Veteran Hacker Shares Chilling Insights from 30 Years on the Dark Web
A cybersecurity expert with over three decades of experience has revealed some of the most unsettling things he encountered during his time exploring the dark web—a hidden corner of the internet often associated with illegal activity and anonymous exchanges.
The expert, who appeared anonymously in a VICE documentary wearing a mask to conceal his identity, opened up about his former life as a “black hat” hacker—one who engages in unethical or illegal cyber activity.
He admitted that, in his early years, he took pride in showing off how disruptive he could be in digital spaces.
However, after years of witnessing the darker side of the internet, he transitioned into a “white hat” role—using his skills to help organizations identify and fix security vulnerabilities, working to protect users rather than exploit them.
One of the most concerning developments he highlighted was the rise of ransomware attacks.
These cybercrimes involve hackers locking users out of their computers and demanding payment to restore access.
While this is troubling for individuals, it becomes far more serious when it affects critical institutions like hospitals.
Today, targeted organizations may be asked to pay millions, especially in high-stakes industries.
The expert’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how cyber threats have grown more sophisticated—and how important cybersecurity has become in today’s connected world.
