Hacker

/ˈhækər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who uses computers or other electronic devices to gain unauthorized access to data.

The hacker stole sensitive information from the company's database.

A person skilled in using computers and programming, often involved in creating or modifying software.

As a talented hacker, she contributed significantly to open-source projects.

A person who enjoys learning about and experimenting with computer systems, often motivated by curiosity rather than malicious intent.

He started as a curious hacker, exploring how systems work.

Derived from 'hack', which originally referred to cutting or chopping irregularly.

white hat hacker

A hacker who uses their skills for ethical purposes and to improve security.

black hat hacker

A hacker who violates computer security for malicious reasons.

script kiddie

An inexperienced hacker who uses existing scripts or programs to hack into systems.

cybersecurity

The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.

malware

Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

phishing

A type of cyber attack where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information.

script kiddie

A script kiddie often lacks the skills of a true hacker but uses tools created by others.

white hat

White hats are ethical hackers who work to improve system security.