Male cybercriminals often pose as women online to gain social approval and access secondary benefits. In remarks to socialbites.ca, Pavel Sitnikov, a hacker and founder of an information security company, discussed the dynamic surrounding a clash between the Empress hacking group and the Skidrow collective. He noted that gendered deception has become a tool in the broader world of cyber intrigue, where appearance can influence trust and access.
According to Sitnikov, women are sometimes drawn into closed hacker communities because their perceived femininity can soften introductions and increase willingness to share information. He observed that online communities and subscription platforms frequently allow individuals to solicit donations for activities framed as hacking efforts, and in such spaces, a female-presenting persona can attract more attention and support from subscribers on platforms like Telegram and various social networks.
He estimated that the actual share of women among hackers is small, describing it as a percent or less. Many female hackers conceal their identities or do not disclose gender at all, creating a perception gap between reality and online personas. He emphasized that this concealment is often deliberate, driven by safety concerns and the risk of targeting or harassment in cyberspace.
Among the few known female hackers, Sitnikov mentioned a transgender individual who operates in Russia. The statement underscores how gender identity can intersect with the cybercrime landscape, influencing how individuals are perceived and treated within online communities.
Fraudulent operators frequently adopt avatars drawn from popular culture, including anime characters or elves from widely played online games. These invented images are used to manipulate audiences, foster trust, and create a sense of familiarity that lowers skepticism among potential victims or followers. The tactic highlights how counterfeit personas can exploit emotional triggers and social norms to advance illicit aims.
Sitnikov pointed to concrete patterns in these cases: impostors posing as women may seek assistance from more technically experienced male hackers, requesting guidance on complex tasks and troubleshooting. In some instances, the disguise serves as a bridge to recruit others who can execute operations that the primary actor cannot perform alone, effectively outsourcing parts of illicit activity under the cover of a gendered persona.
The Empress group is known for hacking computer games and distributing pirated copies, while its counterpart Skidrow has publicly challenged Empress over credibility and competence. In response, Skidrow has leveraged social networks and forums to argue that Empress is a man presenting himself as a seductive female figure, allegedly deceiving a broader audience and undermining trust in rival factions. The back-and-forth underscores how identity manipulation and reputational warfare have become central elements in contemporary online criminal ecosystems.