Most Dangerous Hackers In the World
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, identifying the “most dangerous hackers” can be subjective, and rankings may change over time. Additionally, not all hackers engage in malicious activities; some are ethical hackers or security researchers. However, here is a list of individuals who, at some point, gained notoriety for their involvement in cybersecurity incidents:
- Kevin Mitnick:
- Overview: Once on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, Kevin Mitnick is now a security consultant. His hacking exploits in the 1980s and 1990s involved unauthorized access to computer systems, earning him the nickname “Condor.” After serving a prison sentence, Mitnick became a respected figure in the cybersecurity community.
- Gary McKinnon:
- Overview: A British hacker, McKinnon gained attention for breaking into 97 U.S. military and NASA computers from 2001 to 2002. He claimed to be searching for evidence of UFOs and free energy technology cover-ups. McKinnon fought extradition to the U.S. for several years before the charges were dropped in 2012.
- Adrian Lamo:
- Overview: Known as the “Homeless Hacker,” Lamo gained notoriety for turning in Chelsea Manning (formerly Bradley Manning), who leaked classified documents to WikiLeaks in 2010. Lamo, who had ethical hacking credentials, faced criticism and legal challenges for his involvement.
- Gary Kremen:
- Overview: While not a traditional hacker, Gary Kremen is included here for his experience as a victim of identity theft. In the 1990s, Kremen’s domain name was stolen, leading to various legal battles. This incident highlights the potential dangers of hackers targeting personal information for financial gain.
- The Equation Group (Linked to NSA):
- Overview: The Equation Group is an alleged state-sponsored hacking group linked to the United States National Security Agency (NSA). They are known for sophisticated cyber-espionage operations, including the development of advanced malware like Stuxnet and Flame. The group gained significant attention for its role in state-level cyber activities.
It’s important to note that hacking is a diverse field, and individuals may be involved for various reasons, including activism, cybercrime, hacktivism, or ethical hacking. The landscape is dynamic, and new developments can change the perception of individuals within the cybersecurity community. Furthermore, ethical hackers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities and improving cybersecurity measures to protect against malicious activities.