Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What do we call hackers who exploit security vulnerabilities for malicious intent?

1. White Hat

2. Gray Hat

3. Black Hat

4. Ethical Hacker

The correct answer is: Black Hat

Hackers who exploit security vulnerabilities for malicious intent are referred to as Black Hat hackers. This term is used to describe individuals who violate computer security for personal gain, such as stealing sensitive information, installing malware, or disrupting services. Unlike ethical hackers or white hat hackers, who work to improve security by identifying vulnerabilities and reporting them, black hat hackers operate outside the law and ethical standards, making them a significant threat to organizations and individuals alike. White hat hackers are those who use their skills to enhance security and protect systems, while gray hat hackers may operate in a morally ambiguous area, sometimes violating ethics but without malicious intentions. Ethical hackers, similarly, are sanctioned to test systems and identify vulnerabilities without exploiting them. This distinction is critical in understanding the motivations and impacts of different types of hackers in cybersecurity.