Hackers
Unauthorized system entrants
Hackers are people who gain unauthorized access to computer systems, or more broadly, anyone who explores and manipulates technology in clever or unconventional ways.
The negative sense—breaking into networks, stealing data—dominates popular usage: Hackers breached the company's servers.
But in tech communities, hacker often carries admiration for ingenuity and deep technical skill, regardless of legality.
A life hacker finds clever shortcuts for everyday problems.
Authorized security vulnerability assessment
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- breachBreaking of agreement
- firewallNetwork access control system
malware · phishing · ransomware · zero-day · backdoor · encryption · brute force · social engineering
Unethical computer intruder
- cybercrimeIllegal digital conduct
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- data breachUnauthorized access to protected information
- AnonymousLeaderless hacktivist network
stolen data · fraud · underground · illegal access · cracking · carding · scam · extortion
Simulated world, hidden truth
- NeoPrefix denoting newness
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- HollywoodAmerican film industry center
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
WarGames · hoodie · keyboard · dark room · montage · technobabble
One who produces
- tinkererHobbyist who adjusts mechanisms
- open sourcePublicly accessible code
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
- coderOne who programs
programmer · DIY · hobbyist · MIT · homebrew · Arduino · Raspberry Pi · hackathon
Ethical cybersecurity professional
- bug bountyReward for finding vulnerabilities
- security researcherOne who finds system vulnerabilities
- red teamSimulated attackers testing defenses
- CTFCertified financial trustee designation
audit · certified · DEFCON · infosec · blue team · security consultant · compliance · defensive
Output relative to input
- biohackerDIY biology practitioner
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
- efficiencyProductive without waste
tips · tricks · workaround · resourceful · improvisation · creative problem-solving · streamline · simplify
penetration testing
Authorized security vulnerability assessment
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- breachBreaking of agreement
firewall · malware · phishing · ransomware · zero-day · backdoor · encryption · brute force · social engineering · rootkit
black hat
Unethical computer intruder
- cybercrimeIllegal digital conduct
- identity theftStealing personal data criminally
- data breachUnauthorized access to protected information
Anonymous · stolen data · fraud · underground · illegal access · cracking · carding · scam · extortion · wire fraud
The Matrix
Simulated world, hidden truth
- NeoPrefix denoting newness
- cyberpunkDystopian tech-noir fiction
- HollywoodAmerican film industry center
WarGames · stereotype · hoodie · keyboard · dark room · montage · technobabble
maker
One who produces
- tinkererHobbyist who adjusts mechanisms
- open sourcePublicly accessible code
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
coder · programmer · DIY · hobbyist · MIT · homebrew · Arduino · Raspberry Pi · hackathon · jailbreak
white hat
Ethical cybersecurity professional
- bug bountyReward for finding vulnerabilities
- security researcherOne who finds system vulnerabilities
- red teamSimulated attackers testing defenses
CTF · audit · certified · DEFCON · infosec · blue team · security consultant · compliance · defensive
productivity
Output relative to input
- biohackerDIY biology practitioner
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- shortcutQuicker alternative path
efficiency · tips · tricks · workaround · resourceful · improvisation · creative problem-solving · streamline · simplify · optimize
- 1995 FilmsToy Story, Braveheart, Casino, Apollo 13, Jumanji
- sci-fiscience fiction, Star Wars, sci-fi, Blade Runner 2049, aliens
Hackersaccount holders
People owning registered accounts
registered users · employees · end users · insiders · customers
Hackerscasual users
Non-dedicated occasional engagers
laypeople · technophobes · novices · end users · neophytes
- hacked awayCut repeatedly with force
- hacked itSucceeded adequately, informally
- hacked offBritish slang for annoyed
- hacked to pieces
- hacker groupOrganized digital intruders
- growth hackerUnconventional marketing experimenter