162: Hieu

162: Hieu

Aug 5, 2025 93m

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Episode Description

All Hieu Minh Ngo wanted was to make money online. But when he stumbled into the dark web, he found more than just opportunity, he found a global dark market. What started as a side hustle turned into an international crime spree.

Find Hieu on X: https://x.com/HHieupc.

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This show is sponsored by Red Canary. Red Canary is a leading provider of Managed Detection and Response (MDR), helping nearly 1,000 organizations detect and stop threats before they cause harm. With a focus on accuracy across identities, endpoints, and cloud, we deliver trusted security operations and a world-class customer experience. Learn more at redcanary.com.

AI-Generated Summary

Hugh Minh Ngo's Early Days

The episode tells the story of Hugh Minh Ngo, a Vietnamese hacker who starts his journey into the dark web at a young age. Born in a small town in Vietnam, Hugh began hacking around the age of 14 out of necessity, as internet access was expensive and slow. His first encounter with hacking was trying to steal internet access. However, this initial misstep led him to dive deeper into the world of hacking and cybercrime.

Exploration of the Dark Web

Hugh becomes fascinated with the dark web after learning about it in an internet cafe in Ho Chi Minh City. This part of the internet excites him, filled with underground communities sharing hacking techniques and illicit goods. Hugh's obsession grew as he learned various hacking techniques, thriving on the thrill of exploring vulnerable websites and submitting hacks simply for the exploration.

Turning Cybercrime into a Business

Hugh moves from curiosity to crime as he partners with another hacker to exploit vulnerabilities in online e-commerce stores. Utilizing SQL injection techniques, he begins to steal credit card information, which he sells on underground forums. This period is marked by a rapid escalation in his illicit activities, leading to significant earnings, influencing his lifestyle and decisions.

Identity Theft and Data Broker Scams

Shifting gears, Hugh eventually pivots to selling identities on the dark web. After hacking data broker services, he resold personal information for a profit. His tactics drew the attention of law enforcement, and he's eventually caught, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial.

Consequences and Reflections

After pleading guilty, Hugh was sentenced to 13 years in prison. During his time incarcerated, he reflected on his actions and the repercussions they had on many individuals, including those whose identities were stolen. His story is one of crime, consequence, and a desire for redemption, as he now works in cybersecurity to help prevent other incidents.