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black hat


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DEFINITION - Black hat is used to describe a hacker (or, if you prefer, cracker) who breaks into a computer system or network with malicious intent. Unlike a white hat hacker, the black hat hacker takes advantage of the break-in, perhaps destroying files or stealing data for some future purpose. The black hat hacker may also make the exploit known to other hackers and/or the public without notifying the victim. This gives others the opportunity to exploit the vulnerability before the organization is able to secure it.

The term comes from old Western movies, where heros often wore white hats and the "bad guys" wore black hats.

Learn more about Hacker Tools and Techniques: Underground Sites and Hacking Groups
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LAST UPDATED: 05 Jun 2007

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More resources from around the web:
- The SANS Institute offers "Which hat is DilDog wearing?", an analysis of one hacker to determine whether they are wearing a white hat or a black hat.
- This column describes the various hacker types and their motives.
- IT Security offers a summary of hackers, their motives, and types of intrusions.
- Black Hat is also the name for an annual security conference.





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