Former ‘black hat’ turned ‘white hat’ hacker shares 30 years of insights on dark web threats and high-stakes Cybersecurity challenges

The dark web, notorious for its illicit activities and anonymity, is a realm that an anonymous hacker with 30 years of experience delves into, shedding light on some of the most unsettling aspects in a conversation with VICE. This seasoned hacker, once a ‘black hat’ operating with malicious intent, transformed into a ‘white hat’ hacker, focusing on ethical cybersecurity practices.

In his role as a ‘white hat’ hacker, he engages in activities such as tracking and apprehending criminals targeting hospitals and businesses. One of the haunting experiences he revealed was witnessing hospitals falling victim to encryption by cybercriminals, leaving individuals with a grim choice: pay to decrypt sensitive data or risk lives.

Highlighting the growing concern of ransomware attacks, the hacker expressed alarm over the significant increase in such incidents, emphasizing their profitability. Ransomware, a technique employed to breach data security, poses a considerable threat on both an individual and national scale.

The hacker discussed the intricate dynamics of the dark web, pointing out that national state actors utilize ransomware attacks for various motives, including espionage and financial gain. He identified financially motivated criminals seeking opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, as well as destructive hackers who aim to cause widespread disruption.

In a concerning revelation, the hacker claimed that he had witnessed numerous western governments reaching out to the white hat hacker community for assistance. He emphasized the dark web’s role in enabling cyber threats, framing them as a form of asymmetric warfare that can be weaponized by nations.

The discussion provides a rare glimpse into the high-stakes games played on the dark web, where cybersecurity battles unfold, and ethical hackers become crucial allies in defending against cyber threats.