gray hat

American  

[grey hat] / ˈgreɪ ˈhæt /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of gray hat

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

Example Sentences

I wore a long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and a gray hat I had purchased the night before.

From Los Angeles Times

The photos show Barnette, wearing a winter coat and gray hat, walking behind two Proud Boys members who were later indicted for participating in the Capitol riot.

From Reuters

A man wearing a sweatshirt and gray hat who was driving the red Ford Escape was trying to make his way through the crowd, he said.

From New York Times

A man wearing a sweatshirt and gray hat who was driving the red Ford Escape was trying to make his way through the crowd, he said.

From New York Times

That left James on the Lakers bench wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray hat dark gray shorts, giving instructions and watching his other two stars, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, carry the load in his absence during a thrilling 125-121 overtime victory over the Spurs.

From Los Angeles Times