Hacking as a Service: How much is hacking an account?

Hacking as a Service: There are many who may not be able to remember the days when HTML was written entirely by hand, as there are also many hackers, who can not remember when an exploit had to be built from scratch. The process of piracy has remained illegal, but seems to have become easier to use. Combining this fact with the increase in the number of online transactions, created fertile ground for the growth of the informal economy. 

With sophisticated exploit kits, free tools, botnets and hackers for hire, has become relatively easier than before could only be done by skilled hackers. We have created an illegal market that anyone can buy and sell malware, exploits, botnets, credit card information, zero-day vulnerabilities (for which no patch available) for all popular operating systems or applications and services such as the attack and destruction of a website or execution attacks DDoS site. How, then, operates through this market? 

As software as a service (SaaS) transforms the way we access applications, so the hacking as a Service (Haas) makes it easy for attackers. 

Piracy as a service 

Economically, the cost required to hire a hacker is similar to that required for hiring any other professional. The time spent by hackers and determines their remuneration, since it takes more time to complete the process of attacking the higher your rate. A simple DDoS attack or some malicious links SEO might cost only $ 100, while rats as Blackshades or renting a botnet could cost between $ 250 to $ 500 The complete control of a ZeuS botnet as the management and control of potential can vary from $ 20,000. 

Since the hackers apparently will not wait until you request its services to seek economic benefits, usually in search of income through the sale of exploit toolkits. Initially toolkits sales were not as profitable as before buy, download and be resold, can bring benefits to the developers stopped. Blackhole kit tools solved this problem by introducing a model of service updates, so that the user can be supported, new features and new zero-day attacks, provided you have subscribed to the original developer. Developers turn to invest some money to find and create new features and exploits the toolkit. Exploit kits as Metasploit open source you can download free. 

There are different specializations among hackers; 

As with the "legitimate" and ethical and IT / security professionals network, hackers hackers have specialties. There may be some who are experts in the planning and creation of viruses or Trojans, just as there are security professionals who specialize in creating signatures to detect this type of malware and participate in the creation of antivirus / antimalware products. There are probably others who have experience in identifying vulnerabilities in software or systems functioning. There may be others who have experience rape or networking websites. This industry is so diverse and the list of security certifications networks, IT managers are trying to acquire to become more expert. 

What is the solution? 

As observed costs may be relatively low, have caused significant damage, although they have significantly reduced barriers so anyone can act voluntarily. In the IT administrator one hand, this situation should not lead to resignation, but seeking new ways to protect smart. In general, to ensure that all software patches have been updated and complete information about new trends in the industry are an important principle. Speaking of trends, make sure you are in contact with the competent authorities if they are victims of a botnet attack. Symantec's work in this field has led to several strikes against botnets so far. 

It is important that users are trained to know how to protect your data. Network administrators must inform you that you have to avoid clicking on email links that do not know or avoid opening attachments you do not recognize. Also, managers should prohibit "pirated" software and conduct awareness classes to keep users informed. 

Editor's Note: This information is not available to help you compare the market or to encourage you to participate in illegal activities, but to better understand what facing IT managers and administrators. The pricing provided is not mentioned anywhere in particular, but the time spent on these activities.