The Rise of Cybercrime Careers: An In-Depth Look at the Dark Web Job Market

Introduction to the Dark Web Job Surge

Recent research by Kaspersky has revealed a concerning trend: the dark web is increasingly appealing to individuals seeking new career paths, particularly those recently laid off, teenagers, and highly skilled professionals. The firm’s report, titled Inside the Dark Web Job Market, highlights a significant uptick in the number of job postings and resumes appearing on underground forums, suggesting a shift towards cybercrime in the job market.

Analyzing the Job Market on the Dark Web

Data from Kaspersky indicates that the first quarter of 2025 saw a doubling in the amount of “CVs” and job listings compared to the same period in 2023. This growth appears linked to widespread layoffs across the tech sector and a flood of younger, tech-savvy talent who find themselves with limited career options.

The report analyzed over 2,200 job-related posts within these dark web communities, finding a median candidate age of just 24. Alarmingly, a noteworthy portion of these applicants consists of teenagers eager to step into the underground job market.

Demand vs. Supply of Dark Web Jobs

Interestingly, Kaspersky’s analysis revealed that job seekers outnumbered available positions by 55% to 45%. This indicates a rapidly evolving criminal ecosystem, with more sophisticated and legitimate roles appearing amidst the chaos. Developers comprised the largest percentage of job postings, accounting for 17% of ads. This trend underscores criminal organizations’ need for skilled professionals to create advanced attack tools.

Penetration testers are also in demand, making up 12% of job ads. This reflects a focus on identifying vulnerabilities in increasingly fortified networks. Despite these trends, the report noted a surprising lack of demand for AI specialists, even as discussions surrounding large language models (LLMs) gain traction on dark web forums.

Insights into Other Criminal Roles

While there is significant interest in high-tech roles, traditional criminal positions are not entirely absent. Kaspersky reported that only a fraction of jobs were for conventional roles, including:

• Money Launderers (11%): These individuals are essential for concealing illicit funds through complex financial transactions.
• Carders (6%): Specialized in payment data theft and its monetization.
• Traffers (5%): Focused on directing potential victims to phishing sites and malware downloads.

Salary Insights Across Dark Web Positions

When it comes to compensation, there are stark variations based on the specialization of the role. For instance, reverse engineers can command an average monthly salary exceeding $5,000 (£3,811). Pen testers follow closely at around $4,000 (£3,049), while developers earn approximately $2,000 (£1,524).

In contrast, those engaged in traditional criminal activities often receive a percentage of their team’s income rather than a set salary. For example, money launderers earn about 20%, while carders and traffers can earn up to 30% and 50% of the team’s revenue, respectively.

The Evolving Hiring Process on the Dark Web

Over recent years, the criteria for entering the dark web job market have tightened considerably. Kaspersky’s findings indicate that dark web employers are implementing more rigorous hiring practices. This includes skills tests, increased experience requirements, and security checks to thwart infiltration and safeguard against espionage.

Alexandra Fedosimova, a digital footprint analyst at Kaspersky, noted, “The shadow job market is no longer peripheral; it’s absorbing the unemployed, the underage, and the overqualified.” Many individuals entering this space mistakenly equate the dark web with legal job markets, believing that skills matter more than formal education. However, this path carries significant risks, including the possibility of incarceration.

Closing Thoughts

Kaspersky’s report sheds light on a growing concern about the recruitment of talent into the world of cybercrime. This dark turn in the job market not only highlights the vulnerabilities of younger workers facing uncertainty but also raises questions about the future of cybersecurity and the measures needed to combat this evolving threat.