A person is seen typing on a keyboard in a low-light room. (Photo: Soumil Kumar/Pexels)
A growing wave of young men from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. are being pulled into the dark world of cybercrime, lured by fast cash, online clout, and peer pressure. These recruits, often just teenagers, are part of a shadowy group of hackers known as “The Com”—a dangerous online network tied to data leaks, sextortion, and multi-million-dollar ransom schemes.
Many of these cyberattacks aren’t the work of elite tech experts—they’re being pulled off by boys as young as 17 or 19. Ian Lin, a cybersecurity expert from Packetlabs, says people often underestimate just how skilled and dangerous these young hackers have become. Their attacks are sophisticated and damaging, yet often invisible to the public until it's too late.
Behind The Screen: Crime Gets Personal
Groups within “The Com” are not just stealing data or draining crypto wallets. They're crossing serious moral and legal lines. Some have been involved in SIM-swapping, swatting (false emergency reports to send police to someone’s home), and even threatening or harming animals and kids online.
Their reach is growing, and so is their boldness. Canadian law enforcement, including the RCMP, are now warning that these groups are tricking kids into performing disturbing acts—sometimes leading to self-harm or worse.
“These people sound like us,” Lin explains. “They’re native English speakers, they know our culture, and they know how to manipulate us.”
One major group within The Com is Scattered Spider, linked to major cyber breaches. U.S. authorities recently extradited Tyler Buchanan, a 23-year-old from the U.K., believed to be a core member. Packetlabs claims that this group is now actively recruiting young Canadians into their inner circle.
The Price of Infamy
Allison Nixon, co-founder of U.S. cybersecurity firm Unit 221B, has spent years tracking The Com. She recently helped identify a Canadian man, Connor Riley Moucka, who is now facing 20 serious charges in the U.S., including extortion and identity theft.
Nixon says these groups are starting to face real consequences. Courts and police are treating them more like street gangs, cracking down hard. But arrests don’t stop the next wave from joining.
Connor Moucka, who also goes by Alexander Moucka, was captured in an RCMP surveillance photo dated October 21, 2024. (Image: Court documents)
“Young people get drawn in for quick money, revenge, or just to feel powerful,” Nixon said. “Some even think it makes them famous.”
For many, it’s not about hacking skills—it’s about manipulation. Nixon says many of these attackers don’t know much about tech but rely on threats, especially toward women, to get what they want. They use platforms like Discord or Telegram to pressure people, often for attention or “clout.”
Digital Violence Becomes Real
The rivalry between these groups gets intense. Some members go as far as paying people to attack each other’s homes—throwing bricks, firing shots, or even trying to burn them down. It’s no longer just “internet drama”—it spills into real-world violence.
“These groups are like modern-day street gangs,” Nixon said. “But instead of hanging out on street corners, they’re gathering online.”
The core idea is to dominate. Members brag about their crimes to boost their online status. In this toxic online culture, power is measured by how much fear they can spread.
Danger in the Details: Psychological Warfare
What makes these hackers even more dangerous is their talent for psychological tricks. Former intelligence officer Scott White explains that social engineering—tricking people into giving up personal data—is now the key weapon.
They’ll pose as police or trusted officials, using stolen personal data to sound legit. “If someone calls and knows your name, address, and says they’re from law enforcement, you’re more likely to listen,” White warns. Fear becomes the tool.
These young hackers aren’t just tech-savvy—they’re emotionally sharp and know how to push people’s buttons. They manipulate, scare, and trick their way into homes, accounts, and minds.
