> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://syed-muhammad-abdul-karim.gitbook.io/learn-to-hack/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://syed-muhammad-abdul-karim.gitbook.io/learn-to-hack/where-to-start/hacking-and-its-types.md).

# Hacking and its types

**Hacking:**\
A commonly used hacking definition is the act of compromising digital devices and networks through unauthorized access to an account or computer system. Hacking is not always a malicious act, but it is most commonly associated with illegal activity and data theft by cyber criminals.\
\
Computers and the Internet have changed the work environment of the world beyond imagination. Computers on taking over a major part of our lives, all our data has got transferred from records and ledgers to computers. Though this kind of shift in working has reduced the physical burden on workers it has also increased the chances of data theft. People involved in stealing data or harming the systems are knowledgeable people with wrong intentions known as Hackers. There are different types of hackers. Let’s take a look at how many types of hackers are there and the types of hacker attacks and techniques.

1. [**White Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#White-Hat-Hackers)
2. [**Black Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Black-Hat-Hackers)
3. [**Gray Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Gray-Hat-Hackers)
4. [**Script Kiddies**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Script-Kiddies)
5. [**Green Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Green-Hat-Hackers)
6. [**Blue Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Blue-Hat-Hackers)
7. [**Red Hat Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Red-Hat-Hackers)
8. [**State/Nation Sponsored Hackers**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#State/Nation-Sponsored-Hackers)
9. [**Hacktivist**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Hacktivist)
10. [**Malicious insider or Whistleblower**](https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/#Malicious-insider-or-Whistleblower)

**Reference:**\
<https://www.jigsawacademy.com/blogs/cyber-security/different-types-of-hackers/>\
<https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-hacking>