In a growing trend that merges underground economies with real-world damage, hacking services are now openly advertised on the dark web, offering unauthorized access to everything from Instagram and WhatsApp accounts to educational databases—all for as little as $450 (Rs 38,500).
According to a recent cybercrime investigation in Ahmedabad, India, law enforcement has uncovered a web of operations in which hackers-for-hire are offering “100% success” guarantees for digital break-ins. These services are widely promoted through dark web forums, encrypted marketplaces, and Telegram channels, often accompanied by step-by-step tutorials for the buyer.
The revelation came to light following a case in Bopal, where a woman’s Instagram account was hijacked and held for ransom. The attackers demanded Rs 2 lakh to return access. Fortunately, she contacted the cybercrime unit, which traced the scam to a broader international hacking network operating through the dark web.
At the center of these operations are groups like “Hacking Squad”, which manage dedicated portals offering services such as:
- Full account takeovers (Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, email)
- Access to corporate accounts and influencer pages
- Infiltration of educational and business databases
- Phishing campaign customization
- Device tracking and remote access tools
These services are dangerously accessible, creating an ecosystem where even non-technical individuals can order a cyberattack. For $450, clients can gain full admin-level access to a victim’s account, typically by leveraging phishing links, session hijacks, or credential stuffing. Some listings even offer bundled pricing for multiple accounts or bulk access to employee email systems.
Police in Ahmedabad say that local actors are now working with international threat groups, forming a cross-border cybercrime alliance that combines local knowledge with global scale. In a separate case in Rajkot, a private hospital’s CCTV network was breached, and the footage used in an extortion scheme.
What’s more alarming is the level of professionalism among these threat actors. Listings on darknet forums often include client testimonials, pricing tiers, and discounts for repeat buyers—mirroring legitimate business models, only with illicit objectives.
Authorities are now urging the public to be wary of phishing links and to enhance their account security with two-factor authentication. Meanwhile, the fight continues in the background, as cybercrime units attempt to dismantle these growing digital black markets before more victims fall prey.
