blackhat
Unethical security breaker
A blackhat is a hacker who breaks into computer systems for malicious purposes—stealing data, spreading malware, or causing damage.
The term comes from old Western films where villains wore black hats.
In broader tech usage, blackhat describes any unethical practice that violates rules for personal gain: blackhat SEO tricks can get your site banned from Google.
Contrast with whitehat (ethical hacker) and greyhat (ambiguous ethics).
Unauthorized system accessor
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- breachBreaking of agreement
- crackingBreaking without separating completely
- penetration testingAuthorized security vulnerability assessment
zero-day · vulnerability · backdoor · unauthorized access · compromise · infiltration · social engineering · cybercrime
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
botnet · rootkit · adware · payload · malicious code · crimeware · logic bomb · infected
Online law-breaker
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- forbiddenNot allowed
- unlawfulForbidden by statute
dark web · tor · darknet · criminal enterprise · fraud · money laundering · stolen credentials · illegal access
Central theme or speech
- panelDistinct flat section
- workshopPlace for making or learning
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- Las VegasNevada's gambling capital
badge · CTF · capture the flag · village · talks · presentation · demo · infosec
hacker
Unauthorized system accessor
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- breachBreaking of agreement
- crackingBreaking without separating completely
penetration testing · zero-day · vulnerability · backdoor · unauthorized access · compromise · infiltration · social engineering · cybercrime · identity theft
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- wormLimbless soil invertebrate
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
keylogger · botnet · rootkit · adware · payload · malicious code · crimeware · logic bomb · infected · backdoor
cybercriminal
Online law-breaker
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- forbiddenNot allowed
unlawful · dark web · tor · darknet · criminal enterprise · fraud · money laundering · stolen credentials · illegal access · organized crime
keynote
Central theme or speech
- panelDistinct flat section
- workshopPlace for making or learning
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
Las Vegas · badge · CTF · capture the flag · village · talks · presentation · demo · infosec · security researcher
blackhatwhitehat
Authorized security tester
white hat · security researcher · blue team · security analyst · greyhat
black, hat, blacker, blackest, blacken, blackened, blackening, blacks, blackness