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The Underground Hacking Economy

Fast Company profiles the rise of sites like Hackers List and Hackers For Hire, which provide consolidated markets for people to hire hackers to break passwords, alter databases, learn to operate malware, and more. People with the skills to circumvent security are putting themselves out there as freelancers for specific tasks, and people in need of their services are posting notices asking for help. Law enforcement agencies are warning about this new type of behavior, saying it's often illegal, and facilitated by online anonymity and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The number of deals currently being made through these sites remains small, but it's growing — particularly among business seeking to gain an advantage over competitors in other countries.

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  1. Stop it already by ArcadeMan · · Score: 4, Informative

    ...facilitated by online anonymity and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

    You mean the same anonymity that allows anyone to check all transactions ever done on a Bitcoin* wallet?

    * and other similar crypto-currencies as well.

    1. Re:Stop it already by ArcadeMan · · Score: 4, Funny

      Or you could just send your Bitcoins to me... 18LQHMjKSCSU3g4f29TfmtfxHXUfnh7juB

      Thank you in advance for any amount. Even 1/10th of a Bitcoin would be extremely appreciated.