A "black hat" refers to a villain or antagonist in storytelling, often characterized by their malicious intentions and actions. This term is commonly used in films, literature, and other forms of media to represent characters who oppose the hero or protagonist. The black hat symbolizes evil or wrongdoing, contrasting with the "white hat," which represents good. In the context of cybersecurity, a black hat hacker is someone who exploits vulnerabilities in computer systems for personal gain or to cause harm. Unlike "white hat hackers," who work to protect systems, black hats engage in illegal activities, such as stealing data or spreading malware, often for financial profit or notoriety.