Yellow hat hacker definition
A yellow hat hacker is a cybersecurity expert who tests systems for vulnerabilities with the permission of the owner. They help identify weaknesses in technologies and improve their security without causing harm.
See also: grey hat hacker, red hat hacker, blue hat hacker, green hat hacker, black hat hacker, white hat hacker, ethical hacking
What do yellow hat hackers do?
With permission or an invitation from the owner, yellow hat hackers use ethical hacking techniques to break into computer systems or devices to find weaknesses or vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. The yellow hat hackers inform the owner of the technology of their findings. Their goal is to help organizations improve their security and strengthen their defenses against potential threats.
Why are yellow hat hackers important?
Yellow hat hackers are important because they help organizations identify and fix security flaws before malicious actors can take advantage of them. Their proactive approach strengthens cybersecurity and reduces risks.
Other types of hackers
- Black hat hackers. They are malicious hackers who exploit security weaknesses for personal gain and often engage in illegal activities like data theft or cyberattacks.
- Red hat hackers. They act as vigilantes and use aggressive methods to stop black hat hackers and neutralize threats without authorization from the system owner.
- Green hat hackers. These are beginners in cybersecurity who are learning how to hack and improve their skills, often working under the guidance of experienced hackers.
- Blue hat hackers. These hackers are hired to test software or systems for security vulnerabilities, typically before the official launch, to ensure protection from external threats.
- White hat hackers. These ethical hackers are authorized to test systems for vulnerabilities and help improve security without causing harm. They have formal agreements with the system owners and typically follow a structured process to identify and fix security weaknesses, as opposed to yellow hat hackers who typically work independently or in an advisory role, often as freelancers or security consultants.
- Grey hat hackers. These hackers operate in a legal grey area — they often identify vulnerabilities without authorization but don’t use them for personal gain and instead report them or offer fixes.
- Purple hat hackers. A blend of red and blue hat hackers, these hackers possess the skills of identifying and attacking vulnerabilities while working within the boundaries of the law.
- Orange hat hackers. They use social engineering tactics and psychological manipulation to gain access to systems or sensitive information.
- Brown hat hackers. These people operate with good intentions but often cause unintended harm or disruption in the process of testing security because they may lack the experience or understanding to properly carry out the tests.
- Pink hat hackers. These hackers focus on ethical hacking in areas like online dating or social media. They aim to expose vulnerabilities related to privacy and online safety.
