Definition:
A grey hat hacker is a hacker who operates between ethical (white hat) and unethical (black hat) practices. They may probe systems for vulnerabilities without malicious intent but without the owner's permission, often revealing their findings publicly.
Use Cases:
- Used by individuals who exploit system vulnerabilities without malicious intent, typically revealing the flaw to the organization afterward.
- Employed in bug bounty programs, though grey hat activities may violate terms of service agreements.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What distinguishes a grey hat hacker from a white or black hat hacker?
Grey hat hackers operate without explicit permission, but they often aim to improve security by revealing vulnerabilities, whereas white hats have permission, and black hats act maliciously.
- Are grey hat activities illegal?
Yes, grey hat hacking can be illegal because it involves accessing systems without permission, even if the intent is not malicious.
- How do organizations respond to grey hat hackers?
Some organizations may appreciate the disclosure and fix the vulnerability, while others may take legal action due to the unauthorized access.