The Shifting Job Landscape: AI and Cybercrime
The swift evolution of artificial intelligence is having a profound impact on the technology job market, and not all of it is positive. A recent study published by cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky highlights alarming trends, including widespread layoffs and a diminishing number of entry-level positions. This situation is reportedly driving many displaced tech workers towards illicit opportunities in the dark web, where demand for illegal roles is surging.
The Rise of Illegal Job Postings
Kaspersky’s report indicates a striking increase in résumés shared on underground forums. In early 2024, the number of these job-seeking posts doubled compared to the previous year and continued to rise through 2025. Alexandra Fedosimova, a digital footprint analyst at Kaspersky, notes, “The shadow job market is no longer on the sidelines; it’s drawing in those who are unemployed, underage, or overqualified.” Many individuals entering this clandestine realm mistakenly assume it operates similarly to the legitimate job market, where skills are prioritized over formal qualifications. However, the stark reality is that engaging in dark web activities can often lead to severe legal repercussions, including imprisonment.
The Job Market Imbalance
The data from Kaspersky paints a troubling picture: available job postings on the dark web now outnumber applicants by 55% to 45%. This data reflects an increasing sense of urgency among job seekers. With a median age of just 24, it’s evident that many of the candidates are teenagers. Almost 70% of these individuals express an eagerness to accept any offered role, indicating a willingness to engage in everything from software development to financial crimes.
A Diverse Array of Roles
The types of roles emerging in this shadow job market reveal the maturity of its criminal ecosystem. Job categories include:
- Developers (17%): Responsible for creating tools used in cyberattacks.
- Penetration Testers (12%): Tasked with evaluating the security of networks.
- Money Launderers (11%): Focused on moving illicit funds.
- Carders (6%): Engaged in financial crime operations.
- Traffers (5%): Specializing in phishing schemes and distributing malware.
Salary expectations in these roles can vary widely. For example, reverse engineers can earn over $5,000 monthly, while penetration testers might bring in $4,000, and developers could see $2,000 a month. Fraudsters often work on commissions, with traffers possibly pocketing up to 50% of illegally obtained funds.
Gender Disparities in Dark Web Roles
The report also highlights interesting gender trends among applicants. Female candidates tend to gravitate towards roles that involve interpersonal communication, such as call-center support. In contrast, male applicants are more frequently found in technical or financial crime positions, including those of developers and mule handlers.
Risks Behind the Quick Fix
Experts caution that the allure of quick earnings and easy entry into these roles—often with offers surfacing within 48 hours and without traditional HR processes—comes with significant risks. Fedosimova warns, “The promise of immediate income can result in irreversible legal trouble and tarnished reputations.” To combat this trend, Kaspersky urges parents and educators to actively monitor teens’ online activities and guide them toward legitimate tech careers. The firm has launched initiatives like the Cyber Pathways project to help redirect talent into constructive cybersecurity roles instead of criminal avenues.
Findings from the Dark Web Analysis
Kaspersky’s analysis examined over 2,200 job-related posts on dark web forums between January 2023 and June 2025. While some forums have since been shut down, the findings reveal a troubling convergence of economic strain and cybercrime. The report suggests that organizations should engage in dark web monitoring to detect résumés from former employees and provide training for HR teams to recognize “shadow experience” in applicant histories.
As AI continues to reshape the workforce, there are rising fears that more displaced workers will be drawn toward the dark web’s enticing but illegal opportunities. While the possibility of fast earnings and skill-based hiring may seem attractive, the potential consequences—such as criminal records and lengthy prison sentences—cannot be overlooked.
Somshankar Bandyopadhyay
Somshankar Bandyopadhyay is a News Editor with close to three decades of experience. Currently, he manages the business section, ensuring that the top economic and business news of the day reaches its readers.
