best answer > What is the difference between hacker and attacker?- QuesHub | Better Than Quora
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  • Benjamin Smith——Works at Google, Lives in Mountain View, CA

    I'm an expert in cybersecurity with years of experience in understanding the nuances of various threats and malicious activities on the internet. In the world of cybersecurity, the terms "hacker" and "attacker" are often used interchangeably, but they do carry distinct connotations and implications.

    Hackers are individuals who are skilled in the art of computer programming and systems. They have a deep understanding of how systems work and are adept at manipulating them. The term "hacker" originally had a neutral to positive connotation, referring to someone who enjoyed exploring the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities, including pushing the limits of what the systems could do. However, the media and popular culture have often associated the term with malicious activities, which has led to some confusion.

    Attackers, on the other hand, are individuals or groups that intentionally engage in harmful activities against computer systems or networks. They aim to cause damage, steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or gain unauthorized access. Attackers can be motivated by a variety of reasons, including financial gain, political motivations, personal vendettas, or simply the thrill of causing chaos.

    The distinction between hackers and attackers is subtle but important:


    1. Motivation: Hackers are driven by curiosity and the desire to understand and explore systems. Attackers are driven by malicious intent and the desire to exploit systems for personal gain or to cause harm.


    2. Ethics: There is a subset of hackers known as "ethical hackers" or "white-hat hackers" who use their skills to help organizations improve their security by finding and fixing vulnerabilities. Attackers, by definition, operate outside of ethical boundaries and engage in illegal activities.


    3. Methods: Hackers traditionally use vulnerabilities and exploits to conduct their activities, often requiring a deep technical understanding of systems. Attackers can use any means necessary to achieve their goals, which can range from sophisticated hacking techniques to social engineering and physical attacks.


    4. Legality: While not all hackers engage in illegal activities, the term has become synonymous with cybercrime in the public eye. Attackers, however, are unequivocally involved in illegal activities.


    5. Impact: The impact of a hacker's actions can be neutral or even positive, especially in the case of ethical hackers who contribute to improving security. Attackers, in contrast, always have a negative impact on their targets.


    6. Community Perception: Hackers have a community that values skill, creativity, and the sharing of knowledge. Attackers are generally shunned by this community due to their harmful activities.

    7.
    Skillset: While both hackers and attackers may possess advanced technical skills, hackers often have a broader and deeper understanding of technology, whereas attackers might focus on specific areas that enable them to exploit systems.

    In conclusion, while the line between a hacker and an attacker can sometimes be blurred, especially in the media, understanding the fundamental differences in motivation, ethics, methods, legality, impact, community perception, and skillset is crucial. Hackers are more about exploration and understanding, often with a neutral to positive impact, while attackers are about causing harm and engaging in illegal activities.

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    +149932024-05-19 14:51:00
  • Liam Parker——Works at Google, Lives in Mountain View. Holds a degree in Computer Science from Stanford University.

    The difference between an attacker and hacker is subtle however. Hackers traditionally use vulnerabilities and exploits to conduct their activities. Attackers can use any means to cause havoc.May 17, 2017read more >>
    +119962023-06-17 17:27:21

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