From Cybercrime to Cybersecurity: Former Hackers Encourage Manchester Students to Use Web Skills for Good

Cybercriminals are often portrayed in media as shadowy figures capable of massive digital destruction, but the reality is far more complex and less glamorous. Recently, at a sixth-form college in Manchester, two former hackers shared candid insights about the true nature of cybercrime with local students. Their stories revealed that much of the cybercriminal world is filled with petty disputes involving "swatting" and "doxing"—tactics where individuals expose others' identities or provoke dangerous real-world consequences. These former hackers, once part of a cybercrime network known as "The Com," used their experiences to highlight the risks and downsides of illegal online activities.

The event was part of an initiative supported by the Co-op, a major retailer that suffered a significant cyberattack in April 2025. Partnering with The Hacking Games, a startup focused on identifying talented gamers and coders, the initiative aims to redirect young people's digital skills towards ethical hacking and cybersecurity. The Hacking Games employs innovative AI-powered assessments to spot gamers with the potential to excel in cybersecurity roles, particularly in "red teaming," where experts simulate attacks to help companies find and fix vulnerabilities.

Conor Freeman, a 26-year-old from Dublin, shared his personal journey from being groomed online through gaming platforms like Minecraft to becoming involved in large-scale cryptocurrency theft. After serving part of his prison sentence, Freeman now works as an ethical hacker with The Hacking Games, helping organizations defend against cyber threats. Joining him via video link was Ricky Handschumacher, a 30-year-old American who was involved in the same criminal activities and also served time in prison. Both emphasized that they "fell into" cybercrime unintentionally and expressed regret, encouraging students to channel their talents into legitimate and rewarding careers.

Fergus Hay, co-founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, highlighted the strong connection between gaming and hacking skills. He described gaming as a "live laboratory" for developing abilities such as "modding," which involves creating software to alter video games. These skills are transferable to cybersecurity, but many talented individuals remain unnoticed because their expertise isn't showcased on traditional professional platforms like LinkedIn. By identifying and nurturing these hidden talents, initiatives like The Hacking Games aim to build a new generation of ethical hackers who can protect organizations from cyberattacks.

Students attending the talk found the message inspiring. One computing student, Suheil, 17, remarked on the importance of recognizing the opportunities in computing while being cautious about the consequences of misusing digital skills. Rob Elsey, Chief Digital Officer at the Co-op, emphasized that the goal is to help young people see their existing digital abilities as tools for protecting communities rather than exploiting them. Following the success of this event, the Co-op plans to expand these talks across its 38 school academies, fostering awareness and ethical use of technology among youth.

The broader context includes ongoing investigations into cyberattacks on major UK retailers such as the Co-op, Marks & Spencer, and Harrods, which led to arrests of several individuals, including teenagers. These incidents underscore the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity education and the redirection of digital talents towards constructive purposes. By sharing real-life experiences and providing pathways into ethical hacking, this initiative offers a promising model for combating cybercrime through community engagement and skill development.