white hat vs. black hat

a virtuous hero, especially in a cowboy movie; good guy.

Also called white hat hacker. Computers.,  a hacker who violates the security of a system with the knowledge and consent of the owner or developer in order to test the code, without malicious intent.

a villain, as in a cowboy movie; bad guy.

Also called black hat hacker. Computers.,  a hacker who violates the security of a system without the knowledge or consent of the owner or developer, as for personal profit or for the gratification of causing damage.