesses or flaws in a system, network, or application — before cybercriminals can exploit them.

White Hat Hacker Methods and Techniques

Ethical hackers use a variety of techniques that closely mirror the methods employed by malicious hackers. Penetration testing is a common practice used by ethical hackers to simulate a cyber attack as a way to identify a system’s weak points.

By mimicking attacks, ethical hackers can uncover vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, weak passwords, improper configurations, and outdated encryption methods, and then they provide recommendations for strengthening security.

White hat hackers may also conduct vulnerability scans, using specialized tools to crawl through an organization’s system, searching for weak points such as outdated software, unsecured network ports, or unprotected databases. This process helps identify hidden entry points that cybercriminals could exploit to gain unauthorized access.

Ethical hackers also run phishing simulations, crafting fake emails that mimic the appearance of legitimate communications. These emails may contain deceptive links or attachments designed to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials. By testing employees in this controlled way, ethical hackers can train staff to spot these tactics in real-world scenarios, helping prevent costly data breaches caused by human error.

Real-World Impact of White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers have made significant contributions to cybersecurity by identifying and fixing critical vulnerabilities. For example, in 2014, ethical hackers discovered a critical flaw known as the Heartbleed bug in OpenSSL, a widely-used software that encrypts sensitive data as it travels across the internet.

The white hat hackers who discovered the Heartbleed bug were independent security researchers, testing widely used open-source software for security flaws. While reviewing the OpenSSL code, researchers found a flaw that allowed attackers to bypass encryption and access private data without leaving a trace.

The ethical hackers quickly reported the vulnerability, giving organizations the chance to fix it by applying a patch, or security update, before cybercriminals could exploit it.

Many cybersecurity professionals start their careers as penetration testers or ethical hackers. Certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are valuable for anyone looking to pursue this path. White hat hackers may work for government agencies, private companies, or even freelance as security consultants.

Black Hat Hackers

Black hat hackers exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks for personal or financial gain. Operating outside the law, they intentionally cause harm to individuals, organizations, and governments by damaging, stealing, or disrupting operations, often leaving behind significant damage.

Black Hat Hackers Methods and Techniques

To understand how this type of hacker operates, it’s useful to examine common methods they use to exploit systems, and how these methods have evolved to become more sophisticated and dangerous.

Ransomware Attacks: Black hat hackers deploy ransomware to encrypt a victim’s data, locking them out of critical systems until they pay a fee. Today, attackers can use ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms — subscription-based models that provide ready-made ransomware tools — enabling even low-level hackers to launch these highly damaging attacks.
Phishing and Social Engineering: Hackers use phishing schemes to trick individuals into handing over sensitive information, often by pretending to be a trusted source such as a bank or employer. Lately, hackers have begun to integrate AI-driven phishing and deepfake technology into these scams. This could involve sending targets a voicemail or video that convincingly mimics an executive’s voice, increasing the likelihood that the victims fall for the scam.
Malware: Hackers may also deploy malware — malicious software designed to steal information or damage systems. In recent years, hackers have escalated this threat by using AI-powered malware that adapts in real-time, helping it avoid detection by cybersecurity defenses. This malware spreads quickly through networks, causing widespread damage.
SQL Injection: These attacks involve inserting malicious code into the input fields, such as login forms, of websites and databases This allows hackers to access confidential data or control entire systems.
Zero-Day Exploits: Black hat hackers look for weaknesses in software or hardware that developers aren’t yet aware of. When hackers find these flaws, they launch attacks known as zero-day exploits. These attacks are particularly dangerous because no protection yet exists to defend against them. Hackers often sell these zero-day exploits on the dark web, providing other criminals with the tools to carry out devastating attacks.
Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks overwhelm servers or networks with massive amounts of traffic designed to crash the systems. Hackers control botnets — networks of compromised devices — to launch these coordinated attacks.

