Hey Rey! Do you want to introduce yourself, who you are, and what you do or want to be known for?
I'm a Blockchain Developer with a strong interest in Cryptography. I’m constantly exploring the technical and ethical aspects of the field. Honestly, I'm unsure of what I’m known for.
There was some rumor about you being allegedly linked to Iranian APTs - do you want to reply to this?
I have no relations to Iranian APTs or any APT. Just because some of my targets include entities in Israel doesn’t automatically mean I’m “Iran state-sponsored.” It’s a narrow and misguided assumption. My actions have always been independent.
You said you started hacking around 2020 by defacing websites and breaking into systems. How did you get into these things - as it's something not many people can do - and how did those early experiences shape what you do now?
Honestly, I can’t pinpoint how it all started. I was young, curious, and drawn to the thrill of figuring out systems. Those early experiences taught me a lot about problem-solving, persistence, and the vulnerabilities that exist in even the most . It set the foundation for my current focus on security and Blockchain technologies. Hellcat was recently involved in a big hack of Telefónica’s internal systems.
For those who aren't technical, can you explain how a hack like that happens in simple terms?
It usually comes down to human error and a lack of adequate security measures. Employees might not be trained properly, or there’s a failure to update systems and patch vulnerabilities. Many companies treat security as an afterthought, and that makes them easy targets.
For those unfamiliar with hacks, how would you describe the typical process of carrying out a cyberattack?
Cyberattacks often involve gathering information, finding weak points, and exploiting them. It’s a mix of research, patience, and technical skill. As for making money, yes, it’s very possible. But for me, it’s not about the money. I'd assume big companies have whole security teams. Once you break in, how hard is it to avoid those? Surprisingly, it’s not very hard. Once you’re inside, it’s like a domino effect—one vulnerability leads to another. Security teams often lack the resources or agility to respond quickly, especially if the attack is well-planned and layered.
Are there certain types of organizations or sectors that you avoid targeting? If so, why?
Yes, I avoid targeting healthcare and nonprofit organizations. My goal isn’t to harm people or disrupt services that are essential to their well-being. I try to maintain a boundary when it comes to ethics.
Some people think hackers are criminals, while others see them as rebels who expose problems in security. How do you see yourself?
I see myself as someone who’s bored and enjoys the challenge of hacking. I’m not out to create chaos or destruction.
Do you ever feel bad about how your actions might affect people, like employees or customers of the companies you hack?
Not really. Companies, like insurance firms, don’t seem to care about people when they act in ways that prioritize profits over ethics. It’s a complicated moral space, but I don’t feel a lot of personal guilt.
Are you ever scared of getting caught by the police or other authorities?
Not particularly. If you plan well and understand the risks, the fear becomes secondary. Besides, living in constant fear would defeat the purpose of pursuing what I do.
What's something most people don't understand about hacking or get wrong about hackers?
People often think hacking is just pressing a button or running some pre-built tools, but it’s so much more than that. It requires creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of how systems work. It’s almost like an art form.
What advice would you give to individuals or organizations to protect themselves from you?
[No comment]
Finally, anything else you want to share?
Stay safe, and don’t underestimate the importance of securing your systems.