Black hat hacking involves unauthorised and often illegal activities targeting computer systems and networks. These hackers exploit security gaps to steal data, spread malware, or disrupt operations. Unlike ethical hackers, who work to fix security issues, black hat hackers use their skills for personal gain or harm.
What is a Black Hat Hacker?
Black hat hackers are criminals who exploit weaknesses in computer systems or networks with malicious intent. They break into systems without permission to steal, destroy, or manipulate data.
Their goals often include financial gain, such as holding organisations to ransom or exfiltrate the data to be sold on the dark web. They may also disrupt operations by taking down networks or websites.
How Do Black Hat Hackers Damage a System?
Black hat hackers can work alone or as part of organised cybercrime networks. Many begin as “script kiddies,” exploiting security gaps with basic skills before advancing to more sophisticated attacks for profit. At the top level, these hackers run structured operations that resemble legitimate businesses, complete with partners and vendors selling malware licences. Their tactics include automated bots scanning for software flaws and phishing scams designed to harvest credentials, spread malware or malicious links.
Black Hat vs. Gray Hat vs. White Hat
The terms “black hat,” “white hat,” and “grey hat” hackers come from old Western movies, where hat colours showed a character’s intentions — villains wore black hats, and heroes wore white hats. These terms now categorise hackers based on their goals, methods, and whether they follow ethical or legal boundaries.
- White Hat Hackers: The ethical ones. White hat hackers often use approved methods to test and improve security systems. Their work is legal, transparent, and aimed at improving safety.
- Grey Hat Hackers: Somewhere in between. They find vulnerabilities without permission and sometimes ask for payment to fix them. Their intentions may not be malicious, but their methods cross ethical lines.
- Black Hat Hackers: The bad guys. They exploit security vulnerabilities for personal gain, often causing harm or disruption along the way.
Cyber Attacks Through Black Hat Hacking Methods
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are a common tactic used by black hat hackers. These attacks involve breaking into a system, encrypting data, and demanding payment to restore access or avoid data exposure. The WannaCry attack in May 2017, one of the largest recorded, infected over 230,000 computers in 99 countries, targeting hospitals, businesses, and even Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in 2018. Systems running Microsoft Windows were hit, with payment demanded in Bitcoin.
Statista reports there were over 317 million attempted ransomware attacks in 2023. Confirmed successful attacks numbered between 4500 and 5000. Some industry experts estimate the actual number may have been closer to 10,000
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks use fake emails or messages to trick people into sharing sensitive information or installing malware. These messages often look genuine but include harmful links or attachments that, once clicked, can compromise systems. In 2022, hackers targeted the communications company Twilio with a phishing attack. They sent text messages directing employees to a fake version of Twilio’s authentication site to steal login details. With this access, they breached internal systems and customer data, affecting 93 Authy accounts and potentially exposing 1,900 Signal accounts. Strong email security services could have prevented or mitigated this breach.
Data Breaches
Data breaches are a key tactic used by black hat hackers to access databases and steal sensitive client and organisational information. These breaches can expose vast amounts of personal information, including financial details. In 2019, the Capital One breach compromised the information of over 100 million people. Paige Thompson, a former Amazon Web Services employee, exploited misconfigured accounts to access data and even used stolen computing power for cryptocurrency mining.
How to Protect Yourself from Black Hat Hackers
Firewalls
Firewalls protect the edges of an organisation’s network. As an example; Fortinet FortiGate next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) offer strong defence against internal and external cyber threats. They filter network traffic and inspect content to block malware and other security risks. The FortiWeb web application firewall (WAF) protects web apps from both known and zero-day threats, using machine learning to quickly detect and stop malicious activity.
Content Filters
Content filters control access to websites and online resources. They block harmful sites, reducing the risk of hackers exploiting weaknesses or accessing corporate networks. With the right setup, content filters help employees browse the internet safely and avoid phishing or malicious sites.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are designed to detect and block potential network intrusions. As an example; Fortinet’s FortiGate platform uses IPS technology to protect organisations from changing security threats. Powered by FortiGuard Labs’ intelligence, these systems analyse and address new risks in the threat landscape, helping organisations stay ahead of potential attacks.
Server Hardening
Server hardening helps reduce vulnerabilities by turning off services that hackers might target. For instance, disabling unused protocols like FTP or Telnet cuts down attack surfaces. Removing or securing functions you don’t need makes it harder for hackers to find weak points and improves overall security.
Computer Use Policy
A clear computer use policy improves an organisation’s security by setting rules for how employees use technology. It should work alongside technical tools like firewalls, content filters, and intrusion prevention systems, covering software use, email practices, and safe internet behaviour. The policy should also define consequences for breaking the rules to ensure fairness and accountability.
Security Testing
To keep ahead of increasingly skilled hackers, organisations need to actively test their systems for weaknesses. Regular penetration tests and vulnerability scans help identify gaps before they’re exploited. Ethical hacking and ongoing network monitoring ensure security measures stay effective against new threats.
Employee Training
Employees are key to protecting an organisation from cyber threats. Regular cybersecurity training should teach staff how to spot phishing attempts, recognise suspicious activity, and follow information security protocols. Sessions should also cover current cybersecurity risks and remind employees about the company’s computer use policy, building a culture of awareness and accountability.
FAQs
Is a black hat hacker ethical?
No, a black hat hacker is not ethical. Black hat hackers exploit system weaknesses for malicious purposes like stealing data, spreading malware, or causing disruption. Their actions are illegal and unethical, violating privacy and harming individuals or organisations. Unlike ethical hackers, who work to improve security, black hat hackers prioritise personal gain or harm over responsible behaviour.
What are the targets of black hat hackers?
Black hat hackers target individuals, businesses, governments, and infrastructure to access sensitive data like personal details, financial records, or intellectual property. They exploit weaknesses in networks, software, or hardware to install malware, disrupt operations, or demand money through ransomware attacks. Targets are usually chosen based on the hacker’s goal, whether for money, political reasons, or to cause disruption.
What language do black hat hackers use?
Black hat hackers use different programming languages depending on their targets and goals. Common choices include Python, C, C++, and JavaScript for tasks like scripting, exploiting weaknesses, and creating malware. SQL is often used for database attacks like SQL injection, while PHP or Ruby are popular for hacking web applications. Assembly language and machine code are also useful for low-level system hacking and more advanced exploits.
Who is the most skilled black hat hacker?
It’s difficult to identify the “most skilled” black hat hacker, as cybercrime is often carried out by organised groups rather than individuals. Notable groups like Lazarus (linked to the WannaCry attack) and REvil are recognised for their sophistication, making them among the most impactful actors in the cybercriminal world.
