WHAT DOES A CRACKER DO

A cracker is someone who breaks into someone else's computer system, often on a network; bypasses passwords or licenses in computer programs; or in other ways intentionally breaches computer security. A cracker can be doing this for profit, maliciously, for some altruistic purpose or cause, or because the challenge is there. Some breaking-and-entering has been done ostensibly to point out weaknesses in a site's security system.

The term "cracker" is not to be confused with "hacker". Hackers generally deplore cracking. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HACKER AND A CRACKER

A hacker can be referred to as a ‘white hat’. Some don’t use a system illegally, but expose holes within systems. Their aim is to fix flaws within systems and to improve its security. ‘White hats’ may be security professionals, who are hired by companies to audit network security or test software. They use the "same software tools that crackers use" and "seeks to improve the security of his own network by proactively attacking it as a cracker would. White hats may even create software aimed at thwarting tools available to crackers.

Therefore, they help businesses by understanding how a cracker operates and then takes steps to secure a network against likely avenues of attack.

A hacker can write code in one or more languages, such as C, C++, assembly, Java. They understand what certain codes do and how it works.

Whereas a cracker can be referred to as a ‘black hat’. They break into systems illegally for personal gain, vandalism, or bragging rights. Most crackers are not very knowledgeable or skilful with little programming ability. They therefore rely on automated programs that are downloaded from disreputable websites.

A cracker understands that he/she is breaking the law, and therefore cover their tracks in order to prevent being caught. Fortunately, many crackers are caught due to their lack of skills.

In summary, hacking and cracking can be used both illegally and legally to gain access to a computer network. Other than the ethical difference between the two, the major factor that separates hackers and crackers is an understanding of computer systems and the ability to create software. "A hacker, in the classic sense of the term, is someone with a strong interest in how things work, who likes to tinker and create and modify things for the enjoyment of doing so.