HACKING vs CRACKING

A person who breaks into some ones computers or computer networks either for the purpose of fun or knowledge is called a HACKER.
A person who breaks into some ones computers or computer networks either for the purpose of profit or a motivated challenge is called a CRACKER.
Hackers can be classified in three main types which are listed as follows:
*White hat hackers – White hat hackers are the ones who do not use their skills for harming others or for illegal purposes. These are often called security experts and are considered as good guys.
*Black hat hackers – Black hat hackers often called as Crackers are the ones who use their skills for illegal purposes such as credit card stealing, hacking a bank etc.
*Grey hat hackers – Grey hat hackers are a hybrid between White hat hackers and Black hat hackers. They some times act as white hat and some times as a black hat.
Hacker Hierarchy
Script kiddies or Newbie – Script kiddies are inexperienced people who want to become a hacker. They are usually use ready made tools for hacking. They have access to hacking tools but they are not really aware of how computers and programs work. Due to their lack of experience they sometimes can harm themselves too. As there is a famous quote “Little knowledge is dangerous”.
Intermediate hackers – Intermediate hackers know much more than script kiddies but they do not make their own exploits (A piece of code or script used to carry attacks on a vulnerable) system to carry out attacks. They are well aware of programming and computers.
Professional or Elite hackers – These are the experienced and skilled hackers. They develop their own tools and exploits. They can access in a system and are well capable of hiding their tracks.