forbes.com
Dark Web Markets Fuel Cyber Monday Scams with Millions of Session Cookies for Sale
Cybercriminals are selling millions of session cookies on the dark web for $400+, enabling them to bypass two-factor authentication during Cyber Monday, as revealed by NordStellar threat intelligence.
- How does the cost-effectiveness of these hacking tools contribute to the increased risk of online scams?
- The dark web facilitates a thriving cybercrime ecosystem, offering various tools to exploit the increased online shopping during Cyber Monday. The ease of access to these tools, including cookie grabbers that bypass 2FA, poses a significant threat to online shoppers. This creates a high risk of financial loss and data breaches.
- What is the primary threat posed by the readily available hacking tools on the dark web during Cyber Monday?
- Cyber Monday 2024 will see a surge in online scams using readily available hacking tools from dark web marketplaces. Phishing kits are free, fake websites cost $50+, and malware-as-a-service subscriptions are roughly $150 per month. Cookie grabbers, the most expensive at $400+, allow bypassing 2FA.
- What are the long-term implications of the dark web's role in facilitating cybercrime, and how can this threat be effectively mitigated?
- The increasing sophistication and accessibility of hacking tools on the dark web necessitates a shift towards stronger online security measures. The prevalence of readily available session cookies for sale highlights the vulnerability of traditional 2FA methods. Adoption of passkeys, offering superior protection against phishing and other attacks, is crucial for mitigating this risk.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is heavily weighted towards the negative aspects of Cyber Monday, creating a sense of fear and alarm. Headlines like "Hackers Can Buy Everything They Need To Make Your Cyber Monday A Misery On The Dark Web" and "30 Million Session Cookies To Bust Cyber Monday 2FA Found For Sale" immediately set a negative tone. The focus on the ease and affordability of hacking tools further exacerbates this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language such as "misery," "nefarious purposes," and "holy grail" to describe the actions of hackers, creating a dramatic and alarming tone. More neutral language could be used to maintain objectivity. For example, instead of "misery," one could use "negative experience."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criminal aspect of Cyber Monday sales, but omits discussion of consumer protection measures and initiatives taken by e-commerce platforms to combat fraud. It also doesn't mention the success rate of law enforcement in prosecuting these crimes, which would provide a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by focusing primarily on the risks of online shopping without sufficiently acknowledging the benefits and overall security measures in place. It emphasizes the negative aspects while downplaying the measures taken by legitimate businesses and security experts to protect consumers.