hackers
Unauthorized system entrants
Hackers are people who gain unauthorized access to computer systems, whether for mischief, theft, or exposing vulnerabilities.
The word originally meant skilled programmers who could solve problems creatively—life hackers and growth hackers retain this positive sense of clever improvisation.
But the dominant meaning now involves breaking into networks: Hackers stole millions of credit card numbers.
White-hat hackers test security legally; black-hat hackers exploit it criminally.
Harmful computer programs
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- breachBreaking of agreement
- exploitNotable act or abuse
botnet · blackhat · infiltrate · spyware · keylogger · DDoS · rootkit · backdoor
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- developerOne who builds things
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
open-source · tinkering · scripting · command-line · kernel · compiler · codebase · API
Amateur home projects
- tinkererHobbyist who adjusts mechanisms
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
- solderingLow-temp metal fusion
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
prototype · repurposing · modification · workshop · electronics · gadget · invention · biohacker
malware
Harmful computer programs
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- breachBreaking of agreement
exploit · botnet · blackhat · infiltrate · spyware · keylogger · DDoS · rootkit · backdoor · cyberattack
coding
Writing software instructions
- debuggingError removal from programs
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- developerOne who builds things
algorithm · open-source · tinkering · scripting · command-line · kernel · compiler · codebase · API · unix
DIY
Amateur home projects
- tinkererHobbyist who adjusts mechanisms
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
- solderingLow-temp metal fusion
circuit · prototype · repurposing · modification · workshop · electronics · gadget · invention · biohacker · lifehack
- digital societysocial networks, internet, digital age, internet culture, digital natives
- nerd stereotypesbookworm, geeky, dorky, glasses, introvert
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
- cyber threatsmalware, phishing, virus, ransomware, data breach
- cybercriminalsscammer, scammers, phishers, phisher, fraudster
- Cyberthreatsmalware, phishing, ransomware, viruses, spyware
hackersnovices
Inexperienced newcomers
casual users · laypeople · technophobes · beginners · end users
hackersantihacker
One opposing digital intrusion
blue team · cybersecurity experts · defenders · white hats · guardians
hackerscompliance officers
Employees ensuring legal adherence
conformists · authorities · regulators · establishment · institutionalists
- 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