Black hat (computer security)

Criminals who intentionally enter computer networks with malicious intent are known as "black hat hackers".[4] They may distribute malware that steals data (particularly login credentials), financial information, or personal information (such as passwords or credit card numbers). This information is often then sold on the dark web. Additionally, malware can also be used to hold computers hostage or destroy files. Some hackers modify or destroy data in addition to stealing it. Even though hacking has become an important tool for governments to gather intelligence, black hats still tend to work alone or with organized crime groups to make easy money.[5]

Black hat hackers can be novices or experienced criminals. They are usually knowledgeable about infiltrating computer networks and getting around security protocols. Furthermore, they also create malware, a form of software that lets them access computer networks, monitor their victims' online activities, or lock their victims' devices. Black hat hackers can be involved in cyber espionage or protest, in addition to pursuing personal or financial gain.[6] In fact, for some hackers, cybercrime may be an addictive experience.

Countries initially affected in WannaCry ransomware attack

The term "black hat" comes from the color scheme used in westerns from the 1950s, in which the bad guys wore black hats, and the good guys wore white or other light colors.[4]

One example of black hat activity was the WannaCry ransomware in May 2017. Around 400,000 computers in 150 countries were infected by it in the first two weeks of its release. Decryption tools were made available by security experts within days of WannaCry's appearance, limiting extortion payments to approximately $120,000, or slightly more than 1% of the potential haul.[7]

The big data breaches that make headlines are the work of black hat hackers. In a data breach, hackers can steal the financial, personal, or digital information of customers, patients, and constituents. The hackers can then use this information to smear a business or government agency, sell it on the dark web, or extort money from businesses, government agencies, or individuals.[8] The United States experienced a record number of 1,862 data breaches in 2021, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center's 2021 Data Breach Report. Data breaches have been on the rise for some time. From 2013 to 2014, black hat hackers broke into Yahoo and stole 3 billion customer records, making it possibly the largest data breach ever.[9] In addition, the adult website Adult FriendFinder was hacked in October 2016 and over 412 million customer records were taken.[9] A data breach that occurred between May and July of 2017 exposed more than 145 million customer records, making the national credit bureau Equifax another victim of black hat hackers.[9]

Kevin Mitnick

• Kevin Mitnick is one of the most well-known black hat hackers. At one point, he was the most wanted cybercriminal in the world. He hacked into over forty major corporations, including Motorola and IBM, and even the US National Defense warning system. He was taken into custody and incarcerated in 1995. He became a cybersecurity consultant after his release in 2001, utilizing his hacking expertise for white hat hacking.[11]
• Vladimir Leonidovich Levin is a Russian hacker who, while working with a dial-up connection and a laptop from his Saint Petersburg apartment in 1994, accessed the accounts of several large corporate customers of Citibank, stealing USD$10.7 million. He ended up spending three years in jail. However, in 2005, an anonymous hacker group claimed responsibility for the theft, stating that they only sold Vladimir the data needed to steal the money.

• BlueHat
• Cybercrime
• Cyberwarfare