Like all hackers, black hat hackers usually have extensive knowledge about breaking into computer networks and bypassing security protocols. What are the differences between black hat, gray hat, and white hat hackers? Read on to find out. Or, if they do access vulnerabilities in these computer systems, they might report them to their owners, and then expect to be paid for their efforts. Some - known as gray hat hackers or white hat hackers - aren't seeking to hurt others with their hacking skills. Instead, they might work with companies and governments to find security flaws in their computer networks. These are the cybercriminals who generate headlines with ransomware attacks, steal information from companies and governments, and create data breaches that expose the credit card information of consumers. If you do, you're picturing what are known as black hat hackers. Or maybe you imagine cybercriminals who steal the bank account, credit card, and Social Security numbers of thousands of victims, selling this information on the dark web. When you think of a hacker, you might picture someone eager to load your laptop with malware or maybe a shadowy figure locking up the computers of your town's government offices and then demanding a ransom to unfreeze them. What is the difference between black hat, white hat, and gray hat hackers? Here’s what you need to know. Hackers can be categorized by the type of metaphorical “hat” they wear.

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