Page 189 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2023

TechCrunch analyzed the data and concluded that Spyhide is gathering data on every continent, with
primary efforts focused on Europe and Brazil.

The Vendetta Package

The services offered by hackers-for-hire have become more sophisticated and fees have certainly risen
since 2014, when FBI agents arrested Zachary Buchta, then only 17 years old and charged him with
conspiracy. Part of hacker groups called LizardSquad and PoodleCorp, Buchta was responsible for DDoS
attacks and other malfeasance, including online harassment and attacks for $20 each. He was sentenced
to a fine and prison time after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit damage to protected
computers

Today, in the web's darkest corners, malicious actors offer personalized digital attacks for prices between
$1,500 to $2,500. This 'service' promises total chaos and the potential to disrupt an individual's life. But
remember, these are shady operators - can you really trust them? No. And let's not forget the very real
possibility of walking into a law enforcement trap.

The Cybercrime Boom

Our shared examples touch on the sprawling underground economy driven by Cybercrime as a Service.
With the proliferation of hacking tools, botnet rental operations, and even hacker training courses on the
dark web, it's no surprise that this illicit industry is booming. According to Forbes, there is a relationship
between the increase in cybercrime and the increase in remote work spurred by the pandemic. Remote
and hybrid employees are less likely to take recommended security precautions, often working outside
of normal office hours and using unprotected personal devices for work tasks. Compounding the work-
from-home issue is the widespread use of contractors, who work without supervision and are often less
invested in company security.

Experts recommend that businesses take steps, including upgrading hardware and software and
implementing mandatory two-factor authentication to protect themselves from hackers. Individuals would
be well-served to heed the same advice.

Final Thoughts

This grim reality serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for cybersecurity readiness. The old
adage rings true - prevention is better than cure. Particularly when cybercrime comes cheaper than
cybersecurity, yet the damage it wreaks on businesses and reputations can be crippling. The need for
security-minded individuals and organizations has never been more crucial.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2023 Edition 189
Copyright © 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.