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AirTalk

Ransomware For Hire: How The Dark Web Enables Amateur Hackers

CUPERTINO, CA - OCTOBER 14:  A member of the press inspects the new trrackpad on a MacBook Pro laptop after a special announcement event at Apple Headquarters October 14, 2008 in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced a new line of MacBook and MacBook Pro laptop computers.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Paid services are now available to conduct ransomware attacks.
(
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
)
Listen 11:32
Ransomware For Hire: How The Dark Web Enables Amateur Hackers

When you imagine a hacker launching a ransomware attack, you probably think: evil genius in a hoodie, writing complex strings of code. 

But the dark web means that being a cybercriminal isn’t as complicated as it used to be. 

Now, it’s possible to pay for a service that will coordinate a ransomware attack for you. You’ll even get customer service support. 

Here to tell us all about it is Drake Bennett, reporter with the projects and investigations team at Bloomberg News, where his recent piece is “The time I sabotaged my editor with ransomware from the dark web.”

Guest:

Drake Bennett, reporter with the projects and investigations team at Bloomberg News, where his recent piece is “The time I sabotaged my editor with ransomware from the dark web.”; he tweets