Opening the Cybercriminal Toolbox

People’s exposure to cybercrime has been increasing for some time. Today, people with very little coding experience can infiltrate systems and steal data. There is demand for data, and now there is a supply of low-cost--or even free--hacking tools available on the dark web that allows people to get closer to that data. In fact, according to a report by Deloitte entitled Black Market Ecosystem: Estimating the Cost of “Pwnership”, there is a complete economy built around these readily-available hacking tools that are relatively easy to use.

What Does This Economy Look Like?

The Dark Web is a place hidden under the visible Internet that requires what is called an onion router--that keeps users anonymous as they surf--for access. A relative amateur can purchase, or download, a simple hacking tool, while veteran hackers can procure anything they need to try to get into any modern network. 

Prices for this software can vary, but some phishing and data harvesting kits are very cheap, costing under $50, while a complete ransomware kit has been seen available from $400. When you compare the cost to the potential payout that a hack from these tools can bring in, it is very cheap and attractive to acquire hacking tools, especially since cybercrime is a $600 billion a year industry. 

How to Protect Against These Threats

The best way to ward against the cyberattack is to sustain the practices that you typically use to thwart hacking attempts. There is no remedy out there, no tool on the dark web can keep these tools from working against your cybersecurity efforts. That doesn’t mean you should feel in danger, it just means that you need to be more diligent in your efforts as more threats are presented. 

At Horne & Benik, we have the tools and practices to help you protect your business’ network and data. To learn more about cybercrime, the tools that are used, and what you can do to protect your business, call us today at (603) 499-4400.