Hackers are anonymous individuals who usually carry out illegal activities on the internet. They have knowledge of programming, cybersecurity, tech architecture, communication systems and data storage systems. Now we tell you about the types and how to avoid them.
what types of hackers are there?
- White hat hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are known as ethical hackers. Their advanced computer skills are used in order to do good work. For example, it is currently very popular to find job offers for hackers, in which their job is to identify bugs in computer programs or systems. In this way, hackers identify these bugs and notify the applicant company, so they can solve the problem and make their system or program more secure or effective. This is a way in which hackers have found a legal way to make money through their knowledge. However, we must not forget that hackers who belong to security and police forces are also found here.
- Black hat: Black hat hackers, also known as crackers, are the opposite of white hats. This typology includes real computer criminals who use their knowledge in the area to carry out cyber attacks on companies, institutions or even other people in order to make their own profit. They are also responsible for creating malware viruses in smart devices or spam in e-mails, capable of modifying data or overthrowing security systems or company data.
- Grey hat: This is another type of hacker, perhaps the most curious and interesting, as they are hackers who, to demonstrate their value or knowledge, hack into the systems of companies, institutions or governments, to then offer their services and detect security flaws. Or, the hacked company can use this hacker for other tasks that may or may not be legal. In short, these types of hackers are hired anonymously or expressly, as knowledge of them can lead to legal problems.
- Blue hat: The blue hat hacker is a type of hacker who is part of a system or consulting group, in which he or she checks systems or programs for bugs before they are released to the market or public. In other words, he or she identifies the bugs or errors that these programs may have, and if there are any, notifies the company in question. In this way, the company avoids exposing the program in bad conditions.
- Hacktivists: A hacktivist is a type of hacker who seeks to promote a movement in support of a political, social or ideological ideal, with the aim of making themselves known or drawing attention to their knowledge.
- Red Team: The Red Team refers to a group of hackers or computer specialists whose objective is to be able to emulate hacking situations or computer attacks so that they can analyse the strategies from the attackers' point of view. To do this, they use tools possibly used by the attacking hackers, so that they can identify vulnerabilities, which are then notified to the Blue Team so that they are able to defend themselves against the attack.
- TheBlue Team is known as a group or organisation of hackers or computer specialists whose purpose is to defend against cyber-attacks, i.e. to protect other companies or institutions from cyber-attacks.
how to avoid hackers?
- Avoid bad links: Check where a link is directing you before you click on it.
- Don't download from unknown sources: Only download files from trusted websites.
- Use different passwords: A single password should not provide universal access to your communications, finances and health information.
- Be careful what you store: Never email your Social Security number, because it will remain in your files, and delete old messages that contain your bank account information and credit card numbers.
- Use protection: There are tools such as anti-virus software that scan for known computer viruses; they are of limited use for brand new attacks, but some products can detect phishing, scams and other common hoaxes.
- Use a secure connection: When connecting to any website that uses your personal information, make sure you are using a secure, encrypted connection.
- Use two-factor authentication: This is the best way to make sure no one can impersonate you. If you set it up, every time you log in, you'll have to do two things. First, you'll enter your usual username and password combination. Then, a unique one-time code will be sent to your phone (or other device). This is a temporary third password. Even if your login credentials are stolen, with two-factor authentication, hackers can't get in (unless they also have your phone).
