According to Eric Raymond, the following 5 points sum up the attitude of a hacker:

1. The world is full of fascinating problems waiting to be solved.
2. No problem should ever have to be solved twice.
3. Boredom and drudgery are evil.
4. Freedom is good.
5. Attitude is no substitute for competence.

Now, take a few notable traits of an INTP:

1. An insatiable desire to understand everything of interest.
2. High respect for logic (and those who use it).
3. Generally impatient with incompetence.

Notice some overlap? These attitudes plus the introverted and puzzle-solving nature of the INTP seem to add up for a natural fit. Even according to statistics the INTP is a natural hacker; for anyone else it is like a “short person trying to play basketball“.

“Hackers are more motivated by challenge and excitement and not as motivated by conventional means such as power, money or personal recognition.” – Dawn Sanks
“Also, most hackers are ‘neophiles’, stimulated by and appreciative of novelty (especially intellectual novelty). Most are also relatively individualistic and anti-conformist.” – Eric Raymond

Note now that not all INTPs will be hackers. However, almost any INTP could become one if they decided to put their mind to it. All they require is general computer knowledge and a specific interest in computer programming. Often it is just a matter of being introduced to the topic – their love of understanding complex systems will likely do the rest.

The INTP loves starting new projects, and often pursue knew subjects for the thrill of it, not for monetary gain. This also syncs up with the hacker attitude:

As you can see, the pursuit of new knowledge and wanting to forge a new path is the same goal of both the INTP and the hacker.