Introduction:
1、Inside the Dark Web and Hackers for Hire
Inside the Dark Web and Hackers for Hire ♂

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As hackers for hire become more accessible, penetration testing has emerged as the essential initial stage in guarding your digital assets.
Hackers for hire are malicious actors who provide malware as a service (MaaS), ransomware as a service (RaaS), phishing as a service (PhaaS), and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) services on behalf of others. These services are abundant on the dark web, an uncontrolled part of the internet, where clients can browse and select services.
Corporate entities also use hackers for hire services to gain access to competitors' trade secrets, customer data, or websites through DDoS attacks. Hacker for hire attacks can have severe consequences for organizations and individuals, including financial losses, reputational damage, and loss of revenue.
Cyber threat intelligence firm Mandiant1 reports that in the US, government-sponsored groups are the most significant clients for hackers for hire, often used for espionage, sabotage, and disruption against rivals. Corporate entities also use hacker-for-hire services to gain access to competitors' trade secrets, customer data, or websites through DDoS attacks. Hacker for hire attacks can have severe consequences for organizations and individuals, including financial losses, reputational damage, and loss of revenue.
Our Investigation Results2
Crowe cybersecurity specialists investigated the ease of hiring a hacker on the regular and dark web. Our team found that:
DDoS services are the simplest option, presented by tiers based on resource use, API access, and attack duration.
Marketplaces, vendors, and individual developers offer custom payloads for customer-requested use cases. Some marketplace offerings provided guaranteed escrow, malware, adware, worms, and keyloggers, with developer support for setup and execution.
The market is selling stolen crypto asset wallets, offering access to their private keys in exchange for a separate payment of bitcoin (BTC).
Bad actors offer a wide range of services, including detailed payment instructions, middlemen services, invoices, customer registration, and customer service portals.
And anyone with internet access can hire hackers, employ their services, and even purchase compromised credentials, wallets, and personal information.
Why and who needs Penetration tests (Pen-tests)?
Penetration testing (pen testing) is essential for organizations to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems before attackers can exploit them. It helps mitigate the risk of cyberattacks, protects financial and reputational assets, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. By simulating real-world attacks, pen testing provides actionable insights to strengthen security measures and improve incident response capabilities.
Organizations that rely heavily on digital systems and data—such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, e-commerce businesses, government agencies, technology companies, and critical infrastructure—are at heightened risk of cyberattacks. Regular pen testing is crucial for these sectors to safeguard sensitive information and maintain operational integrity.
Crowe high-assurance Pen-tests
Crowe’s penetration testing is end-to-end. Our commitment is not only to help organizations identify vulnerabilities but also provide reasonable assurance that appropriate remediation is taken. Our expert team provides Proof of Exploitability (POE) and can simulate real-world attacks to expose gaps in your defenses. Reach out to Crowe and take the next step in protecting your business.
Endnotes
1Access the full article here: M-Trends 2024 Special Report
2Access the full article here: Hackers for hire: The dark web, pen tests, and beyond
Related questions
Creating a form for "hiring a hacker" raises significant legal and ethical concerns, as hacking (unauthorized access to systems) is illegal in most jurisdictions. However, if the intent is to hire a certified ethical hacker or cybersecurity professional for legitimate purposes (e.g., penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, or security consulting), here’s a framework for a lawful and ethical agreement with terms and conditions. Always consult a lawyer before finalizing such a document.
Hiring a Cybersecurity Professional: Service Agreement Form
(For Ethical/Legal Purposes Only)
Client Information
- Full Name:
- Company/Organization:
- Contact Email:
- Phone Number:
- Physical Address:
Scope of Work
Describe the specific, lawful services to be performed (e.g., penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, network security audit).
- Target Systems/Networks:
- Testing Methods:
- Start/End Dates:
Authorization
- Written Permission: Client must provide proof of ownership or authorization to test the target systems.
- Legal Compliance: All activities must comply with local, state, and federal laws (e.g., Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in the U.S.).
Terms and Conditions
Permitted Use
- Services are strictly for improving security, identifying vulnerabilities, or recovering lost data with explicit authorization.
- Any activity resembling hacking (e.g., unauthorized access, data theft, DoS attacks) is expressly prohibited unless explicitly authorized in writing.
Confidentiality
- All findings, data, and reports are confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties without consent.
Payment
- Fees: Specify payment terms (e.g., hourly rate, flat fee).
- Penalties: Late payments may incur interest or halt services.
Liability
- The service provider is not liable for unintended disruptions, data loss, or legal consequences if the client violates laws or terms.
- Client indemnifies the service provider against misuse of findings.
Termination
- Either party may terminate the agreement with written notice if terms are breached.
Governing Law
- The agreement is subject to laws in [Jurisdiction].
Prohibited Activities Disclaimer
- No Illegal Actions: The service provider will not engage in unlawful activities, including but not limited to:
- Unauthorized access to systems/data.
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS/DoS) attacks.
- Data theft, ransomware, or malware distribution.
- Violations will result in immediate termination and legal action.
Signatures
Client:
- Signature: _________________________
- Date: _____________________________
Service Provider:
- Name: _____________________________
- Certification/License #: _____________
- Signature: _________________________
- Date: _____________________________
Important Notes
- Legality: This template assumes all activities are pre-authorized and lawful. Unethical or illegal hacking is a crime.
- Certification: Ensure the professional holds certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional).
- Legal Review: Have this document reviewed by an attorney to ensure compliance with local laws.
Disclaimer: This template is for illustrative purposes only. Misuse of such agreements for illegal activities may result in severe penalties. The creator of this template assumes no liability for unlawful actions.
If you suspect unauthorized hacking, contact law enforcement or a cybersecurity firm immediately.
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