Computer Hackers Hat Systems Break Security Types Skills

There are many types of hackers who use their "exceptional" (very strong; great) computer skills for many different purposes.

A "white hat hacker" is an information-security expert who breaks into computer systems to test them. White hat hackers sometimes work for companies that make computer security software. The white hat hackers refer to themselves as "ethical" (moral; following rules and doing the right thing) hackers, because they do not break the law or steal information.

In contrast, "black hat hackers" break into computer systems because they can benefit from it in some way, "perhaps" (maybe) by stealing credit card information. Other black hat hackers enjoy the "challenge" (something that is difficult to do) of breaking into a system and then "disabling it" (changing something so it no longer works) to "annoy" (bother) users.

Between the two categories are "grey hat hackers." Like black hat hackers, they break into computer systems without permission, but then they "notify" (inform; tell) the "administrator" (the person responsible for the system) and they may offer to "repair" (fix) it in exchange for a payment.

The most "skilled" (best at doing something) hackers are called "elite hackers." The least skilled hackers are "script kiddies" who break into computer systems by using programs that have been created by others, and they themselves don't really understand how the programs work.

Finally, "hacktivists" (combination of the terms "hacker" and "activist") use their computer skills to break into computer systems and/or change websites to express a political or "ideological" (related to one way of thinking about the world) "statement" (public opinion).