This is the interview which Sanggiero did in March 2024 with Inside Darknet. Unfortunately, I have lost the original interview files - this version was translated twice, which leads to slight inaccuracies in tone. The content was not adjusted otherwise.

Inside Darknet Interview with Sanggiero

Inside Darknet: Hi, thanks Sanggiero for taking the time for this interview. I've already spoken with IntelBroker before and I know that people are very interested in these conversations and interviews with different hackers. What motivates you to hack companies and leak information? Is it about the money you get from it? About the reputation in hacker forums? Or do you simply do it for fun?

Sanggiero: But above all, it's a passion. I've been doing this for a very long time and I love sharing a bit on my blog and explaining my proof of concepts so that others can learn cybersecurity and better understand their mechanisms.

Inside Darknet: How did you get into this whole business?

Sanggiero: My story goes back very far. My fascination with computers dates back to my childhood. I started learning cybersecurity in 2007 because at the age of eight I fell in love with my computer, with which I spent a lot of time and still spend a lot of time and am still learning something. Since then, I've felt drawn to the technical challenges and possibilities of the digital world.

Inside Darknet: Now let's jump a bit into the present. How do you choose your targets?

Sanggiero: I choose my targets based on what brings me the most money or power, regardless of the social or political consequences. The challenge only interests me if it serves my own interests.

Inside Darknet: And the potential damage and security risks that your leaks cause, also for individuals, how do you justify those?

Sanggiero: Individual persons don't matter to me, because ultimately it's the institutions and power structures that really control our lives. My goal is to undermine these structures and uncover the truth that's hidden behind the scenes. If some individuals get harmed in the process, that's regrettable but necessary to bring about real change.

Inside Darknet: IntelBroker already mentioned his take on the next question, but do you believe that the Five Eyes Alliance, the FBI, or similar organizations are actively looking for you right now?

Sanggiero: I don't really worry much about any authorities. My main goal is to stay safe and not draw their attention to me. I take measures to protect my identity and my online activities and am aware of the risks associated with my actions. Instead of focusing on security agencies that might be looking for me, I prefer to invest my energy in improving my skills and finding ways to remain anonymous and secure in my online activities.

Inside Darknet: When you say you try to remain anonymous and safe, are you worried with all this new attention that you both have now, that law enforcement could find you?

Sanggiero: The growing influence naturally causes some concerns. However, I'm aware of the associated risks and take measures to minimize them as much as possible. As for law enforcement, I respect their limits. I'm not untouchable, but I ensure that my activities remain acceptable to me. A life in peace is much more important to me than constantly running away and hiding.

Inside Darknet: Well, whether you can call that a quiet life is perhaps debatable. But given the scope and scale of your recent activities, have your tactics evolved since you started hacking? Or are companies still as poorly protected as they were a few years ago?

Sanggiero: My tactics have certainly evolved over time in response to technological advances and the security measures implemented by companies. However, it's also important for me to say that the strength of companies' protective measures varies from company to company. Despite advances in security tools, many companies still have vulnerabilities due to gaps in their security practices, misconfigurations, or missing updates. My job is to identify and exploit these weaknesses. And unfortunately, there are always companies that fail to implement adequate security measures.

Inside Darknet: That almost sounds like you see yourself as a pentester and not as a hacker. Is there any advice you would give to young tech enthusiasts who are interested in cybersecurity and maybe also legal and ethical hacking or penetration testing, so supporting companies to uncover security gaps without publishing their data?

Sanggiero: I would advise them to understand that cybersecurity skills can be used for both positive and negative purposes and that their decisions will have consequences. If you're interested in the ethics of hacking, I encourage everyone to pursue ethical training and certifications, respect the law, and use their skills to protect rather than harm.

Inside Darknet: Thanks for that. I have one last question. Can we expect even more hacks in the future? More companies whose data will be stolen and sold?

Sanggiero: Absolutely. There are hacks that haven't been made public yet and that we prefer to hold back for now.