Script kiddie is a derogative term that computer hackers coined to refer to immature, but often just as dangerous, exploiters of internet security weaknesses. Not all novice hackers are script kiddies. Some inexperienced attackers do try to learn about and understand the tools they use.

A script kiddie, or skiddie, is a colloquial term defining amateurs who try to gain access to IT systems and devices illegally for fun or monetary benefit. Rather than developing sophisticated tools or exploits from scratch, they use pre-made programs or scripts written by others to target a system or user.

The intentions and the motivation The intention of many script kiddies is to impress those around them. This includes friends, classmates and family as well as other hackers or other script kiddies. The targets of a script kiddie can be acquaintances, family, schools, but also companies that attract their attention.