Hacking refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data, often by exploiting vulnerabilities. There are several types of hacking, each with distinct motivations and methodologies.

White hat hacking, also known as ethical hacking, involves security professionals who intentionally break into systems to identify and fix security flaws, helping organizations strengthen their defenses. On the other hand, black hat hacking is carried out by malicious individuals who infiltrate systems for personal gain, theft, or to cause harm.

Gray hat hackers straddle the line between ethical and unethical practices; they might access systems without permission but usually report the issues they find rather than exploit them for malicious purposes. Finally, script kiddies are amateur hackers who lack advanced skills and rely on pre-written programs or scripts to conduct attacks, often without fully understanding how the exploits work.

Each type of hacking presents different challenges and impacts, influencing how cybersecurity measures are developed and implemented.