What term describes individuals with malicious intent who violate security?

The term that describes individuals with malicious intent who violate security is "Black Hat Hackers." These individuals exploit vulnerabilities in systems for personal gain or to cause harm, operating outside the boundaries of the law and ethical standards. They are often involved in activities such as stealing data, deploying malware, or engaging in other forms of cybercrime.

In contrast, White Hat Hackers are ethical hackers who use their skills to improve security by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, often working with organizations to bolster their defenses. Grey Hat Hackers operate in an ambiguous area, sometimes violating ethics but without malicious intent, often informing companies about vulnerabilities without authorization. Blue Hat Hackers typically refer to individuals who are external security testers, sometimes associated with a specific software company or project, but do not engage in malicious activities.

This distinction between the categories of hackers emphasizes the motivations behind their actions, making it clear why Black Hat Hackers are identified with malicious intent.