Glossary Entry: Hacker
Quick Definition
The meaning of the term "hacker" has changed over time, mostly thanks to misuse by news outlets and the general population. Originally, a hacker was simply someone who was skilled with computers and other electronics. If you've ever watched the first Jurassic Park movie, this is why Alexis prided herself on being a hacker - at the time, it implied technical skill and knowhow, and was thus something to be proud of!
Today, the term is more likely to refer to people who use technology for malicious or criminal purposes. In the past, these people were known as Crackers or Black Hat Hackers. Bypassing security features or other locks in software was known as cracking, hence the first term. The latter is from old cowboy movies, which had the villains wear black hats. White Hat Hackers also exist - they're the techs working in the cybersecurity industry, and again, the term echoes cowboy films as the hero or sheriff would wear a white hat.
Today, the term is more likely to refer to people who use technology for malicious or criminal purposes. In the past, these people were known as Crackers or Black Hat Hackers. Bypassing security features or other locks in software was known as cracking, hence the first term. The latter is from old cowboy movies, which had the villains wear black hats. White Hat Hackers also exist - they're the techs working in the cybersecurity industry, and again, the term echoes cowboy films as the hero or sheriff would wear a white hat.
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