Editing Black hat (computer security) (section)

== Description ==
Criminals who intentionally enter computer networks with malicious intent are known as "black hat hackers".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-11 |title=Black hat, White hat, and Gray hat hackers – Definition and Explanation |url=https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/hacker-hat-types |access-date=2022-11-27 |website=www.kaspersky.com |language=en}}</ref> They may distribute [[malware]] that steals data (particularly login credentials), financial information, or [[Personal data|personal information]] (such as passwords or credit card numbers). This information is often sold on the [[dark web]]. Malware can also be used to hold computers hostage or destroy files. Some hackers may also modify or destroy data in addition to stealing it. While hacking has become an important tool for governments to gather intelligence, black hats tend to work alone or with organized crime groups for financial gain.<ref name="What is a Black-Hat hacker"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-14 |title=Kevin Mitnick - Once the world's most wanted hacker, now he's getting paid to hack companies legally {{!}} Black Hat Ethical Hacking {{!}} Black Hat Ethical Hacking |url=https://www.blackhatethicalhacking.com/articles/hacking-stories/kevin-mitnick-once-the-worlds-most-wanted-hacker-now-hes-getting-paid-to-hack-companies-legally/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Black hat hackers may be novices or experienced criminals. They are usually competent infiltrators of computer networks and can circumvent [[security protocol]]s. They may create malware, a form of software that enables illegitimate access to computer networks, enables the monitoring of victims' online activities, and may lock infected devices. Black hat hackers can be involved in [[cyber espionage]] or protests in addition to pursuing personal or financial gain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a black hat hacker? |url=https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/black-hat |access-date=2022-11-27 |website=SearchSecurity |language=en}}</ref> For some hackers, cybercrime may be an addictive experience.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-10-24 |title=Teen hackers study considers link to addiction |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-37752800 |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=How European authorities want to tackle child hacking |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/06/12/are-the-kids-alright-how-european-authorities-want-to-tackle-child-hacking |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=euronews |language=en}}</ref>