Imagine losing your tech position due to the pandemic, with your beloved company shuttered and your family needing support. In response, you create a profile on freelance platforms, showcasing your impressive security skills.

One day, you receive a proposition from a potential client offering a rate that is ten times your previous daily earnings. They request you to gather data using your ethical hacking tools, assuring you that the work can be done from the comfort of your home.

When faced with such an appealing offer featuring flexibility and high pay, many freelance security professionals might seize the opportunity without a second thought.

The pandemic forced many small IT firms in specialized sectors to close, resulting in skilled cybersecurity professionals seeking freelance opportunities. With their expertise, they can thrive as independent contractors, leveraging their technical knowledge to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Returning to my initial scenario, I wish to illustrate how this situation may evolve.

The employer reaches out to the expert online, providing general information about her firm without sharing any links. She explains that her company operates in cybersecurity and cannot disclose specifics publicly.

The prospective employee receives a link through a Virtual Private Network (VPN), giving the impression of legitimacy while remaining inaccessible to the general public.

The applicant remains unaware of the company's location. Communication is limited to virtual chats, and job assignments are made through a digital platform.

As a freelancer, the applicant knows little about the employer. Perhaps there is only interaction with a chatbot or virtual assistant, leaving the applicant in the dark about the company’s background and other essential details usually provided in traditional employment settings.

Initially, the task is designed to demonstrate the applicant's capabilities. They are given resources to create virtual machines and work through designated ports. As is customary in cybersecurity, the applicant is expected to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

This scenario may seem fictional, yet it is occurring in reality. This practice has escalated into a significant societal concern, embodying the idea that if you can't defeat them, you join them. What does this imply?

My central argument is that hackers are increasingly recruiting talented cybersecurity experts, such as ethical hackers and consultants, to gather critical data about targeted organizations.

The objective is to hire experienced freelancers who can work remotely in support of hacking groups. While this practice has long been prevalent on the dark web, it is now emerging overtly in legitimate spaces.

A recent report by Gemini Advisory provides a real-world example of this trend, publicly available for review.

I found Ronke Babajide's article, "Hacker Groups Tricked Security Pros into Working for Them: Be Cautious About Your Employers; Your New Role Could Be in Cybercrime," to be insightful. It offers valuable guidance for cybersecurity practitioners.

There are several motivations behind hackers hiring cybersecurity specialists. One possible application of this role is in ransomware attacks, where substantial profits can be made. According to Statista, there were 304 million ransomware incidents globally in 2020, compared to 638 million in 2016.

Ransomware poses challenges not only for consumers but also for large corporations and government entities. Organizations like the FBI and Europol classify ransomware as a significant threat, as outlined in this report.

I've mentioned ransomware to highlight practical strategies for risk mitigation and incident response, which I explore further in this article.

Another motivation for hackers hiring skilled security professionals may involve breaching online banking systems. A common method is developing malicious software to siphon funds from financial institutions, a topic I have detailed based on my own experiences with a bank security breach.

While preventive measures in cybersecurity are vital, enhancing the resilience of our systems is equally essential.

In this economic climate, many freelancers are on the hunt for lucrative online positions. However, it is crucial to vet job offers thoroughly.

If an opportunity appears ambiguous and too good to be true, one must exercise caution to avoid falling into the trap of cybercrime. This concern extends beyond cybersecurity freelancers to various online tech roles.

Thank you for considering my insights.

Mitigating Security Risks of APIs for Business Organizations

Eleven Emerging & Futuristic Technologies for the Global Economy & Personal Investment

Artificial Intelligence Does Not Concern Me, but Artificial Super-Intelligence Frightens Me

In addition to enhancing the knowledge of my readers about hormonal influences and neurotransmitters, I aim to raise awareness about the causes and risk factors associated with prevalent diseases that significantly impact the population.

My goal is to educate and empower readers to take charge of their health and well-being.

To promote health awareness, I have authored several articles that share my holistic health findings drawn from research, personal experiences, and observations. Below are links to these articles for your convenience.

Metabolic Syndrome, Type II Diabetes, Fatty Liver Disease, Heart Disease, Strokes, Obesity, Liver Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Homocysteine, Lungs Health, Pancreas Health, Kidneys Health, NCDs, Infectious Diseases, Brain Health, Dementia, Depression, Brain Atrophy, Neonatal Disorders, Skin Health, Dental Health, Bone Health, Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain, Brain Fog, Chronic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Elevated Cortisol, Leptin Resistance, Anabolic Resistance, Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Metabolic Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Major Diseases.

I have also written about important nutrients. Here are the links for easy access:

Boron, Urolithin, taurine, citrulline malate, biotin, lithium orotate, alpha-lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, CoQ10, PQQ, NADH, TMG, creatine, choline, digestive enzymes, magnesium, zinc, hydrolyzed collagen, nootropics, pure nicotine, activated charcoal, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and other nutrients to improve metabolism and mental health.

Disclaimer: Please note that my writings do not provide professional or health advice. They serve to document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to inform and raise awareness.

As part of my creative writing endeavors, I would like to share a few humorous stories that add a light touch to serious topics.

Sample Humorous Stories

Apparently, I Was a Dog in a Previous Life

Finally, After Burning Her House, Georgia Found Enlightenment

Hilarious Tips to Prevent Brain Atrophy and Keep the Gray Matter Giggling

Amygdala Hijacks: A Humorous Approach to Emotional Mastery

My First Humorous Lecture to Science Students in the 1990s

7 Hilarious Reasons Why Your Vitality Plays Hide-and-Seek

8 Psychological Points I Had to Unlearn and Relearn the Opposite

5 Funny Yet Real Reasons We Accumulate Visceral Fat

The Quirky Side Effects of Keto Diets

Drawing from my writing experiences and insights, I've compiled strategies that may assist you in amplifying your voice, engaging your audience, and achieving your desired results in your writing journey.

New Writers: Enhance the Chance of Boosting By Using This Checklist

A comprehensive checklist and guide for aspiring writers and bloggers planning to write online writing platforms based...

medium.com

I share my lifestyle, health, and wellness narratives on EUPHORIA. My focus includes metabolic, cellular, mitochondrial, and mental health insights, compiled in my collection of Insightful Life Lessons from Personal Stories.

You can also explore my blog posts that feature my articles and those by other contributors on Medium. For more information, visit my website digitalmehmet.com. Here is my professional bio, and you can reach me via the provided weblink.

Get an email whenever Dr. Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium.

undefined

You may consider joining my six publications on Medium as a writer by sending a request through this link. Over 24 K+ writers contribute to my publications. More details about my professional background are available, and you can join Medium using my referral link.