Definition of a Hacker

After reading through a CNN article today revolving around "hacking", I figured I would clarify the true definition of a hacker.


When people misuse the term "Hacker", I cringe. The term hacker has come to mean the evil persons in the world attacking websites or shutting down servers. This, by NO means, is the definition of a hacker. The true definition of a hacker is someone who analyzes and utilizes various forms of knowledge to solve a common problem. This doesn't even have to be computer related! Finding loopholes in internet security is known as a cracker. Crackers are commonly mistaken for hackers. Where as all crackers are hackers, not all hackers are crackers. Even when the term "hacker" or "cracker" is used, it is most often used to label what are known as "Black Hats". Black Hat Hackers are hackers whom use their hacking/cracking ability and knowledge to bypass security for destructive/intrusive purposes. The "White Hat" hacker is the security administrator who uses their hacking knowledge to protect a network from malicious attacks by Black Hats.


CNN Hacker Article