Here is a 347 word article on "Do hackers use web scraping?" with the title "The Complex Relationship Between Hackers and Web Scraping":
The Complex Relationship Between Hackers and Web Scraping
Web scraping, also known as web data extraction, refers to the automated collection of data from websites. It can be used for many purposes - gathering research data, monitoring prices, aggregating news articles, etc.
But web scraping also has a complex relationship with hacking. On one hand, it is an invaluable tool for hackers looking to gather data at scale. By scraping websites, hackers can assemble databases of emails, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. However, the act of scraping itself is not inherently malicious. Much web scraping is done legally and ethically every day by researchers, journalists, and businesses.
So when does web scraping cross ethical lines? Here are some examples:
So in summary - yes, hackers do sometimes use web scrapers as part of schemes to steal data. But ethical hackers and security researchers more often use scraping for good, with permission and within reason. For businesses, journalists, academics, and hobbyists interested in web data, scrapers are an indispensable tool, as long as they are wielded carefully and legally. With an automated scraper, entire websites can be downloaded for analysis offline. But it's always important to respect sites' terms of service and access controls while scraping.