Hacking was once seen as the domain of lone software programmers looking for mischief and installing viruses, but today hacking has grown into an international enterprise with dark web markets offering services designed specifically to hire hackers.
One of the most frequently utilized hacking services includes stealing passwords and taking down websites, while other forms may involve attacks like defamation or financial sabotage.
Game Hacking
Game hacks are software designed to enable a player to exploit game codes to cheat the system and gain an unfair edge in games, such as shooter ones. Examples include tools designed to automatically aim or assist with aim in shooter games and make scoring damage or killing opponents much simpler.
Online game hacks usually involve bypassing security solutions, injecting dynamic-link libraries into games and altering memory – typically leading to the installation of a Trojan that contacts the hacker’s command and control server for downloads of secondary infections such as ransomware.
Hacking services that specialize in breaking into almost all operating systems – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS – are often offered for hire on the Dark Web. Hackers typically boast of their abilities to access virtually every system imaginable including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS for an average charge of $343 per computer or phone and without being subjected to rigorous reliability, integrity or ethical screening processes. A reputable hacking service should offer money back guarantees, formalized reviews and complaint processes – as well as provide certified hackers who have proven their skills over time.
Convenience Hacking
Hacking as a Service (HaaS) makes advanced code-breaking skills accessible to anyone with access to a computer and credit card. Services may be sold through purpose-driven websites that offer money back guarantees, reviews and complaint procedures.
Hackers use their hacking skills for all sorts of reasons, from financial gain through credit card theft, corporate and political espionage and the sheer thrill of it to build notoriety for themselves and gain respect from peers for their hacking talents.
Personal attacks, ranging from financial or legal sabotage to public defamation or disruption, tend to be among the costliest hacking services. Gaining access to someone else’s social media accounts costs on average $230 on average while changing school grades costs around $526. Hackers claim they can break into servers of online games or Internet infrastructure for which they may charge hourly; others claim they can track down scammers and deliver “scammer revenge.” These services typically require payment up front but often offer refunds if their hack fails.
Security Hacking
Security hacking – or any type of cybercrime with the intent to gain information or spread malware – poses an alarming cyber threat that can compromise personal and business data, cause financial losses and shut down entire systems. Black hat hackers – often the more nefarious members of this industry – exploit vulnerabilities for profit or as part of nation-state hacking campaigns.
Grey-hat hackers fall somewhere between ethical and malicious hackers; they may disclose hardware or software vulnerabilities publicly without prior approval to raise awareness about an issue.
Authorized hackers use their skills to help companies assess the resilience of their network security against potential cyber threats. Penetration testing identifies weaknesses in systems, while some hackers have formed security companies dedicated to IoT security; making them ideal options for more complex projects.
Personal Hacking
Internet technology has enabled people to store a great deal of personal data on their devices, including credit card and bank account numbers, addresses, Social Security numbers, birthdays and other details about themselves. Unfortunately, hackers can use various means to gain access to this data via scams, computer worms, distributed denial-of-service attacks and rootkits.
Phishing scams occur when hackers employ deceptive communications or social engineering techniques to get you to provide their sensitive data. Other cybercrimes include identity theft which can result in significant financial loss as well as vandalism in which hackers alter or destroy websites for various reasons.
Ethical hackers are hired by companies to identify vulnerabilities in their computer systems and networks, assist with recovering from data breaches and enhance cybersecurity. These professionals, commonly referred to as white hat hackers, abide by a code of ethics set forth by the International Council for Ethical Hacking (ICEH).
