- Gray hat describes a cracker (or, if you prefer, hacker) who exploits a security weakness in a computer system or product in order to bring the weakness to the attention of the owners. Unlike a black hat, a gray hat acts without malicious intent. The goal of a gray hat is to improve system and network security. However, by publicizing a vulnerability, the gray hat may give other crackers the opportunity to exploit it. This differs from the white hat who alerts system owners and vendors of a vulnerability without actually exploiting it in public.
Learn more about Security Testing and Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking techniques for standard penetration testing: I recently did a penetration test for one of our company's partners, only to find out that management had not obtained written permission from the partner for the test to be performed. The partner ...
Screencast: Google hacking, infosec style: In this exclusive screencast step-by-step demo, Tom Bowers explains how to ensure an organization's intellectual property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Crash course: Vulnerability management: Is vulnerability management a measurable and proactive process in your organization? Attend our on-demand webcast, and learn new tactics for managing the vulnerability lifecycle.
LAST UPDATED:
05 Jun 2007
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
Could Metasploit popularity erode? The Metasploit Project, created by researcher H.D. Moore and kept open source since 2003, has been acquired by Rapid7 which has plans to integrate...
Cyber Storm(SearchSecurity.com) Cyber Storm is the name of a simulated attack exercise conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) February 6-10, 2006 to evaluate...
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.
Show me everything on 
- Gray hat describes a 
