: A global "hacktivist" collective known for its leaderless structure and its members' use of Guy Fawkes masks.
Not all hackers have the same intent. They are often categorized by "hats" to denote their ethics:
The history of hacking is shaped by notable individuals and collectives:
: Famous for stopping the devastating WannaCry ransomware attack, though he later faced legal issues for previous activities.
: Once known as the "world's most wanted hacker," he specialized in social engineering —tricking people into giving up sensitive information.
: These individuals break into systems with malicious intent, such as stealing data or committing financial fraud.
: These are ethical security professionals who use their skills for good, often helping organizations find and fix vulnerabilities.