Which two types of hackers are typically classified as grey hat hackers? (Choose two.)

Which two types of hackers are typically classified as grey hat hackers? (Choose two.)

• vulnerability brokers
• state-sponsored hackers
• script kiddies
• hacktivists
• cyber criminals

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✅ Correct Answers: Vulnerability brokers and Hacktivists

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🔍 Introduction: Who Are Grey Hat Hackers?

In cybersecurity, hackers are commonly categorized into three broad ethical types:

• White Hat Hackers: Ethical hackers who use their skills legally to strengthen security.

• Black Hat Hackers: Malicious actors who violate systems for personal gain or destruction.

• Grey Hat Hackers: Those who operate between the lines — they may violate laws or ethical standards, but not for malicious or financial gain.

Grey hat hackers may explore or expose vulnerabilities without permission, but typically with good intent — such as alerting the vendor or raising awareness. However, their actions can still break laws or policies, which is why their classification is nuanced.

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✅ 1. Vulnerability Brokers

🔧 Who They Are:

• Hackers who search for software vulnerabilities and then sell or disclose them.

• May report vulnerabilities to vendors (ethical route), or sometimes sell them to the highest bidder (controversial route).

🧠 Why They Are Grey Hat:

• They may probe systems without authorization, which is technically illegal.

• However, their intent is often to inform or help vendors fix flaws — not to exploit them.

• Some operate in legal “bug bounty” programs, but others do not, walking a fine ethical line.

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✅ 2. Hacktivists

🕵️ Who They Are:

• Hackers motivated by political, social, or ideological causes.

• Use hacking to protest, expose corruption, or spread a message.

🧠 Why They Are Grey Hat:

• Hacktivists often break into systems or leak data, which is illegal.

• Their goal isn’t profit or destruction, but rather raising awareness or promoting a cause.

• Their actions are ethically driven, but legally questionable — the hallmark of grey hat behavior.

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❌ Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

❌ State-Sponsored Hackers

• These are employed by governments for espionage, sabotage, or cyberwarfare.

• Often operate in the realm of black hat, depending on perspective.

• Their work is highly strategic and often malicious or disruptive.

❌ Script Kiddies

• Inexperienced individuals who use pre-built hacking tools or scripts without understanding how they work.

• Typically cause harm or disruption for fun or notoriety.

• Classified more as black hat or reckless amateurs, not grey hat.

❌ Cyber Criminals

• These hackers commit illegal acts for financial gain, such as stealing data, ransomware, or fraud.

• Motivated by greed, with no ethical justification.

• Clearly fall under the black hat category.

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🧾 Summary Table

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✅ Final Answer: Vulnerability brokers and Hacktivists

These two types of hackers are best classified as grey hat hackers because their actions often exist in the ethical and legal gray zone — not entirely malicious, but not fully authorized either.