Packet monkey definition
Packet monkey is a pejorative term for individuals who intentionally flood servers with large volumes of data packets to cause a denial-of-service (DOS) attack. Packet monkeys typically lack the expertise to create their own tools and must rely on the methods developed by more experienced hackers. In this respect, packet monkeys are often compared to “script kiddies” within the hacker community.
The term “packet monkey” may also refer to computer network specialists that analyze packet traffic and contents., but this definition is seen much less frequently.
See also: script kiddie, black hat hacker, anonymous hackers, DrDoS attack, DDoS mitigation
Packet monkey traits
- Packet monkeys typically have limited technical understanding of network protocols and cybersecurity.
- Packet monkeys rarely create their own plan of attack — instead, they heavily rely on hacking tools and methods downloaded from the internet.
- Due to their lack of knowledge and scripting capabilities, packet monkeys tend to follow known attack patterns.
- In many cases, packet monkeys do not fully comprehend the legal and ethical consequences of their actions. They may be surprised to discover that large-scale disruption of critical infrastructure (for example, taking down a hospital’s network) leads to criminal charges.
- The motivations of packet monkeys vary — some may be spurred by simple curiosity, others seek notoriety, and a few may even think of their actions as a funny prank. While packet monkeys can cause considerable harm, unlike black hat hackers, they are rarely motivated by profit or have the knowledge necessary to take advantage of stolen data.
