You’re not the only one curious about how to go about hiring a hacker. There’s a good chance that the vast majority of you reading this have mulled over this thought at least once in your lifetime. However, hiring a hacker is not the same as hiring a developer or a freelancer. There is far more complexity, risk, and thought that goes into this process.
In this article, I will guide you to hire a hacker, detailing the different types of hackers, providing you with platforms to find the reliable ones, and outlining the most important: how to be safe and legal.
Let’s start
Key Takeaways
- There are not only bad hackers. Ethical hackers can defend your systems.
- You can legally hire a hacker if it’s for purposes of cybersecurity testing or retrieving confidential information.
- You can use reputable sites such as HackerOne, UpWork, or Bugcrowd.
- Stay away from using Telegram or any dubious forums, as they may be scams.
- Use non-disclosure agreements (NDA) and confirm all credentials given.
Who Hires Hackers – And Why Is It More Common Than You Expected
As intriguing as it may sound, even small businesses and fledgling start-ups are now trying to hire hackers for legitimate reasons. Just the other week, an ethical hacker was contacted by a small start-up who was charged by paranoia and suspicion that their internal software code had been leaked. The hacker was able to save their company from immense damage within just a couple of hours by helping them identify a vulnerability in their GitHub repository.
People will also hire a hackers for:
- Conducting penetration testing on their websites.
- Recovering hacked social media accounts.
- Unlocking control from devices or crypto wallets that are supposedly lost.
- Finding and identifying the source of blackmail or cyberbullying harassment.
Types of Hackers – Understand Who You Are Confronting
Not all hackers have the same identity. Knowing the difference is fundamental:
- White Hat Hacker: This type of hacker is an ethical hacker. They partner with companies to identify security breaches and troubleshoot them.
- Black Hat Hackers: Initially identified as the ‘bad guys’ due to their default illegal intrusion into systems.
- Grey Hat Hackers: In between the two ideals. Grey hat hackers may cross the line without seeking authorization to find loopholes, but do so without malicious intent.
NOTE:
Always prefer white hat hackers when you intend to hire them.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hire a Hacker Responsibly
Step 1: Define Why You Need a Hacker
State your reason for identifying a hacker. Be clear — is it to test a website’s security, recover an account, or delete sensitive details related to identity?
Step 2: Use a Trusted Platform
Exclusively use credible platforms that authenticate the identity of hackers, such as:
- HackerOne
- Bugcrowd
- UpWork
- Fiverr
Avoid using suspicious Telegram groups and underground forums.
Step 3: Credential Verification
Check their belts and verify if they possess a CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification.
Step 4: NDA Agreement
An NDA will help to keep your data and project secure.
Step 5: Test with a Trial Task
Assign them a small task first so that you can evaluate their trustworthiness.
Criteria for Evaluating Trustworthy Hackers
- Positive Ratings: Some clients leave ‘feedback’ on the UpWork platform.
- Logical Explanation: A competent hacker can explain complex concepts.
- Documents: Look for evidence of work done or claims from other companies.
- Safe Methods: They discuss the use of encryption, safe procedures, and do not advocate for illegal operations.
Popular Platforms for Hiring a Hacker
🛡️ HackerOne – Used by Uber, Twitter, and the U.S. government.
🛡️ UpWork – Search for ‘ethical hacker’ or ‘penetration tester.’
🛡️ Fiverr – Many freelancers offer ethical hacking services.
🛡️ Bugcrowd – A great site for structured bug bounty programs.
Avoid Scams and Risks
⚠️ People who respond to unsolicited text messages lack credibility.
⚠️ Lack of Evidence: Make an effort to search for testimonials.
⚠️ Don’t proceed if they don’t want to sign an NDA or don’t provide any ID.
Why Ethical Hacking Is Becoming More Popular
One digital agency hired a hacker to run a penetration test on their e-commerce site. The hacker uncovered a vulnerability in which any user could modify an item’s price during checkout. Just resolving that particular problem prevented approximately $50,000 in fraudulent actions for the company.
Now, it is commonplace for reputable businesses to hire hackers, particularly those who work with:
- Online transactions
- Customer records
- Internal software applications
Conclusion
If you set out to hire a hacker, remember to be smart about it and stay within legal bounds. It is essential that the platforms you use to hire professionals are verified and that the professionals you work with are legitimate. Hacks from reliable sources can act like a digital bodyguard that secures your business, recovers lost data, and offers cybersecurity.
Hacker Hiring FAQs Answered
Q: Can I hire a hacker for a task?
A: Yes, if it’s a legal work, like system testing done by an ethical hacker.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a hacker?
A: There’s a wide range. Some offer to do menial jobs for as little as $100, while certified professionals can demand anything from $500–5,000+.
Q: Is it legal for me to hire a hacker to access other people’s accounts?
A: No. That’s something you shouldn’t do if you wish to avoid serious legal trouble.
