Hackers are often seen as a threat to businesses and governments, but they can also be a valuable asset. Ethical hackers, or white hats, use their skills to identify and fix security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Hiring a hacker can be a great way to improve your organization’s security posture. But with so many hackers out there, how can you be sure to find the right one for the job?
Here are a few case studies of successful hacker hires:
Case Study #1: HackerOne
HackerOne is a bug bounty platform that connects organizations with security researchers. HackerOne customers can offer rewards to researchers who find and report vulnerabilities in their systems.
In 2016, HackerOne customer Google paid out over $7 million to researchers who found vulnerabilities in its products and services. This includes a $100,000 reward for a vulnerability that could have allowed attackers to take over Google accounts.
Case Study #2: Uber
In 2016, Uber was hacked and the personal information of 57 million customers and drivers was stolen. In the wake of the hack, Uber hired a team of hackers to help improve its security.
One of the hackers Uber hired was Neel Mehta, a white hat hacker who had previously found vulnerabilities in Google and Facebook. Mehta helped Uber to identify and fix a number of security vulnerabilities in its systems.
Case Study #3: Nike
Nike is another company that has benefited from hiring hackers. In 2017, Nike hired a team of hackers to help it improve the security of its e-commerce platform.
The hackers found a number of vulnerabilities in Nike’s platform that could have been exploited by attackers to steal customer data or make fraudulent purchases. Nike fixed these vulnerabilities and its e-commerce platform is now more secure than ever.
Case Study #4: Verizon
Verizon is a leading telecommunications company that is constantly under attack from hackers. In order to protect its customers and its own infrastructure, Verizon has hired a team of hackers to help it identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
The Verizon hackers work closely with the company’s security team to test its systems and networks for vulnerabilities. They also help Verizon to develop new security measures and to respond to security incidents.
Case Study #5: US Department of Defense
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is one of the most targeted organizations in the world. In order to protect itself from cyberattacks, the DoD has hired a team of hackers to help it improve its security posture.
The DoD hackers work with the DoD’s security team to test the department’s systems and networks for vulnerabilities. They also help the DoD to develop new security measures and to respond to security incidents.
Benefits of Hiring a Hacker
There are a number of benefits to hiring a hacker, including:
- Improved security: Hackers can help you to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in your systems and networks before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
- Reduced risk: By hiring a hacker to test your security, you can reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.
- Compliance: Many industries have regulations that require organizations to have a cybersecurity program in place. Hiring a hacker can help you to meet these compliance requirements.
- Competitive advantage: By hiring a hacker, you can gain a competitive advantage over your competitors who do not have the same level of security.
If you are considering hiring a hacker, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Look for a hacker with experience and expertise in your industry.
- Make sure the hacker has a good reputation.
- Get a contract in place before you start working with the hacker.
- Be clear about your expectations and budget.
Conclusion
Hiring a hacker can be a great way to improve your organization’s security posture. However, it is important to choose the right hacker for the job and to have a clear understanding of your expectations.
If you are considering hiring a hacker, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable hacker with experience in your industry.
