A black hat hacker is an individual who engages in malicious hacking activities with the intent to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or cause harm. These hackers operate without permission, exploiting vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications for personal, financial, or ideological gains. Their actions are illegal and unethical, often resulting in financial loss, data breaches, or service disruptions for victims. The term “black hat” is derived from classic Western movies where villains typically wore black hats. Their skill sets can range from novice to expert, but their intentions distinguish them from ethical hackers or “white hats,” who conduct similar activities with authorization to improve security. Black hat hackers can be lone actors or part of organized cybercriminal groups. They pose a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and even governments. Understanding and defending against black hat tactics is a core aspect of cybersecurityCybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. It encompasses techniques to prevent cyber threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, and social engineering. Cybersecurity measures also aim to ensure data privacy, confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Strategies include the use of firewalls,....
