Gray hats are individuals who operate in the cybersecurity field, often straddling the line between ethical and unethical hacking. They may identify vulnerabilities in systems without permission but do so with the intention of helping organizations improve their security. Unlike black hats, who exploit weaknesses for malicious purposes, gray hats typically disclose their findings to the affected parties. These hackers often work independently or as part of a community, contributing to discussions about cybersecurity practices. Their actions can lead to improvements in software and systems, but they may also face legal consequences for their unauthorized activities, highlighting the complex nature of their role in the cybersecurity landscape.