Real-World Impact of Black Hat Hackers

The malicious activities of black hat hackers force organizations to constantly upgrade defenses, patch vulnerabilities, and monitor systems for intrusions. These attackers exploit various attack vectors — the pathways or methods used to breach systems — which drives up operational costs as businesses invest heavily in prevention, detection, and response measures.

Data breaches — the theft of sensitive information such as personal data and credit card numbers — can also result in severe financial penalties, legal consequences, and loss of customer trust. Additionally, some cyber attacks can halt operations and force organizations to pay large ransoms or risk losing access to their data permanently.

In 2017, hackers unleashed malware called WannaCry that encrypted data on over 200,000 computers worldwide, targeting hospitals, businesses, and government agencies. In many cases, victims had no choice but to pay the ransom to regain access to critical systems. This attack caused $4 billion in losses and massive disruptions, particularly in the health care sector, where some hospitals were forced to turn away patients.

Gray Hat Hackers

Gray hat hackers occupy a unique space between white hat and black hat hackers, making them a bit of an enigma in the world of cybersecurity. Gray hat hackers often search for weaknesses in systems without permission. However, their intent isn’t necessarily malicious.

In many cases, these types of hackers are motivated by curiosity, the desire to help, or a quest for recognition. Gray hat hackers may discover and expose vulnerabilities, which can be helpful, but their actions can sometimes break the law, which puts them in an ambiguous moral gray area.

Gray Hat Hacker Techniques and Methods

Like white hat hackers, gray hat hackers often identify flaws and report them to organizations. However, they usually do not have permission to test the systems they hack. This lack of authorization places their actions in uncertain legal territory.

Gray hat hackers who discover security weaknesses in systems do not necessarily try to exploit these vulnerabilities for personal gain. Instead, they may report their findings in exchange for recognition or a reward. Gray hat hackers may also leak their findings to the public if an organization doesn’t respond quickly enough to their requests.

Real-World Impact of Gray Hat Hackers

Gray hat hackers can have both positive and negative impacts on cybersecurity.

When gray hat hackers identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s system and responsibly notify the relevant party, they can help safeguard the organization from being exploited by malicious hackers.

However, an uncoordinated disclosure of vulnerabilities can cause unintended consequences. For example, if a hacker exposes a zero-day vulnerability to the public before the organization can issue a patch, it may lead to panic or attacks by other, less ethical hackers.

Over time, gray hat hackers may decide to work within the law and transition into white hat roles. Many hackers find legitimate cybersecurity careers, often with the help of certifications such as the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) which validate their skills.

State-Sponsored Hackers

State-sponsored hackers operate on behalf of national governments, carrying out cyber activities with political, military, or strategic objectives. These hackers work to advance their government’s power and influence on the global stage. Their targets can range from foreign governments to private corporations to global infrastructure. The goals of state-sponsored hackers are usually tied to espionage, sabotage, surveillance, or influencing global events.

For example, state-sponsored hacker groups may infiltrate a foreign government’s network to gather classified intelligence or disrupt the functioning of that country’s critical infrastructure. They may also attempt to influence elections or destabilize foreign economies to gain a strategic advantage.

State-Sponsored Hacker Techniques and Methods

State-sponsored hackers often employ advanced, sophisticated techniques to carry out their objectives. These attacks are highly organized and well-funded, making them particularly dangerous. Some of the most common methods include:

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Hackers carry out long-term, stealthy cyber attacks through APTs by infiltrating systems and staying undetected for extended periods. Their goal is often to gather sensitive data, including government secrets or military intelligence, or slowly disrupt systems without drawing attention.
Spear Phishing: Attackers use spear phishing to send highly personalized emails to specific individuals within an organization, often posing as trusted sources. These emails contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal credentials or gain unauthorized access to secure systems.

Real-World Impact of State-Sponsored Hackers

State-sponsored hacking can cause immense harm to both national security and global business.

To begin, state-sponsored cyber-attacks can lead to the destruction of data, theft of classified intelligence, or sabotage of critical services, posing significant threats to a nation’s defense systems, economic interests, and critical infrastructure.

