By Joe Seanor, CISSP | Cyber Investigator & Network Security Expert.

We often imagine hackers as lone wolves in basements, furiously typing code.

The reality? Today’s cybercriminals operate like well-organized startups—complete with budgets, partners, customer support, and even marketing plans.

As someone who investigates threat actors and monitors the dark web daily, I’ve seen exactly how these criminals plan, execute, and profit—and it’s not what Hollywood would have you believe.

Let’s take a deep dive into the daily life of a modern cybercriminal, including the tools they rely on, the underground markets they frequent, and how they scale their operations like a business.

Morning Routine: Log in to the Underground

Many cyber-criminals start their day by checking dark web marketplaces and forums, just like you might check your email.

Popular platforms include:

• Exploit[.]in – Forum for buying zero-day vulnerabilities, stolen credentials, and malware kits
• Genesis Market (seized, but clones exist) – Sold browser fingerprints and login cookies
• Telegram & Discord groups – Instant updates on leaked databases, botnets, and tools

These aren’t sketchy chatrooms—they’re organized marketplaces with escrow systems, reviews, vendor rankings, and even refund policies.

Toolkit: What’s in a Hacker’s Toolbox?

1. Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS)

Criminals can “rent” access to powerful tools like:

• RedLine Stealer – For collecting credentials, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets
• LockBit or BlackCat ransomware kits – Complete with encryption, command panels, and decryption keys
• RATs (Remote Access Trojans) – Like NjRAT or Remcos, giving full control over victims’ machines

These tools are updated regularly and come with user manuals, videos, and support—just like SaaS products.

2. Phishing & Smishing Kits

Why build your own phishing campaign when you can buy one for $50?

These kits include:

• Prebuilt fake login pages (for banks, Microsoft, etc.)
• Email templates and SMS scripts
• Hosting infrastructure and automated credential capture

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3. OSINT Tools & Recon Services

Criminals perform Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) on targets just like penetration testers do:

• Shodan – To find vulnerable devices
• HaveIBeenPwned & DeHashed – For breached credentials
• Maltego or SpiderFoot – To map digital footprints

They’ll even use LinkedIn to identify key employees for spear-phishing campaigns.

Afternoon Strategy: Target Selection & Attack Prep

Cybercriminals don’t attack randomly. They use:

• Recon tools to identify unpatched servers or open RDP ports
• Credential stuffing scripts to test leaked passwords on thousands of websites
• Social engineering playbooks tailored to your industry or company size

Larger cyber-criminal groups operate in teams, assigning roles like:

• Access broker
• Initial intruder
• Data exfiltration specialist
• Ransom negotiator

Yes, there’s a negotiator—often fluent in English and trained to pressure victims.

Night Shift: Monetize & Launder

Once data is stolen or a network is encrypted, the endgame is profit.

Ways cybercriminals cash in:

• Sell access to your network (Initial Access Brokers)
• Demand ransom payments in Monero or Bitcoin
• Sell stolen data in bulk: HR files, emails, customer records
• Use drop services or money mules to convert crypto to fiat currency

They use services like ChipMixer (defunct) or Wasabi Wallet to anonymize transactions, making money harder to trace.

A Real-World Case: Cybercrime Meets Customer Service

In one case I investigated, a ransomware group provided a 24/7 support portal for victims to “negotiate payment” and “get help with decrypting files.”

The portal even included:

• Live chat with support
• FAQ section
• Payment instructions
• Threats of data release if the timer expired

These groups aren’t just criminals—they’re service providers with a dark business model.

What You Can Do to Stay Ahead

To beat a criminal, you have to think like one. Here’s what you can do:

1. Monitor for Exposure

Use breach monitoring tools to stay alerted to leaked credentials or mentions of your company on forums.

2. Harden Common Entry Points

• Enable 2FA everywhere
• Close unused ports (especially RDP, SMB)
• Patch public-facing apps ASAP

3. Train Your Team

• Run phishing simulations
• Train on social engineering red flags
• Educate on how attackers use public info

4. Prepare for the Inevitable

• Build an incident response plan
• Know who to call (legal, forensics, negotiator if needed)
• Have backups ready and segmented

Final Thoughts

Cybercriminals aren’t lone wolves. They’re part of an ecosystem—a well-oiled criminal enterprise using modern tools, organized markets, and efficient strategies.

If your cybersecurity defense assumes they’re disorganized amateurs, you’re already behind.

But if you study how they work—and prepare accordingly—you can turn the tables.

Stay secure,

Joe Seanor

CISSP | Private Cybersecurity Consultant