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Dark web ransomware economy growing at 2,500 percent annually

Carbon Black, the leader in next-generation endpoint security, today announced the release of: “The Ransomware Economy: How and Why the Dark Web Marketplace for Ransomware Is Growing at a Rate of More Than 2,500 Percent Per Year.”

However, the ransomware economy on the dark web is growing in line with the huge increase in ransomware attacks being reported globally.

Cyberattacks cause the global  havoc.

Cyberattacks cause the global havoc.
Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS, AFP


As reported in Digital Journal in September, ransomware attacks are now a “global epidemic,” according to an 80-page Europol report that says the attacks are taking over computers as well as Internet-linked devices like routers and CCTV cameras to turn them into tools for criminals.

The dark truth
The Carbon Black Threat Analysis Unit (TAU), found over 6,300 dark web marketplaces selling ransomware, with over 45,000 current product listings. The prices ranged from about $1.00 for a basic screen locker for targeting Android devices to over $3,000 for a “custom-built” ransomware product. However, it seems the median price was about $10.50.

Staff monitor the spread of the WannaCry ransomware cyber-attack from the Korea Internet and Securit...

Staff monitor the spread of the WannaCry ransomware cyber-attack from the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) in Seoul
, YONHAP/AFP


Ransomware has become a lucrative tool for cyber criminals
The lucrative thing about ransomware is it’s relatively cheap cost and ease of use. But strangely, a large percentage of victims are willing to give into the ransom demands of criminals in order to regain access to their systems.

Payments are usually requested in Bitcoin, using the anonymity network, The Onion Router, better known as TOR, to mask illicit activities. According to the FBI, ransomware extorted about $1 billion in 2016.

But as Carbon Black researchers are pointing out, a whole other economy has been formed on the dark web. Ransomware vendors are making more than $100,000 a year, simply by selling ransomware, and some are even specializing in one specific area of the supply chain. And you can bet they aren’t paying taxes.

File photo: The huge Equifax breach affecting 143 million people is the latest in a spate of cyber i...

File photo: The huge Equifax breach affecting 143 million people is the latest in a spate of cyber incidents which include ransomware attacks
Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP/File


“They are pulling in these salaries by selling one of several components of the ransomware supply chain or by selling complete, do-it-yourself, ransomware kits,” Rick McElroy, Security Strategist at Carbon Black told ZDNet. “The overall ransomware economy is expanding into goods and service, much like the regular markets we participate in during our daily lives”.

Carbon Black also warns that the ransomware economy and cybercrimes will continue to grow. “We don’t expect the ransomware market to slow down until businesses and consumers take the threat seriously. As long as there’s money to be made, cybercriminals will keep attacking,” says McElroy.

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We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

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