Net+ Mod10 Types of Hackers and Cybersecurity Concepts

White Hat Hacker

An ethical hacker who finds and fixes security flaws

Black Hat Hacker

A hacker who breaks into systems illegally for malicious purposes

Gray Hat Hacker

A hacker who may break into systems without permission but without malicious intent

Script Kiddie

An inexperienced hacker who uses existing tools to attack

Hacktivist

A hacker motivated by political or social causes

Social Engineering

Manipulating people into giving up confidential information

Phishing

Fraudulent emails designed to steal sensitive information

Spear Phishing

Targeted phishing aimed at a specific individual or group

Vishing

Voice phishing using phone calls to trick people

Smishing

Phishing attacks using SMS messages

Malware

Software designed to damage or disrupt systems

Virus

Malware that attaches to legitimate programs and spreads

Worm

Malware that replicates itself to spread without human action

Trojan Horse

Malware disguised as legitimate software.

Ransomware

Malware that encrypts data and demands payment for release

Spyware

Software that secretly gathers user information

Rootkit

Software that hides malicious processes on a system

Physical Security

Protecting physical devices and infrastructure from threats

Access Control

Restricting entry to systems or buildings to authorized users only

Mantrap

A small space with two doors that control access one at a time