Ex-Hackers Recruit Gamers for Cybersecurity

A pioneering initiative is seeking to channel the skills of proficient gamers and coders into the cybersecurity sector. Two former hackers, once involved in a sprawling cybercrime ecosystem known as "The Com," recently spoke at a sixth-form college in Manchester. They shared stark realities of online crime, contrasting with cinematic portrayals, and encouraged talented teenagers to use their digital abilities for constructive purposes. This effort is supported by the Co-op, which experienced a significant cyberattack in April last year. The retailer has collaborated with The Hacking Games, a startup specializing in identifying skilled gamers for IT system testing. This partnership aims to recruit young individuals to help companies combat cybercriminals. Conor Freeman, a 26-year-old formerly jailed for cryptocurrency theft, and Ricky Handschumacher, a 30-year-old US citizen involved in the same heist, shared their experiences. Both fell into cybercrime through gaming, and now work as ethical hackers, emphasizing that lucrative opportunities exist in ethical cybersecurity roles. Fergus Hay, CEO of The Hacking Games, noted a "100% overlap" between gaming and hacking skills, describing gaming as a "live laboratory" for developing such aptitudes. The company utilizes AI-powered tests to identify potential ethical hackers among gamers. The Co-op plans to expand these talks to its 38 school academies, aiming to help young people recognize the positive potential of their digital skills.