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A hacker with three decades of experience has opened up about some of the most terrifying things he has encountered on the dark web.
The dark web is notorious for being a hidden space, where users can access illegal activities while remaining anonymous. Using complex systems that obscure a user’s true IP address, the dark web has evolved into an online black market for illegal dealings.
While it’s well-known that the dark web harbors disturbing content, a hacker with over 30 years in the field has shared some of the darkest encounters, so you don’t have to risk exploring it yourself.
Shocking Stories from the Dark Web
One of the most infamous cases associated with the dark web is the kidnapping of Chloe Ayling, who was sold on the black market. Along with human trafficking, ransomware groups also operate on the dark web, stealing personal data and blackmailing victims for money in exchange for not releasing it.
Speaking to VICE, an anonymous hacker with 30 years of experience opened up about his past and the disturbing things he has witnessed. He shared that, in the past, he worked as a ‘black hat’ hacker, meaning he had no ethical code and likely used his skills for malicious purposes. Over time, he shifted to being a ‘white hat’ hacker, someone who works within legal and ethical guidelines to protect against cyber threats.
As a ‘white hat’ hacker, he now focuses on protecting hospitals and businesses from cyber attacks. He explained, “I hunt the criminals who are targeting hospitals or businesses that I’m protecting.”
The Dangers of Ransomware Attacks
Reflecting on his most troubling experiences, the hacker shared, “I’ve watched hospitals get encrypted. People are left with a choice: do I pay to decrypt the data or risk lives?”
Ransomware attacks were one of his primary concerns. In 2021, he noted a significant rise in such attacks due to their high profitability. He explained that ransomware attacks could reach national levels, often fueled by state-sponsored actors.
“There are national state actors doing what they need to do because their governments want them to,” he said. “Then, there are criminals just looking for any way to make money, and some individuals simply want to cause chaos.”
High-Stakes Cybercrime on the Dark Web
The hacker went on to describe the “high-stakes games” that take place on the dark web. He explained that ransomware attacks can be used as a tool of warfare, saying, “Every single country has reason to weaponize these kinds of attacks. It’s the perfect form of asymmetric warfare.”
The hacker emphasized that these attacks aren’t just random. There are financially motivated criminals, as well as destructive hackers who attack systems just to cause disruption. He also added that many governments, especially in Western countries, have turned to the white hat hacker community for assistance.
A Call for Ethical Hacking
The hacker’s shift from black hat to white hat hacking illustrates the importance of ethical cybersecurity. His transition reflects a broader need for skilled individuals who can protect against the rising threats in the digital age. The dark web continues to be a space of high-risk criminal activity, but with ethical hackers on the lookout, there’s hope for a safer online environment.
