What term describes a person who attempts to gain unauthorized access to a computer network?

The term that best describes a person who attempts to gain unauthorized access to a computer network is "hacker." In the context of cybersecurity, hackers are often mentioned in discussions of both ethical hacking, where individuals exploit security systems to identify vulnerabilities, and malicious hacking, where individuals seek to breach security for harmful purposes or to steal information.

The usage of "hacker" has evolved over time, carrying different connotations based on context. While some hackers are aligned with ethical practices—testing systems to improve security—those who seek to infiltrate systems unlawfully fall into the category most people reference when discussing the term in a negative light.

Other terms mentioned have different meanings: an intruder could technically be a hacker, yet it's too generic and doesn’t specifically engage with the nuances of network access or malicious intent. An administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining network systems, while a network engineer focuses on designing and implementing networks. Neither of these roles pertains to unauthorized access efforts. Thus, "hacker" distinctly identifies the individual engaged in unauthorized attempts to breach networks.