These types of hackers often focus on critical sectors essential to a nation’s ability to function, such as energy, banking, and health care. Successful attacks on these sectors can cause long-term damage to economies, disrupt daily life, and undermine public trust in institutions.

State-sponsored attacks can also affect international companies. These attacks can impact global markets, shaking investor confidence and creating ripple effects throughout the global economy.

The threat of state-sponsored hacking has created demand for cybersecurity professionals capable of detecting, preventing, and mitigating these sophisticated attacks. Professionals working to counteract these threats can pursue various career paths, including:

Cyber Intelligence Analysts: These professionals analyze the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by state-sponsored hackers to predict future attacks and help strengthen defenses.
Threat Detection and Mitigation Specialists: These specialists focus on identifying state-sponsored attacks and minimizing their impact by ensuring quick and effective responses to these threats.

Hacktivists

Hacktivists use hacking techniques to promote political, social, or ideological agendas. A desire to raise awareness, challenge perceived injustices, or push for social change, motivates these hackers. Their actions are often meant to protest governments, corporations, or organizations they view as unethical or oppressive.

Hacktivist Techniques and Methods

Hacktivists use various methods to make a statement and force attention onto their causes. Common techniques include:

Website Defacement: Hacktivists often deface websites by replacing their content with messages related to their cause. For instance, they may hack into a government website to display a message condemning a specific policy or a corporate website to highlight an environmental issue.
Leaking Sensitive Information: Hacktivists may release government documents, corporate files, or confidential communications to the public to expose corruption or unethical behavior. This is typically done to shame organizations into change or to hold them accountable for their actions.

Impact on Cybersecurity

While their intentions may be to promote social or political change, hacktivists can still cause substantial disruptions and security risks.

A successful DDoS attack could shut down a website for hours, halting business operations and affecting revenue. Hacktivism can influence public opinion about an organization or government by revealing sensitive information or causing high-profile disruptions. While some see hacktivism as a form of resistance and civil disobedience, others view it as illegal and harmful.

Among the best-known hacktivist groups is Anonymous, which has carried out numerous cyber attacks on governments, corporations, and other entities. In 2022, the hacktivist collective launched a series of cyber attacks against Russian entities in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine. One of the most striking examples was the hack of Russian state TV networks, where Anonymous interrupted normal programming with footage of bombs exploding in Ukraine and soldiers discussing the horrors of the conflict.

While hacktivists are not typically interested in traditional career paths, the skills they develop can sometimes lead to legitimate opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Some hacktivists, after gaining experience and credibility, may decide to pursue certifications and transition into white hat hacking roles.

Become a Cybersecurity Leader with an Advanced Degree in the Field

As cyber threats continue to emerge, the need for expert cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. With a rising variety of attack methods from different types of hackers, the demand for skilled experts is at an all-time high. It’s no wonder that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of positions in the field will increase by 33% between 2023 and 2033.

For those looking to meet this demand, a master’s in cybersecurity can provide the technical knowledge and strategic insight to protect systems and lead in an ever-changing digital world. Ready to take your career to a new level with a degree that you can earn while maintaining your existing job? Find out how The University of Tulsa’s online M.S. in Cyber Security can prepare you for a rewarding and influential role in a fast-growing field.

Recommended Readings

Malware Analyst Career Overview

Security Operations Defined

What Is Machine Learning in Cybersecurity?

Sources:

BBC, “Anonymous: How Hackers Are Trying to Undermine Putin”

CSO,”Stuxnet Explained: The First Known Cyberweapon”

Forbes, “The Rise Of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) and Implications for Business Security”

Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency, OpenSSL ‘Heartbleed’ Vulnerability (CVE-2014-0160)

ICS2, “2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study”

Kaspersky, “What Is WannaCry Ransomware?”

RSA Conference, “Evolving Cyber Threats & Hacking Techniques”