A seasoned hacker with over 30 years of experience navigating the dark web has issued a stark warning society needs to be "worried about".
Once a "black hat" hacker involved in illicit activities, the expert has since turned “white hat,” using his skills to protect vulnerable systems and track down criminals.
But even with his efforts, he warns that the future of cybercrime could hold devastating consequences for global infrastructure and financial stability.
The dark web, often described as the shadowy underbelly of the internet, serves as a hub for criminal operations ranging from illicit trade to cyberterrorism. The hacker - remaining anonymous and speaking in a YouTube video with VICE - has described how some individuals on the dark web are purely “destructive,” driven by a desire to “watch the world burn.”
As a white-hat hacker, he now works to identify vulnerabilities in security systems and track down cybercriminals targeting hospitals, businesses, and other critical institutions.
When asked what concerns him most about the future, the hacker dismissed Hollywood-style fears of nuclear arsenals being hijacked. Instead, he pointed to more realistic — and potentially crippling — threats.
“I don’t think we have to worry too much about our nuclear arsenal being taken over movie-style and used against us," he said. "But I do think we have to worry about major impacts to financial markets or potential impacts to things like electricity production facilities."
These types of cyberattacks could cause widespread economic chaos or disrupt essential services, with potentially devastating consequences for millions of people.
One of the most alarming trends in cybercrime is the rise of ransomware — malicious software that locks users out of their own systems and demands payment for the return of access.
“Modern ransomware is usually a piece of malware that gets on your system, encrypts all of your data, and then holds that hostage,” the hacker explained. Victims are often required to pay in untraceable cryptocurrency to unlock their files.
The stakes have risen dramatically in recent years. “Back when it started, ransomware was charging hundreds of dollars, maybe thousands of dollars for individual targets,” the hacker said. “Now, the payouts easily reach tens of millions.
"The most recent attack I saw offered $70 million for the campaign key that would unlock every computer encrypted during that attack.”
The hacker also recounted ethical challenges he’s faced in his work, particularly in scenarios where essential institutions, like hospitals, are targeted.
He recalled: “I’ve watched hospitals get encrypted and people are left with a choice: do I pay to decrypt the data or do I risk lives?”
These situations underscore the devastating human cost of cyberattacks, where lives—not just data—can hang in the balance.
A Serious Wake-Up Call
The hacker’s revelations are a sobering reminder of the risks posed by cybercrime. As malicious actors become more sophisticated, the potential for widespread disruption grows. He emphasized the need for vigilance in safeguarding critical infrastructure and financial systems.
While some may view cybersecurity as a distant concern to be worried about in the future, his insights are a stark warning: the stakes are real, occurring right now, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
