The darknet is home to a vast array of illegal and high-stakes criminal services, including those associated with cybercrime. With the rise of cybercrime, individuals can now acquire services such as website hacking, physical assaults, customised malware, and even manipulation of academic records directly from hackers willing to offer their expertise on the black market. How much do these types of objects actually worth?
This article delves into various sources to provide insight into the costs of hiring a hacker on the Dark Web. The goal is to deter you from entering a lifelong path of criminality by sharing cutting-edge research and amplifying your cyber security knowledge instead.
Hiring a hacker
Before examining prices, it’s astonishingly easy for malicious individuals to uncover a hacker with just a brief glimpse. According to an analysis by a leading accounting and consulting agency, “hacker-for-hire companies abound on the Dark Web.” Payments are typically facilitated using cryptocurrencies, ensuring maximum anonymity.
Cybersecurity experts estimate that the vast expanse of the Dark Web is shrouded in mystery, making it difficult to quantify its enormity. Nevertheless, according to one prominent cybersecurity software firm, tens of thousands of URLs exist on this shadowy realm, with approximately tens of hundreds of active websites, including numerous discussion forums and marketplaces.
The recruiting process appears to be relatively straightforward given these concerning statistics. Multiple online platforms and forums exist where malicious individuals seek to engage in illicit activities.
DDoS assaults
Hackers offering distributed denial-of-service attacks can command fees ranging from a mere $10 to a substantial $750. For a mere $10, you can procure devastating Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks on an “unsecured” website, capable of generating 10-50,000 requests per second for a duration of one hour, according to Privacy Affairs.
Were it a premium-protected website, the 24-hour attack would likely cost around $170.
Professional cybersecurity experts may charge on an hourly or monthly basis to provide ongoing protection against cyber threats for as long as the client requires.
Unscrupulous individuals will likely manipulate search engine results to artificially inflate or deflate the ranking of a website. Others may appropriate and disseminate a published post by the client on a social media platform. Hackers may conduct a thorough security audit of an internet site’s defenses, revealing areas where vulnerabilities exist and alerting the owner to potential threats.
Private assaults
Hackers skilled in perpetrating private attacks market their services for fees ranging from $10 to over $600. A private assault may encompass monetary sabotage, legal harassment, or public defamation. One tactic used by hackers is to manipulate victims into believing they are purchasing child pornography. A small but determined group of hackers offer services to vulnerable businesses, providing “scammer revenge” and “fraud monitoring” that allows them to strike back at scammers.
According to Crowe’s evaluation, his team stumbled upon a “menu” offered by hacker-for-hire companies, revealing that gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information, including personal data, home addresses, phone numbers, email accounts, and family members’ names typically costs around $600.
According to the Darkish Internet Value Index 2023, the estimated net worth of a typical United States household has reached a new milestone: The cost of a passport scan can be as low as $50, which represents the tangible value of efficient documentation.
Web site hacking
Web site hacking entails malicious attacks against websites and other online businesses. Hackers can gain unauthorized access to an underlying internet server or an internet site’s administrative control panel. Hackers may illicitly obtain sensitive information, including database contents and administrative login details.
According to Crowe’s investigation, the typical cost of website and database hacking is around $1,200. This type of exercise may require gaining access to the administrative interface or server-side environment.
Pc and telephone hacking
According to Crowe’s research, the average cost of a computer and telephone hacking service is approximately $950. In a typical instance of hacking, an attacker gains unauthorized access to a victim’s computer or mobile device to pilfer sensitive information or install malicious software. The versatility of the system appears to be touted without restriction, as it claims compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Social media account hacking
The cost of hacking into a social media account ranges from $20 to $500+, depending on the complexity and scope of the hack. The hacking service compromises online accounts by intercepting or taking control of profiles on popular platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, social media platform X, Instagram, Skype, Telegram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit. The malicious exercise hinges on the reliable functioning of the compromised service. Criminals who compromise Facebook or Xbox accounts by hacking directly into them often exploit vulnerabilities to steal login credentials, thereby granting themselves unrestricted access to the victim’s online presence. Those who access an account via WhatsApp may likely engage in activities such as monitoring messages or taking screenshots.
E-mail hacking
According to Crowe’s expertise, email hacking typically goes for around $700 on the open market. On this exploit, the hacker acquires the victim’s email password and subsequently furnishes that password to the client or gains unauthorized access to the account, thereby compromising sensitive information. In certain cases, the perpetrator may orchestrate a sophisticated email forwarding scheme to obtain a copy of the victim’s entire email correspondence.
Altering grades
With the increasing pressure to achieve academic excellence, some college students may be tempted to seek unscrupulous means to boost their grades, including paying individuals to gain unauthorized access to college systems and manipulate their academic records? Across various colleges and universities, this company stands out as one of the most prevalent and expensive cybersecurity firms. Some hackers claim to offer an illegal service, boasting that they will pilfer the answers to upcoming exams. While academic achievement and moral character are distinct concepts, the juxtaposition of exceptional grades with poor behavior highlights the importance of considering both aspects in evaluating overall success.
Hackers gain unauthorized access to university-managed database systems through grading software programs. While this type of service may come with a premium price tag, its typical value lies at around $1,600.
Conclusion
Given the plethora of threats and remarkably low barriers to entry, it is imperative that individuals and organizations remain constantly alert to the risks of hacking.
I suggest tracking the Dark Internet Value Index, as it’s a valuable resource that displays trending attacks and provides valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals.
Diverse actions you may consider taking include implementing robust security measures, conducting regular audits, and even hiring a white-hat hacker to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities within your organization.
Lastly, to illuminate the path, stay informed about the latest cybersecurity developments at TechRepublic and further your expertise through coaching programs. Why would you allow the Dark Web to sully your digital threshold?
