What is a Black Hat-Hacker?

A Black Hat hacker is a person who maliciously penetrates computer systems and networks to steal data, spread malware, or cause damage. Unlike White Hat hackers, Black Hat hackers work illegally and for selfish motives. Their goals include financial gains, desire for revenge, or ideologically motivated attacks. They exploit vulnerabilities in IT infrastructures and are often active in the Darknet, where they sell or trade malware and other criminal services.

How do Black Hat hackers work?

Black Hat hackers use a variety of techniques to gain access to protected systems. These include phishing attacks, infiltrating malware through manipulated attachments or infected websites, and the use of remote access tools that they install through social engineering or software vulnerabilities. Some Black Hat hackers operate in organized criminal networks that are structured like legal companies and offer customer support and "service contracts" for their toolset. Automated systems like Bots roam the internet to find and attack unprotected targets without requiring human intervention. Access to sensitive data is then sold on the black market or used for ransom demands. Hackers can also be hired in the Darknet for targeted attacks or services such as DDoS attacks. For this purpose, Black Hat hackers have already built botnets in advance to carry out the attacks.

1. Phishing:
   Deceiving users to disclose information.
2. Malware:
   Distribution of malicious software to steal data or sabotage systems.
3. Exploits:
   Exploitation of vulnerabilities in software or hardware.

What motives do Black Hat hackers pursue?

The motivations of Black Hat hackers are diverse. Many are after financial gains and use stolen data to resell it or extort ransom. Others simply want to cause chaos, take revenge on companies or governments, or pursue ideological goals. Additionally, there are hackers who seek pure thrill or challenge.

Hacker groups with political or social agendas often try to influence public opinion by publishing sensitive information or sabotaging networks of organizations they consider opponents. The former is nowadays often referred to as APT - a group of professional hackers acting on behalf of a state or organization.

How do Black Hat hackers differ from other hackers?

The term "Black Hat" distinguishes criminal hackers from other types of hackers such as White Hat and Grey Hat hackers. White Hat hackers use their skills legally and ethically to identify and close security gaps, while Grey Hat hackers operate in a grey area. Although they penetrate systems without permission, they often report their discoveries to those affected without gaining direct financial advantage. Black Hat hackers, on the other hand, act solely for their own benefit and don't care about ethical or legal consequences. They cause enormous damage through their actions and often operate in secret forums and networks.