What does a hacker do on the dark web?

Hackers on the dark web engage in a variety of illicit activities, ranging from stealing personal information and financial data to selling illegal products and services. These hackers use the anonymity and privacy afforded by the dark web to carry out their nefarious activities without getting caught.

One of the most common things hackers do on the dark web is to sell stolen data, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials. They may also offer services such as hacking into email accounts or social media profiles, as well as hacking into corporate networks to steal confidential information. Some sites in the digital security sector outline some of the FAQ’s about hiring hackers, such as which platforms they use to communicate, what skills they have, what risks are associated with their work, and how they get paid.¹

One source explained that hackers on the dark web may also create and sell malicious software, such as viruses, worms, and trojans, that can be used to infect and take control of computers and other devices. They may also sell access to compromised computers, which can be used to launch cyber attacks or carry out other illegal activities.

It’s a big sector now, and surely the growth of artificial intelligence will only speed up the cat-and-mouse game that is cybersecurity vs hackers on the dark web.

There are also tons of questions surrounding the future of data integrity, medical records, banking and financial transactions, not to mention other sensitive information that is stored on servers around the world, many of which are under maintained and running on legacy software.²

Source

  1. FAQ About Hiring A Hacker – https://hire-a-hacker.org/faq/
  2. Legacy systems are the new attack vectors for hackers, David Linthicum, InfoWorld. Jun 21, 2022. https://www.infoworld.com/article/3664411/legacy-systems-are-the-new-attack-vectors-for-hackers.html

How to Find Out If You’ve Been Hacked & What to Do Next

Like every other aspect of the IT industry, hacking has improved over the years. Cybercriminals have gotten craftier and more efficient than ever, and in this era of COVID-19 and nation-wide quarantines, chances are high that everyone, you included, can sustain a cyber attack.

 

Of course, not everyone will become a victim of hacking with the same level of intensity. For example, everyday people like yourself will most likely get a few automated emails that seek private information. These methods are usually low-effort and easy to spot. However, high-ranking public figures could become victims of more elaborate attacks. The criminal acts usually include phishing emails from hackers who want to steal corporate-level secrets and blackmail the victim into paying a huge sum of money.

 

So, how can you tell when someone has hacked you? And, more importantly, how can you handle the situation with your private data intact and your wallet untouched?

What Do Hackers Target?

More often than not, cybercriminals and hackers for hire will hit platforms that contain something of value to the victim. For example, they will focus on online banking and shopping platforms, as well as Escrow services like PayPal. However, they will also target social media websites like Instagram and Facebook, or online streaming services such as Hulu or Netflix. In short, anything that they can use to gain financial or material goods, or that they can use to blackmail the victim into giving them money. It isn’t uncommon for people to hire a hacker online in order to get into other people’s websites.

Recognizing and Handling the Hacks

Step 1: Spotting the Unusual Behavior

No company, no matter how powerful, is immune from a data breach. Just remember the 2015 Ashley Madison debacle. And as if that weren’t enough, you won’t be pleased to know that no platform is safe, even if it’s as small as a knitting forum or a collectible card game website.

 

So, what are some of the early signs of a data breach? Well, pay attention to your platform of choice. Did you get a notification that somebody tried to log in using your account from a remote device? Was there an attempt to buy something using your credit card? Did you get locked out of the account and can’t log in? Any one of those instances can point to a hack taking place.

Step 2: Regaining Control Over Your Data

Once you’ve identified a potential hack, you’ll need to do the following:

 

  • Let your friends, family members, and business contacts know that your account has been compromised
  • Contact the platform that owns your account (i.e. Microsoft, Google, Netflix, Facebook, etc.); each of them has a set of procedures and policies when it comes to data breaches and hacks
  • Let them know if you’re able to access the account or not; depending on the answer, follow the steps they provide to the letter
  • Once you’ve recovered your account thanks to the parent platform, make sure to check all other platforms you frequent and check the settings; change anything out of the ordinary
  • Change your passwords on all platforms (more on that in the next paragraph)
  • If necessary, contact the law officials in your country and proceed with legal action

Step 3: Securing Absolutely Everything

Did you regain control over your data? Excellent, because you’re not done yet. Once you went through the steps above, proceed with the following:

 

  • Change every password everywhere in case there’s a repeat attack
  • Limit the online info you have by going over every single internet page you frequent
  • Make sure to also check accounts from websites you’ve stopped using years ago, just to be on the safe side
  • Update all security settings and introduce a multi-factor authentication system
  • For added safety, use a VPN.

 


Cyber Security And UG Diploma in Ethical Hacking

Information Security and Ethical Hacking is the latest buzzword in the industry. In the past five years the percentage of hacking crimes, data thefts, data losses, viruses and other cyber-crimes has increased exponentially. Cyber criminals maliciously attack network security systems and steal confidential information, intercept data transfer, hack email accounts, spread viruses and even commit identity theft. Nowadays most IT companies employ ‘ethical hackers’ to actually attack their own computer networks and beat these devious experts at their own game. Keeping in mind the demand of the present times, Appin Knowledge Solutions in collaboration with Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune has launched a Year online BCA Programme in Cyber Security – The Appin Pathfinder.

This UGC recognized Degree is the world’s first BCA programme in Cyber security. Students also receive an Under Graduate Diploma in Ethical Hacking & Information Security from Appin from International Association for Distance Learning (IADL), UK. The research-backed comprehensive curriculum provides insights into networking, security, ethical hacking and programming aspects of computers. Appin Pathfinder is a unique initiative to bridge the gap between industry and academia by integration of learning and technology. This program is aimed to equip its students with both theoretical and practical knowledge thus making the student job-ready for managerial and administrative roles.

ELIGIBILITY The eligibility criteria would be a higher secondary degree or ITI certificate or diploma course after class or any other equivalent course. COURSE DURATION Duration of the course would be years. COURSE MODULE Course module across semesters would include topics like Information Security, Data Communication & Networking, Information Security Management Systems, Hacking Attacks, Data Security, Web Security, Network Security, and Cyber Forensics among others. SALIENT FEATURES Appin Pathfinder offers numerous salient benefits including the highly effective student exchange program which offers exposure to international markets.

The course also enables students to enroll for paid and unpaid internships (Information Security Consultants and/or Business Development Executives) with the Appin security group. They can imbibe marketing skills and practical technical knowledge essential for coping in this competitive world. Appin Pathfinder offers % placement assistance through its dedicated placement cell and dedicated student service portals. SCOPE Ethical hacking (or penetration testing, intrusion testing, red teaming) is a bright and lucrative career option. Frost & Sullivan have estimated that there are .