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In recent years, the surge in cybercrime activities on the dark web has become a critical concern for businesses across all sectors, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. The underground marketplaces where cybercriminals operate have evolved into sophisticated ecosystems, facilitating the sale of unauthorized access to corporate networks. This growing threat of dark web access sales poses significant risks to sensitive sectors, potentially compromising valuable intellectual property, financial data, and customer information.
As Jason Vanzin, CISSP and CEO of Right Hand Technology Group, warns, “The dark web has become a thriving marketplace for cybercriminals, where access to corporate networks is treated as a commodity. SME manufacturers are increasingly becoming targets due to their valuable data and often less robust security measures.”
This blog post delves into dark web cybersecurity, exploring the key actors involved in underground forums, the types of access being sold, and the market dynamics driving this illicit trade. We’ll also provide essential guidance on unauthorized access prevention to help manufacturing cybersecurity professionals strengthen their defenses against these evolving threats.
Individual threat actors form a significant portion of the dark web’s cybercriminal landscape. These lone wolves typically specialize in:
While they often focus on lower-value or opportunistic targets, their cumulative impact on the cybersecurity landscape is substantial. Recent statistics indicate that individual cybercriminals account for approximately 60% of actors on underground forums.
Organized cybercrime groups represent a more sophisticated and dangerous threat. These groups often function as access brokers for corporate networks, offering:
“Organized cybercrime groups are like well-oiled machines, with specialized roles and a business-like approach to their operations,” explains Jason Vanzin. “They’re constantly evolving their tactics to stay ahead of security measures, making them a formidable threat to SME manufacturers.”
These groups typically target high-value organizations, leveraging their collective expertise to orchestrate coordinated attacks and maintain persistent access to compromised networks.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) credentials are highly prized in the dark web access sales market due to their ability to bypass firewalls and provide secure entry into corporate networks. The demand for VPN access on underground markets has skyrocketed, with prices varying based on the targeted organization’s size and industry.
Key points about VPN access sales:
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access is another valuable commodity in the dark web marketplace. RDP credentials offer:
The value of RDP access lies in the deep network control it provides to threat actors, allowing them to operate as if they were legitimate users within the organization.
With the increasing adoption of cloud infrastructure, access to cloud platforms has become a prime target for cybercriminals. This type of access is particularly dangerous because it can provide:
“Cloud platform access is the holy grail for many cybercriminals,” notes Jason Vanzin. “It often provides a treasure trove of data and computing power that can be exploited for various malicious purposes.”
The access credentials sold on the dark web often originate from:
Cybercriminals frequently use tools like Vidar and Redline to siphon credentials and other sensitive information from infected systems. This stolen data then becomes a valuable commodity in the underground market.
Real-world examples of access sale incidents have affected various sectors:
The underground market for corporate network access has experienced rapid expansion in recent years:
The pricing for network access on the dark web varies widely based on several factors:
Average prices for initial network access can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, with some high-value targets commanding even higher prices.
Implementing strong Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with stolen credentials. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems or data.
Key benefits of MFA:
“Multi-Factor Authentication is no longer optional; it’s a necessity,” emphasizes Jason Vanzin. “For SME manufacturers, implementing MFA across all critical systems can dramatically reduce the risk of falling victim to dark web access sales.”
Robust endpoint protection is essential for preventing credential theft and unauthorized access attempts. Key strategies include:
By focusing on endpoint security, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of dark web access sales and other cybersecurity threats.
As we’ve explored throughout this post, the threat of dark web access sales poses a significant risk to SME manufacturers and businesses across all sectors. The sophisticated ecosystem of individual cybercriminals and organized groups, combined with the various types of access being sold, creates a complex and dangerous landscape for organizations to navigate.
To protect your business from these evolving threats, remember these key points:
By taking a proactive approach to network defense and unauthorized access prevention, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to dark web access sales and other cybersecurity threats.
Take the next step in protecting your organization by downloading our Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training Guide. This comprehensive resource will help you educate your team on the latest threats and best practices for maintaining a strong security posture.
Download the Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training Guide
Remember, in the fight against cybercrime, knowledge and preparation are your strongest allies. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep your network secure.
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The Certified Information Systems Security Professional is an information security certification with extremely high standards. Less than 132,000 people worldwide had this certification at the end of 2018.
It has also been formally approved by the DOD and is globally recognized in the field of IT security.
It covers the following topics:
Security and Risk Management
Asset Security
Security Architecture and Engineering
Communication and Network Security
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Security Assessment and Testing
Security Operations
Software Development Security
This a system engineer certification and tests the user’s knowledge on the following topics:
Windows
SQL Server
Exchange Server
SharePoint
System Center (SCCM)
Lync
The A+ Certification demonstrates that the computer technician has the skill set needed to customize, install, maintain, and operate PCs.
In addition to these certifications, Right Hand also has strategic partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry like Microsoft, Dell, Citrix, and Fortinet.
What could be more assuring than having these industry giants on your side?
As the name suggests, this certification is for Network Engineers. Everything from the installation and maintenance to troubleshooting of networks including the understanding of all related technologies is a part of the course.
This certification shows that the technician who has passed the Microsoft exam is capable of managing, migrating, deploying, planning, and assessing the technology, security, and compliance needs associated with Microsoft Office 365.
The CompTIA Security Plus SY0-501 course provides certifications in the following topics:
Threats
Vulnerabilities
Attacks
System Security
Network Infrastructure
Access Control
Cryptography
Risk Management
Organizational Security