The Growing Dark Web Job Market: Insights from Kaspersky

A Surge in Employment Activity

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence has released a revealing report titled Inside the Dark Web Job Market: Their Talent, Our Threat. The findings indicate a dramatic uptick in the number of résumés and job postings on underground forums. In the first quarter of 2024, there was a two-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023, and this trend appeared to continue into the first quarter of 2025. By 2025, the landscape showed that résumés surpassed job vacancies by 55% to 45%, a shift attributed to widespread layoffs and a wave of younger candidates entering the scene. The median age for these job seekers is just 24, with a notable presence of teenagers.

The Nature of Job Postings

The types of jobs available on the dark web reflect its illicit nature. While there are some legitimate positions, the majority are linked to cybercrime and other illegal activities. Kaspersky’s analysis revealed a shadow economy where 69% of job seekers left their preferred fields unspecified, indicating a willingness to accept virtually any paid opportunity—from programming to executing scams and conducting high-stakes cyber operations.

In-Demand Roles in Cybercrime

The report highlights specific roles that have become increasingly sought after within this underground ecosystem:

• Developers make up 17% of job vacancies, focusing on creating malicious attack tools.
• Penetration testers, comprising 12%, are recruited to identify vulnerabilities in networks.
• Money launderers account for 11%, working to obscure illicit financial transactions.
• Carders, at 6%, are responsible for stealing and monetizing payment information.
• Traffers, making up 5% of the roles, direct victims to phishing sites or harmful downloads.

Gender Trends in Job Applications

The data also illuminates gender-specific patterns among job applicants. Female candidates typically gravitate towards roles that involve interpersonal skills, such as support and technical assistance jobs. In contrast, male applicants are more frequently drawn to technical and financial crime positions like development and money laundering activities.

Salary Expectations Across Specializations

Compensation varies significantly depending on the role within this shadowy economy. Reverse engineers command the highest salaries, averaging over $5,000 per month. Penetration testers follow closely with monthly earnings around $4,000, while developers might expect about $2,000. Fraudsters usually earn a fixed percentage of their team’s income—money launderers take home an average of 20%, while carders and traffickers earn about 30% and 50%, respectively. These figures illustrate the premium placed on scarce and high-impact skills in the dark web job market.

The Reality of Dark Web Employment

Alexandra Fedosimova, a Digital Footprint Analyst at Kaspersky, commented on the increasing allure of the shadow job market. She noted, “The shadow job market is no longer peripheral; it’s absorbing the unemployed, the underage, and the overqualified. Many arrive thinking that the dark web and the legal market are fundamentally alike, rewarding proven skills over diplomas.” Fedosimova highlights some of the ‘benefits’ that attract individuals, such as quick job offers and the absence of HR interviews. However, she cautions that many are unaware of the significant legal ramifications of working in this space.

Raising Awareness about Risks

Young people considering jobs in the dark web must be aware of the potential long-term legal and reputational risks associated with such employment. Parents, educators, and communities should take immediate action to report suspicious online solicitations. Additionally, it’s essential to teach young individuals about legitimate career paths in technology, such as cybersecurity. Kaspersky’s special initiative, What We Should Do with Kids Who Hack, offers valuable insights into rehabilitating young talent and redirecting their skills toward beneficial endeavors.

Through awareness and proactive education, we can guide the next generation towards safer and more productive career choices in the technology realm.