What characterizes a hacker?

The characteristic that defines a hacker is typically associated with the act of trying to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This behavior is often motivated by various factors, including curiosity, challenge, or malicious intent. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in systems to perform actions that are not permitted by the system's security protocols. This definition aligns closely with the broader notion of hacking, which encompasses a range of activities from ethical hacking (where permission is granted for security testing) to malicious hacking (where consent is absent).

In the context of this question, the role of someone seeking unauthorized access reflects the common perception of hackers in both media and public discourse. The other options present different roles within the tech ecosystem: developing software for security is more aligned with cybersecurity professionals, seeking authorized access pertains to ethical hacking, and repairing computer systems is characteristic of IT technicians. These roles, while crucial in the tech world, do not encapsulate the essence of what typically defines a hacker.