Cybersecurity solutions provider Kaspersky predicts that by 2024, there will be a proliferation of diverse cyberattack techniques on the dark web. While traditional threats such as ransomware and phishing remain prevalent, cybercriminals are increasingly exploring new and sophisticated strategies.
Last year, Kaspersky Lab observed an increase in theft and extortion activity on dark web markets. Anticipating future challenges, the company predicts an increase in cryptocurrency ejection services, increased promotion of fraudulent websites through search ads, and an increase in malicious “loaders.”
Ransomware continues to be a favorite tool of cybercriminals, who create blogs to blackmail businesses and showcase their hacking successes. In 2023, the dark web saw a surge in posts related to Stealer’s malware, which aims to steal sensitive information for identity theft and financial fraud. The amount of various malware log files posted on the dark web increased by nearly 30% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
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Posts offering Redline stealer logs, a popular malware family, tripled from an average of 370 per month in 2022 to 1,200 in 2023. Overall, the amount of malicious log files of various malware containing compromised user data and freely posted on the dark web has increased. In 2023, it will increase by about 30% compared to the previous year.
Cryptocurrency generator
Looking ahead to 2024, Kaspersky predicts that scammers will increasingly use search engine ads to promote websites infected with malware. Cybercriminals who previously relied on phishing emails now rely on Google and Bing ads to rank high in search results for malware-laden landing pages. Crypto drainers, which specialize in quickly withdrawing funds from legitimate crypto wallets to malicious actors, are gaining traction among fraudsters. Kaspersky expects the demand for such crypto-stealing malware to increase as advertising in underground markets increases.
Security experts predict an increase in services offering malware virus evasion, a continued evolution of “loader” malware services, and dynamic changes in the market for Bitcoin mixers and cleaning services. Continued interest in cryptocurrencies and related digital assets is expected to drive the spread of these trends on the dark web.