In an interview with VICE, a veteran hacker gained attention after issuing a warning about the future.
A hacker with 30 years of experience has issued a sobering warning about future threats.
His expertise spans decades of navigating the dark web—a hidden part of the internet infamous for hosting illicit activities.
This shadowy online world facilitates some of the most disturbing acts imaginable.
While there are vigilante hackers who combat cybercrime, many choose a darker path, contributing to the growing threats we face.
From black hat to white hat: a hacker’s transformation
The hacker revealed his journey from being a “black hat” — someone who engages in unethical hacking — to becoming a “white hat.”
He now focuses on finding vulnerabilities in security systems and helping organizations defend against cybercriminals.
He said, “I do things like hunt the criminals who are targeting hospitals or businesses.”
Speaking about his past, he explained the appeal of the dark side: “There are destructive people online that just want to see the world burn.”
In a video with VICE, he reflected on his transformation. He spent years as a “black hat” hacker, engaging in unethical activities, before committing to the greater good.
Major future threats in Cybercrime
When asked what concerns him most about the future, the hacker dismissed fears of “movie-style” nuclear attacks.
Instead, he emphasized financial markets and critical infrastructure, like power plants, as key targets.
He warned about the devastating potential of attacks on these systems.
The consequences could disrupt entire nations and impact millions of lives.
The hacker warns about the rise of ransomware.
One of the hacker’s primary concerns is ransomware, a type of malicious software that locks users out of their data.
Ransomware has evolved significantly over the years. Attackers encrypt victims’ files and demand payment in exchange for a decryption key.
He recalled, “Back when it started, ransomware charged hundreds or thousands of dollars. Now, payouts are in the tens of millions.”
One recent attack demanded $70 million to unlock all affected systems. “We’re talking high-stakes games here,” he said.
High-stakes games in Cybercrime
The hacker shared chilling examples of ransomware attacks. Early incidents demanded hundreds or thousands of dollars, but today’s campaigns target millions.
In one recent case, cybercriminals demanded $70 million to unlock systems encrypted in a single attack.
These staggering sums reveal the immense power of modern cybercrime.
The hacker also addressed ethical challenges in his field. He has witnessed hospitals targeted by ransomware, forcing administrators to choose between paying criminals or risking lives.
Such situations highlight the moral complexities of combating cyber threats.
For professionals in cybersecurity, protecting public safety often comes with difficult decisions.
He concluded, “The stakes are only getting higher. If we don’t act, we risk losing control of vital systems.”
As technology advances, the threats posed by cybercriminals grow more sophisticated. This veteran hacker’s insights reveal the critical importance of vigilance, ethical hacking, and robust cybersecurity measures.
Protecting critical systems and data from future attacks is not just a technical challenge—it’s a societal imperative.