Is Hacking Considered A Cyber Crime A cybercrime is most generally defined as any criminal act when the perpetrator hacks or breaks into a computer or computer network in order to illegally obtain sensitive information or disseminate destructive computer software. Internet fraud, identity theft, and credit card account theft are examples of cybercrimes. There are some cyber crimes that don’t involve hacking, however many do. The very definition of hacking is breaking onto a computer or computer network without permission (illegally). Therefore it is most definitely a crime. However illegal computer hacking may be, there are varying views on the subjects within the underground community of computer hackers. There are several widely acknowledged subgroups of computer hackers: White Hat These hackers hack onto computers for noble reasons, and often act as security specialist for corporations. Black Hat This brand of hacker is what most commonly think of when they think of criminal computer hacking. They have malicious intent to defraud, vandalize, or steal. Grey Hat As the name suggests, the legality of these hackers is uncertain. While they aren’t normally thought to hack for personal gain or have malicious intentions, the tight rope they walk is what puts them in grey territory. Script KittieThis is a derogatory term for a novice who breaks into computer systems by using pre-packaged automated tools written by someone else. They usually have little to no understanding of what they are doing. They are the outcasts of the hacker community, and often referred to as “skiddiots.” Hactivist A hacktivist uses their hacking skills for political activism. Some of the acts include web site defacements, redirects, denial-of-service, information theft, and web site parodies.