Gray hat hackers are individuals who operate in a moral gray area between ethical hackers and malicious hackers. They may exploit security vulnerabilities without permission but do so without harmful intent. Their goal is often to highlight weaknesses in systems, prompting organizations to improve their security measures. Unlike black hat hackers, who engage in illegal activities for personal gain, gray hat hackers may disclose their findings to the affected organization or the public. This can lead to positive changes in cybersecurity practices, but it can also raise legal and ethical questions regarding their methods and motivations.