What is a Script Kiddie?

A script kiddie is a type of threat actor who uses existing scripts and software to carry out cyber attacks. The term “script kiddie” is often used demeaningly to refer to novice hackers with little skill.

However, it’s often this novice status that makes script kiddies so dangerous. While there’s no shortage of scripts out there for purchase, there’s no guarantee they will work — or work as intended. As a result, the attempted attack could cause more damage than ever intended.

Common characteristics of a script kiddie

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  Limited technical knowledge
  
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  Indiscreet (which often enables experts or law enforcement to easily discover their identity)
  
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  Reckless
  
• 
  Impulsive
  
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  Attention-seeking
  
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  Heavy dependency on pre-existing scripts and hacking tools
  

Limited technical knowledge

Indiscreet (which often enables experts or law enforcement to easily discover their identity)

Reckless

Impulsive

Attention-seeking

Heavy dependency on pre-existing scripts and hacking tools

What impact do script kiddies have on cybersecurity?

While script kiddies don’t pose the same threat level as skilled hackers or organized cybercriminal groups, their activities can still have significant repercussions on cybersecurity.

Common consequences of script kiddie attacks include

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  Website defacement
  
• 
  Data breaches
  
• 
  Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
  
• 
  Dissemination of malware
  

Website defacement

Data breaches

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks

Dissemination of malware

In addition, script kiddies can also inadvertently contribute to the proliferation of cyber threats by sharing knowledge of vulnerabilities or malicious tools in online forums.