"Black Hat" refers to a type of hacker who uses their skills for malicious purposes, such as stealing data, spreading malware, or disrupting services. Unlike ethical hackers, who aim to improve security, Black Hats exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or to cause harm.
The term is often associated with the broader cybersecurity landscape, where various hacker types are categorized by their intentions. In contrast to White Hat hackers, who work to protect systems, and Gray Hat hackers, who may operate in a morally ambiguous space, Black Hats are typically viewed as the antagonists in the digital world.