The deep web, which is sometimes mysterious and linked to illegal activity, has developed into a well-known marketplace where hackers purchase, sell, and exchange credentials that have been stolen. From identity theft to illegal access to private accounts, these credentials—which comprise usernames, passwords, and other personal identification information—are utilized for a variety of nefarious activities. Both people and organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about the theft of personal information and the trading of credentials that have been stolen as our lives become more digitally connected.
The acquisition of stolen credentials sold on the deep web and the serious dangers they provide to individuals and organizations will all be covered in this essay. We’ll also examine the workings of these illegal markets and offer advice on how to avoid falling victim to credential theft.
What Are Stolen Credentials?
Any personal information used to gain access to internet accounts or services is referred to as stolen credentials. This can comprise email addresses, PINs, usernames, passwords, and other authentication methods. Cybercriminals use a range of techniques to collect this data, from malware and social engineering to phishing assaults and data breaches.
After credentials are taken, they are frequently sold on the deep web, where hackers may make money by giving them to other bad actors who wish to use them to their advantage. Credential theft can be utilized for some reasons, such as:
Hacking into social media or email accounts to steal private data or launch phishing attacks against other people; gaining access to financial accounts to transfer money or make illegal transactions; Using legitimate login credentials to launch ransomware attacks and selling personal information on the black market for identity theft
How Stolen Credentials Are Acquired
Cybercriminals can get stolen credentials in a variety of methods. Among the most popular techniques are:
Data breaches:
Millions of usernames, passwords, and other private data are frequently made public as a result of significant breaches involving businesses, services, or governmental entities. These credentials are gathered by cybercriminals who either sell them on the deep web or utilize them for their ends. Large volumes of user data that are now exchanged on underground markets have been made public by well-known data breaches like those of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Yahoo.
Phishing Attacks:
Phishing is a technique where thieves pose as trustworthy companies to fool consumers into divulging their login information. These assaults usually take the shape of phony emails or websites that appear authentic but are meant to collect login credentials from people who aren’t paying attention.
Malware:
A user’s login credentials may be stolen by malicious software, such as spyware or keyloggers. These malware surreptitiously record keystrokes or gather login credentials as a victim interacts with websites or applications after they are installed on their computer or mobile device. The attacker then receives the stolen data, which they can either use or sell.
Credential stuffing:
Cybercriminals may try to get access to other accounts by using usernames and passwords that have already been stolen from one website. Many individuals use the same password on several websites, which makes it simpler for hackers to access numerous accounts without authorization once they have one set of credentials.
How Stolen Credentials Are Sold on the Deep Web
A portion of the internet known as the “deep web” is not searched by conventional search engines and is frequently accessed using anonymizing software like Tor. Criminals have established markets in this shadowy area of the internet where they may purchase and sell credentials that have been stolen, sometimes with little concern about legal action. These markets function in an unregulated and unlawful setting, yet they resemble internet marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon.
On the deep web, purchasing and selling credentials that have been stolen follows a rather uniform process:
Listing Credentials for Sale
Cybercriminals usually offer stolen credentials for sale on dark web forums or marketplaces after obtaining them. The listing will include information about the credentials, including the website or service to which it provides access (such as email, social media, or banking), the type of data that is included (password, username, and security questions), and occasionally extra details like the account holder’s address, phone number, or payment history. To demonstrate the legitimacy of the stolen material, some dealers could even offer images or other supporting documentation.
Payment Methods
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero are frequently used for deep web transactions because they offer a degree of anonymity to both the buyer and the seller. Because of this, it is challenging for law enforcement to identify the people involved. Because the deep web is known for fraudulent transactions, buyers are frequently cautioned to conduct due diligence on the seller to prevent being duped.
Costs
Depending on the kind of account, its worth, and the caliber of the data, the price of credentials that have been stolen might vary significantly. A set of banking credentials, for example, may sell for more than login information for social media. Additionally, some vendors provide bulk pricing, which allows a customer to acquire a lot of compromised accounts at a reduced price. Depending on their worth, credentials that have been stolen might cost anything from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
Aftermarket Resale
Once stolen credentials have been obtained, the buyer may use them or resell them to other people on the deep web. These credentials are often used for fraudulent purposes, including identity theft, bank account access, and other forms of cybercrime. In an attempt to conduct more complex assaults, some buyers could potentially use the credentials to target well-known people or organizations.
Risks Posed by Stolen Credentials
There are several serious concerns for people, companies, and society at large when stolen credentials are traded on the deep web. The following are a few of the most urgent issues:
- Identity Theft: Identity theft is among the most frequent outcomes of credentials being stolen. Criminals can create phony accounts, get loans, or even submit bogus tax returns in the victim’s name if they manage to obtain personal information.
- Monetary Loss: Theft of cash, unlawful transactions, or access to victims’ bank accounts can all be accomplished using stolen banking credentials. Financial institutions and their clients are attractive targets for hackers due to the ease with which they may utilize this information to make online transactions or withdraw money.
- Corporate Compromise: Cybercriminals can conduct more focused assaults against firms by using credentials from corporate accounts that have been stolen and sold. Data breaches, financial fraud, and even espionage are examples of this. Businesses are more vulnerable to cyberattacks that make use of compromised or stolen credentials.
- Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: After obtaining credentials that have been stolen, thieves may utilize them to initiate phishing attacks on the victim’s friends, relatives, or coworkers. For example, an attacker may pose as the victim and request money or attempt to access other accounts connected to the credentials that were stolen.
Conclusion
A major issue that keeps changing as our lives become more digitally connected is the sale of credentials that have been stolen on the deep web. People and companies must be on guard as hackers discover new methods to acquire, sell, and use stolen personal data. We can all take precautions to guard against the hazards of credential theft and its possible repercussions by adopting better authentication techniques, maintaining awareness of online threats, and exercising good security hygiene.
