Hacker’s favorite playground is a cyber security officers’ nightmare
The dark web is a large and growing online space home to some of the most dangerous and illegal activities. It is a complex network that is difficult to search for and track. Malicious actors congregate in the deep and dark web to plan, execute, and profit from various illicit activities, from cybercrime to financial fraud, intellectual property theft, and terrorism.
What are the main threats of the dark web?
Hackers and other threat actors use these dark web marketplaces and forums to search for targets and establish connections with others. What are the threats that you should be keeping an eye out for on the dark web? The following are the top 5 dark web threats.
Asset and Identity Theft
Fraudsters have exploited the dark web to shift stolen identities and assets. They use the anonymity and privacy of their computer networks to steal and sell other people’s identities and financial resources, then launder the funds through a series of transactions that, if traced, would frequently place the source of all illicit funds back to the fraudster.
In some cases, identity thieves will sell stolen credentials on dark web marketplaces, which allows them to cash in on their efforts. In other cases, they can download ransomware and malicious software that encrypt files and lock them out of their computers or mobile devices.
DDoS Attacks
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are another common attack on the dark web. These attacks overload a target server with requests from multiple systems, eventually forcing the machine to shut down due to a lack of bandwidth and resources. DDoS attacks can be quite aggressive and are often used to attack government or corporate websites or to cripple the websites of media outlets and other companies. Depending on the type of DDoS, it could be difficult for a victim to pinpoint where the attack is coming from.
Hacking
Hacker groups can operate on the dark web without anyone noticing. The anonymity and security provided by the deep web’s underground nature give them plenty of freedom to plan, collaborate and hack through several potential targets. Hacking tools, including botnets and RATs (remote access Trojans), are regularly advertised and discussed on the dark web’s underground forums. Individuals with malicious intents can often purchase malware, hacking tools, stolen data, or credentials online.
Vulnerability and Exploitation
Vulnerabilities in web applications and other online services are among the most common threats attackers use to exploit various targets. Vulnerabilities can be exploited for financial gain, political or corporate espionage, or intellectual property theft. Attackers seek vulnerabilities on dark web forums, where they can request access to specific websites and exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.
Encryption Services
Encryption is often used to protect sensitive data and communications between target systems and individuals. However, encryption supports cyber threats, too, including anonymous communication (common among threat actors), black markets or marketplaces that sell stolen data or malware, and illegal file-sharing across multiple platforms. Encryption is one of the most effective tools available to underground forums, marketplaces, and individuals who sell or share large amounts of data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dark web is home to a treasure trove of information and services, ranging from legitimate and non-threatening to illegal and highly dangerous. Despite regular successes in the fight against organized cybercrime, we must be aware that the threat situation will continue to worsen. The top 5 threats detailed above are among the most relevant to most organizations. They seriously impact organizations and individuals across all industries, as well as critical infrastructures and government agencies around the globe. As such, it’s important for companies and government agencies to continuously monitor their networks for any signs of these threats – particularly if they use the deep or dark web in some form. Take a look at Kaduu’s Darknet Monitoring Service and find out, how we can assist you!
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