Hackers

Within the context of web security or data tracking, a hacker is someone who exploits weaknesses in a computer system or network. This might be done for “profit, protest, information gathering, challenge, recreation, or to evaluate system weaknesses to assist in formulating defenses against potential hackers”. While some hackers may participate in activities related to Identity Theft or other fraudulent or criminal acts, others may do it in the interest of directing advertisements to people that are more likely to be interested in a certain product or service.

The two most general forms of hackers are White Hat and Black Hat. White Hat hackers aim to break security either to test it or assess the security for themselves or a client. Black Hat hackers work for malicious reasons. They can gain personal information and sell it to advertisers, try to commit Identity Theft, or try to commit blackmail depending on the type of information they uncover. Related Topics: Data Tracking | Privacy | History | Personal Experiences