AlphaLock: The Innovative Hacker Organization Redefining Pen-Testing Training
Originally Published 2 years ago — by BleepingComputer
AlphaLock is a unique Russian hacking group that operates as a "pentesting training organization" and monetizes its services through an affiliate program. They offer customized online courses to train hackers and claim to be preparing for a future in analyzing and protecting large corporations. AlphaLock's business model consists of two parts: Bazooka Code Pentest Training and the ALPentest Hacking Marketplace. The marketplace allows threat actors to purchase "pentesting services" targeted at specific organizations, with the attacks being conducted by the trained hackers. The group has attracted attention and recently announced a move to a new chat application, Matrix. This case highlights the growing sophistication and commoditization of cybercrime, the potential for alternative monetization models beyond ransomware, and the demand for talented threat actors in the cybercriminal ecosystem.