What Is a Grey Hat Hacker?

Key takeaways

Grey hat hackers gain unauthorized entry to computer systems and networks without the intent to steal data or hijack computers.

• A hacker's goals and permissions determine what kind of hacker they are.

• Even with good intentions, grey hat hackers risk legal consequences for accessing systems without permission.

• You can use your hacking skills legally in ethical hacking careers.

Learn more about grey hat hackers and how they compare to other types of hackers. If you're ready to start building cybersecurity skills, enroll in EC-Council's Cybersecurity Attack and Defense Fundamentals Specialization. In this program, you'll explore ethical hacking, security threats, network security assessment and defense, and digital forensics. After completing the Specialization, you'll have a shareable certificate. 

What is a grey hat hacker? 

A grey hat hacker exists between white and black hat hackers, usually using black-hat tactics for white-hat intentions. Hackers are categorized depending on their intentions and what they plan to do once they break in. A white hat hacker is an ethical hacker working to help a company protect itself from cyber criminals, and a black hat hacker works outside the law to exploit vulnerabilities.

1. White hat hackers

A white hat hacker helps companies find vulnerabilities in their networks and security systems by breaking in the same way a black hat hacker would. By thinking like a criminal, a white hat hacker exposes the methods a malicious hacker might take to steal data or otherwise breach security. 

The difference is that a company or organization hires a white hat hacker and gives them permission to hack the network. When a white hat hacker finds a vulnerability, they report it back to the organization so the security team can correct the problem and make it more difficult for a black hat hacker to get in. 

2. Black hat hackers

Black hat hackers illegally break into computer networks or systems. Reasons that they may do this include: 

• Stealing personal data

• Hijacking computer systems

• Installing malware or ransomware

• Causing havoc and destruction for personal gain

These individuals operate outside of ethics and outside of the law.

3. Grey hat hackers

Anything between a white hat hacker and a black hat hacker is a grey hat hacker. Usually, a grey hat hacker breaks into networks and computer systems without permission but notifies the company of what they did.

In some cases, grey hat hackers have the intentions of white hat hackers and simply want to help companies and organizations keep their information secure. Even though they didn’t get permission, they intend to help businesses. 

In some cases, grey hat hackers might ask for payment before they reveal the security issues they uncovered. Sometimes, they use the problem they find for malicious intent and purposefully leave notes or clues marking that they were there. A grey hat hacker might also make the exploitation public and open the company up to cyber attacks. 

Other types of hackers

Grey hat hackers are one type of hacker. Other kinds of hackers that you might hear about include: 

• Blue hat: A blue hat hacker is a kind of white hat hacker who works specifically for a security firm.

• Red hat: A red hat hacker tries to stop black hat hackers by using aggressive and potentially unethical practices. 

• Hacktivists: A hacktivist uses potentially unethical hacking practices to further social justice missions or in the service of an ideology. 

• Crypto hackers: A crypto hacker attempts to break into a network or computer system to steal digital currency or the computing power required to mine cryptocurrency. 

• Cyberterrorists: Terrorists who use hacking and other methods to disrupt infrastructure and spread fear.

Why are grey hat hackers illegal? 

Any time you break into a network or computer system that you don’t have permission to enter, you’re not acting ethically or legally. Even with good intentions, you’ll be at risk for legal action if you engage in grey hat hacking. 

You could consider bug bounty programs if you’re interested in grey hat hacking to help people while practicing your hacking skills. Companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook have offered rewards for security sleuths who find vulnerabilities that affect their product. This form of white hat hacking will let you flex your hacking muscles in your spare time without crossing any ethical boundaries. 

Who uses ethical hacking? 

If you’d like to use your hacking knowledge and experience for the greater good, you could help companies monitor and guard against malicious hackers by becoming an ethical hacker. 

As an ethical hacker, your job title might be a penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, or information security consultant, among other potential titles. No matter the title, the work is the same: looking for areas in a network or computer system that malicious agents can exploit. You could join a firm working as a white hat hacker or become a consultant or contractor working independently.

Ethical hacker 

Median total pay in the US: $173,000 [1]

Job outlook (projected job growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 percent [2]

Education requirements: To become an ethical hacker, you can earn a bachelor’s degree or obtain the necessary skills with non-degree certification programs. You can also earn the Certified Ethical Hacker credential from the EC-Council. 

As an ethical hacker, you fight against malicious attacks by replicating the actions that a black hat hacker would use to access systems. When you find vulnerabilities, you communicate with other team members to strengthen security. If you work for a private company, you may look for ways to protect its assets and safeguard its data. If you work in a government role, you’ll likely take action against cyberterrorists and work to protect national security. 

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of May 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Read more: Ethical Hacker Salary: What You'll Make and Why

How to become a white hat hacker

One way to begin a career as an ethical hacker is to earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. You’ll need skills in computer networks and systems, security protocols, encryption, hacking skills, and how cybercriminals operate. You must also know programming languages such as Java, Python, and SQL. 

You can also earn a professional credential from the EC-Council, a global organization that provides cybersecurity resources. The Certified Ethical Hacker certification can help you gain skills in hacking if you have yet to gain experience or want to learn new hacking techniques. 

Stay current with cybersecurity trends

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, to learn more about cybersecurity, check out these free resources:

• Read our Career Chat issue: How AI Is Changing Cybercrime and Cybersecurity

• Hear from a learner: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

• Watch on YouTube: You're Already a Cybersecurity Expert (Here's Proof)

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