What type of hacker acts illegally for personal gain?

A hacker who acts illegally for personal gain is classified as a black hat hacker. This type of hacker engages in unethical and illegal activities, often breaking into systems to steal sensitive information, exploit vulnerabilities, or deploy malware for financial profit or personal advantage. Black hat hackers typically operate outside the law, prioritizing their own interests over the security and privacy of others.

In contrast, gray hat hackers may sometimes violate laws or ethical standards but often do so without malicious intent, possibly to expose vulnerabilities with the hope of being rewarded or to draw attention to security flaws. White hat hackers, on the other hand, are ethical hackers who use their skills to protect systems and enhance security, often working with organizations to identify and fix weaknesses legally. Green hat hackers are typically novices or newcomers in the hacking field who are still learning the ropes and do not yet engage in illegal activities for personal gain.