hacker
Breaks into systems
A hacker is someone who gains unauthorized access to computer systems, often to steal data or cause disruption: Hackers breached the company's servers.
In its original and still-current sense among programmers, a hacker is simply someone skilled at creative problem-solving with technology—an enthusiast who enjoys exploring systems deeply.
The negative sense now dominates popular usage, though insiders distinguish between hackers (curious explorers) and crackers (malicious intruders).
More loosely, a hack or life hack is any clever shortcut, and someone who finds such solutions hacks their way through problems.
Breaking of agreement
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- malwareHarmful computer programs
ransomware · botnet · spyware · keylogger · rootkit · zero-day · backdoor · payload
Openness to harm
- white-hatAuthorized security tester
- CTFCertified financial trustee designation
- firewallNetwork access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
authentication · red-team · audit · reverse-engineering · sandbox · honeypot · forensics · infosec
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- open-sourceFreely viewable, editable code
- gitBritish term for fool
repository · scripting · python · software · development · terminal · command-line · API
Exploiting telephone networks illicitly
- zineSelf-published small periodical
- BBSEarly online message system
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- handlePart for gripping
leet · warez · cracking · scene · old-school · MIT · maker · tinkerer
Leaderless hacktivist network
- WikiLeaksTransparency organization publishing leaks
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
- leakEscape through a breach
- cyberactivismPolitical action via internet
protest · transparency · dissent · surveillance · privacy · censorship · liberation · Tor
Addressing challenges methodically
- cryptogramCoded message puzzle
- cipherHidden writing system
- CTFCertified financial trustee designation
- challengeTest of ability
brain-teaser · logic · reverse-engineering · obfuscation · steganography · decode · crack · enigma
breach
Breaking of agreement
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- intrusionUnauthorized entry into space
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
malware · ransomware · botnet · spyware · keylogger · rootkit · zero-day · backdoor · payload · brute-force
vulnerability
Openness to harm
- white-hatAuthorized security tester
- CTFCertified financial trustee designation
- firewallNetwork access control system
encryption · authentication · red-team · audit · reverse-engineering · sandbox · honeypot · forensics · infosec · DEFCON
coding
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- open-sourceFreely viewable, editable code
git · repository · scripting · python · software · development · terminal · command-line · API · refactoring
phreaking
Exploiting telephone networks illicitly
- zineSelf-published small periodical
- BBSEarly online message system
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
handle · leet · warez · cracking · scene · old-school · MIT · maker · tinkerer · curiosity
Anonymous
Leaderless hacktivist network
- WikiLeaksTransparency organization publishing leaks
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
- leakEscape through a breach
cyberactivism · protest · transparency · dissent · surveillance · privacy · censorship · liberation · Tor · activism
problem-solving
Addressing challenges methodically
- cryptogramCoded message puzzle
- cipherHidden writing system
- CTFCertified financial trustee designation
challenge · brain-teaser · logic · reverse-engineering · obfuscation · steganography · decode · crack · enigma
- Crookscrook, swindler, fraudster, embezzler, con artist
- lawbreakersthief, robber, burglar, vandal, smuggler
- Nerdsnerd, geek, dork, dweeb, brainiac
- rule breakersrulebreaker, transgressor, violator, offender, lawbreaker
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
- accomplicesaccomplice, accessory, co-conspirator, abettor, collaborator
hackersystem administrator
IT infrastructure manager
sysadmin · white hat · defender · white-hat · network administrator
hackertechnophobe
One fearing modern devices
computerphobe · Luddite · dinosaur · non-user · layperson
hack, hacking, hacked, hackers, hackney, hackwork, hackable, hackathon