While the dark web is well-known for its black market marketplaces for illegal drugs and weapons, it also features hacker-for-hire sites that offer a range of unsavory services. Using search terms such as Hire a Hacker Group or “hacker for hire,” Comparitech found dozens of these hackers-for-hire websites offering services that are likely illegal and could cause serious financial and reputational damage.
Do corporations hire hackers?
The services offered by these hackers-for-hire vary widely, but some include scrubbing embarrassing information from online searches, changing course grades and even planting kompromat on an individual or company’s computer system for malicious intent. One service that is gaining attention is hacking into email accounts to retrieve deleted messages.
Other services advertised by these hackers-for-hire include stealing personal information, changing bank account passwords and installing malware on computers or other devices for future exploitation. These types of hacks are likely illegal and can result in fines, penalties and other legal consequences for the business or individuals involved.
Regardless of the service being offered, it is important to understand that hiring a hacker is an act of trust. The hacker is likely operating outside the law and may be reluctant to perform their services or unable to complete them due to lack of skill or other factors beyond their control. Hiring a hacker can also place you or your business under increased scrutiny by law enforcement agencies, which can have negative impacts on the reputation and business continuity of your organization.