Hacker Vocabulary

The term hacker means "playful ingenuity," or someone who exercises ingenuity. This, it is hoped, applies to any computer programmer. With the increase in publicity given to those who are misusing the Internet and those who are working to prevent this, an update in terms used to describe these individuals is in order.

White-Hat Hacker - Individuals who are "turned on by the intellectual challenge of tearing apart computer systems to improve computer security." Often hired by an organization to test security in their system. Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers.

Black-Hat Hacker - Those who specialize in unauthorized penetration of information systems. They may attack systems for profit, for fun, or for political motivations or as a part of a social cause. Such penetration often involves modification and/or destruction of data, and is done without authorization and hence should not be confused with ethical hackers. They may also steal passwords or crash systems, generally creating as many problems as possible.

Cracker - A term for someone who breaks computer security, whether it is done legally, illegally, maliciously, or helpful. Generally used in a pejorative sense. Done ethically, it refers to a white hat hacker.

Script Bunnies - "Wannabe hackers with little technical savvy who download..." scripts (programs) designed to automate breaking into computers. It is generally assumed that they are juveniles who lack the ability to write sophisticated hacking programs or exploits on their own, and that their objective is to try to impress their friends or gain credit in underground hacker communities.

Insiders - Malcontents working alone or with others to compromise the computer systems of their employers. In health care, this is the primary source of problems.

Created October 21, 2011