hackers
n. countablen. people who use computers to get into systems or data they are not supposed to see. While some do this to steal things, others do it to find security problems and fix them.
n. individuals who use technical skills to gain unauthorised access to computer systems or networks. Often carries a negative connotation of cybercrime, though it may also describe security professionals who test systems for vulnerabilities.
Hackers tried to steal passwords from the bank's website.
The company hired a team of ethical hackers to find weaknesses in their software before the official launch.
As digital infrastructure becomes more complex, the battle between malicious hackers and cybersecurity experts has evolved into a sophisticated game of cat and mouse with global economic implications.
Plural form of 'hacker'. Often used with modifiers like 'ethical' or 'malicious' to clarify the intent of the activity.