What is a computer hacker?

Computer hackers are individuals who use their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data. While the term is often associated with illegal activities, not all hackers have malicious intent—some work to identify security vulnerabilities so they can be fixed (these are known as 'ethical hackers' or 'white-hat hackers'). Others, known as 'black-hat hackers,' exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or to cause harm. The field of hacking is broad, encompassing activities from cybersecurity research to cybercrime. Understanding the difference between ethical and unethical hacking is important in today's digital world.