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In the underground of hacking, hackers are classified depending on their skills, knowledge, and capabilities.
White Hat - Breaks security without malicious reasons to test their personal skills or work with a company that needs intensive security assurance.
Black Hat or Cracker - Violates computer security with malicious intent for personal gain, destruction of data, and to make network unstable. This hacker type takes time and patience in doing their illegal work.
Grey Hat - Hacks system to notify administrators that it is vulnerable and offers repair service for a fee.
Blue Hat - Tests system for bugs prior to launch.
Neophyte - Newly turned hackers with full understanding of how computers, networks, and programs work. Usually, this is the starting stage for future classification to other hats.
Script Kiddies or Skiddie - Breaks computer systems using automate tools with no understanding or care of how they work.
Hacktivist - Regardless of classification, the hacktivist uses technology vulnerabilities to announce his social, ideological, religious or political message.
Elite Hacker - Considered the most skilled hacker, regardless of classification. Newly discovered exploits will circulate within this group.