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The Dark web is associated with the illegal trade in malware[1] and malicious hacking tools, a market which has now turned towards lucrative cryptocurrency theft.
Cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Monero (XMR), has grown popular of late.
The market is no longer just a way to trade virtual assets in a decentralized, somewhat anonymous fashion. Instead, startups have emerged which focus solely on cryptocurrency and the blockchain, well-known brands are launching Initial Coin Offerings[2] (ICOs), and the cryptocurrency market has become a speculative way for investors to make serious money.
However, with popularity rising, so does the interest from criminals -- and this has created a new industry in the world of hacking tools and software.
According to Carbon Black's latest research report, "Cryptocurrency Gold Rush on the Dark Web[3]," the market for malware and tools designed specifically for the theft of cryptocurrency is growing apace.
TechRepublic: Dangers of the Deep, Dark Web[4]
The researchers estimate that over the past six months alone, a total of $1.1 billion has been stolen in cryptocurrency-related thefts, and approximately 12,000 marketplaces in the underbelly of the Internet are fueling this trend.
In total, there are roughly 34,000 products and services on sale that are related to cryptocurrency theft, ranging from just over a dollar in price to $224, with an average cost of around $10.
"The available dark web marketplaces represent a $6.7 million illicit economy built from cryptocurrency-related malware development and sales," the researchers say.
Cryptocurrency-stealing malware, such as cryptojackers GhostMiner and [5]Loapi[6], appear to be the tools of choice for cybercriminals