In this chapter, we will look at the different types of hackers, how they think, some of their most common attacks, and what separates the bad from the good. Hacking itself is neither good or bad; it’s a way of working out how something works and then getting it to do something different. This mindset can be applied to everything, not just software and computers but processes, machinery—even companies themselves.
Hackers are a varied bunch, with a wide range of skills, backing, and motivation. Having a high-level working knowledge of the different types of hackers is the first step to understanding the attackers you may face and how sophisticated and tenacious their attacks will be.
There are three main categories of hackers that have emerged over the years (see figure 3.1). Although not exhaustive, this list provides us with an easy way to understand their motivations and how they are likely to operate. When talking about hackers and hacking, you’ll often hear these terms used to describe someone’s actions or motivations: