Zarin Hamid

Hacktivism-as-a-Service: The Cyber Mercenary Era

Hacktivism isn't what it used to be. What began as grassroots digital protest has evolved into a commercialized ecosystem where ideology is weaponized for profit. In this talk, we'll explore the rise of Hacktivism-as-a-Service (HaaS), a model where threat actors offer politically motivated attacks as paid services, targeting organizations not for their vulnerabilities, but for their symbolism. We'll break down: How groups like KillNet and NoName057(16) operate as cyber mercenaries, The platforms and tactics used to amplify their campaigns (Telegram, dark web forums, social media), Why attribution is increasingly difficult when ideology is commodified, What this means for defenders, brand reputation, and business continuity. What this talk aims to accomplish: Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of how HaaS blurs the lines between activism, cybercrime, and influence operations and how to champion security by preparing for attacks that aren't just technical, but psychological and symbolic. This session is designed to equip CTI professionals, security leaders, and business stakeholders with the mindset and strategies needed to defend against a threat that's as much about perception as it is about payload.