A person who breaks into, or attempts to break into, or use, a computer network or system without authorization , often at random, for personal amusement or gratification, and not necessarily with malicious intent. 2. An unauthorized user who attempts to or gains access to an information system (IS. ) 3. A technically sophisticated computer expert who intentionally gains unauthorized access to targeted protected resources. 4. Loosely, a computer enthusiast. 5. A person who uses a computer resource in a manner for which it is not intended or which is in conflict with the terms of an acceptable-use policy, but (unlike the work of a cracker) is not necessarily malicious in intent.