Digital advancements have created efficiencies and opportunities for businesses and governments alike. However, these same advancements have also paved the way for an alarming rise in cybercrime. One of the most concerning trends is Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS), where cybercriminals provide hacking services, malware, ransomware, and other illicit tools to buyers—many of whom have no prior technical expertise.

According to a 2023 report by Statistics Canada, Canadian businesses spent a total of $11.0 billion on cybersecurity prevention and detection measures, highlighting the significant financial impact of cyber threats on the economy. 

This shift in the cyber threat landscape has made launching sophisticated attacks easier than ever, increasing the risks faced by critical industries such as healthcare, energy, finance, and transportation. Criminals exploiting weaknesses in digital infrastructure are no longer lone hackers in basements but rather well-organized groups operating like businesses. The rise of hacker-for-hire services and the commodification of cybercrime have escalated the threats to national security, economic stability, and public safety.

In this blog, we will explore the growing threat of CaaS, examine how different industries are being targeted, and outline the defense strategies that critical infrastructure operators can implement to protect themselves. We will also provide insights from Canadian cybersecurity reports and agencies to contextualize these threats.

The Rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service

Cybercrime is no longer just an underground operation carried out by individual hackers. Instead, it has evolved into a professionalized service economy where illicit tools and expertise are sold on dark web marketplaces and encrypted messaging platforms. The CaaS model mirrors the legitimate Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry, with cybercriminals offering on-demand access to ransomware kits, botnets, phishing campaigns, and exploit tools.

According to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026:

"The Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) business model is almost certainly contributing to the continued resilience of cybercrime in Canada and around the world."
Source: National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026

This model allows criminals to operate at scale, with cybercriminal syndicates renting out attack infrastructure to less-experienced actors. This has lowered the entry barrier for individuals and organized crime groups looking to exploit cybersecurity weaknesses.

Common Cybercrime Services Available for Purchase

The underground cybercrime economy offers a variety of services, including:

• Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Criminals sell or lease ransomware packages that enable non-technical users to conduct attacks.
• Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS): Ready-made phishing kits that automate the process of stealing credentials.
• DDoS-for-Hire Services: Attackers can rent botnets to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
• Data Breach-as-a-Service: Dark web markets sell stolen databases containing sensitive customer and employee information.
• Credential Stuffing Tools: Automated scripts that use stolen login credentials to breach systems.
• Exploit Kits: Pre-packaged software that exploits vulnerabilities in unpatched systems.

These offerings have contributed to an exponential rise in cyber threats, allowing even low-skilled actors to launch sophisticated attacks against high-value targets.

How Hacker-for-Hire Services Are Targeting Critical Industries

The ability to purchase cyberattack tools has led to increased targeting of high-value industries, particularly those managing critical infrastructure. Here’s how key sectors are being affected:

1. Energy Sector

Canada’s energy sector, including power grids and oil and gas infrastructure, is a prime target for cybercriminals and state-sponsored attackers. Threat actors seek to disrupt operations, cause power outages, or even compromise industrial control systems (ICS).

The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 calls Ransomware the top cybercrime threat facing Canada’s critical infrastructure.

Real-World Case Study: Colonial Pipeline Attack

In 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in the U.S. disrupted fuel supplies across the East Coast. The attack was traced to DarkSide, a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that rented out its malware to affiliates. This incident highlights how ransomware groups operate like businesses, licensing their tools for a share of the ransom payments.

2. Healthcare Sector

The healthcare industry has become a lucrative target for cybercriminals due to its vast troves of sensitive patient data and reliance on digital systems.

Real-World Case Study: Toronto SickKids Hospital Ransomware Attack

In December 2022, Toronto’s SickKids Hospital was hit by a ransomware attack that delayed medical procedures and affected vital IT systems. The attackers leveraged malware sold on underground forums, demonstrating how cybercriminals monetize ransomware as a service.

The Government of Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy emphasizes that the rapid adoption of digital healthcare solutions has expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, thereby increasing risks of data breaches and ransomware attacks.

3. Financial Sector

Banks and financial institutions are targeted for fraud, money laundering, and direct financial theft. Hacker-for-hire groups conduct phishing attacks, credential theft, and business email compromise (BEC) scams.

Case Study: Credential-Stuffing Attack on Canadian Banks

In 2023, Canadian banks reported a surge in credential-stuffing attacks, where stolen passwords were used to gain unauthorized access to banking systems. Cybercriminals leveraged automated tools available on the dark web to conduct these attacks at scale.

4. Transportation Sector

The transportation sector, encompassing public transit, airlines, railways, and logistics, has become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. The integration of advanced technologies and digital systems, while enhancing operational efficiency, has also expanded the attack surface for malicious actors.

Real-World Case Studies:

1. Sunwing Airlines Cyberattack (April 2022): Sunwing Airlines, a Canadian carrier, experienced a significant system outage due to a cyberattack on its third-party service provider, Airline Choice. This incident led to the delay of 188 flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and disrupting operations for nearly a week.
   
   
2. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: In September 2023, multiple Canadian sectors, including transportation, were targeted by DDoS attacks. These politically motivated attacks disrupted services and highlighted vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure. 

These incidents underscore the pressing need for robust cybersecurity protocols within the transportation sector to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.

How Critical Infrastructure Operators Can Defend Against These Threats

With the rise of CaaS, organizations must implement proactive cybersecurity measures to safeguard their operations. Here are some key defense strategies:

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Security Model

• Enforce strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Assume every user and system could be compromised.
• Implement continuous monitoring and anomaly detection.

2. Enhance Threat Intelligence Capabilities

• Utilize real-time threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats.
• Engage with Canadian cybersecurity agencies, such as the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.

3. Regularly Conduct Security Audits

• Perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Ensure that all software and hardware are patched against known exploits.

4. Improve Incident Response Preparedness

• Develop and regularly test incident response plans.
• Establish communication protocols with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies.

5. Strengthen Cybersecurity Education & Training

• Conduct regular employee training on phishing awareness.
• Implement simulated cyberattack drills.

6. Collaborate with Government and Industry Partners

• Participate in public-private cybersecurity initiatives.
• Share threat intelligence with federal agencies.

"The Government of Canada will deepen partnerships with key stakeholders to tackle key issues in the cyber security landscape."
Source: Canada's National Cyber Security Strategy

Is your company protected?

Cybercrime-as-a-Service has transformed the cybersecurity landscape, making sophisticated attacks accessible to a wider range of threat actors. As cybercriminals continue to exploit infrastructure weaknesses, organizations must adopt robust cybersecurity measures, collaborate with industry partners, and remain vigilant. By embracing a proactive security approach, critical infrastructure operators can mitigate risks and safeguard their essential services against the growing cyber threat landscape.

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