gray hat

[ grey hat ]

noun

, Computers Informal.

1. a hacker who violates the security of a system without true malicious intent but often without the prior knowledge or consent of the owner or developer, and who later reports system vulnerabilities to the authorities, sometimes for personal profit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gray hat¹

First recorded in 2000–05; modeled after gray market ( def )

Example Sentences

It had the effect of sea-water, and her gray hat, with its pale green wreath, framed the golden-gray of her hair.

From Project Gutenberg

He took off his broad-brimmed gray hat and stood holding it in both hands as he looked down at the body.

From Project Gutenberg

I stopped at the nearest outfitting shop, bought a light-gray hat, and left the black one lying on a chair.

From Project Gutenberg

Jones' gray hat came pushing up between the dead snags; then his burly shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

An arm, outstretched, supported his head, hidden under a soft gray hat.

From Project Gutenberg