Tools and equipment that allow hackers to perform any type of cyber-attack are being sold for as little as $50 on the dark web.
The kits were found as part of research by Atlas VPN. The company found different types of cyber-attack packs, including phishing, ransomware, DDoS, and others, were available for sale on the dark web. While most cost less than $50, were found some starting as low as $5.
The kits enable people with little technical knowledge to launch cyber-attacks.
For example, a Remote Access Trojan/Tool (RAT), malicious software that can provide full access and remote control of another device’s system, is the cheapest cyber-attack available, starting at $5 and going up to $45.
Meanwhile, phishing attack packs are also on the lower end of the price scale. In particular, the avengers whaling phishing kit costs as little as $7.
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The ultimate password cracking pack with instructions, demo, and help, designed to discover device’s passwords, can be had for only $10. For the same $10, dark web users can also get a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack kit.
The ultra-dangerous malware suite costs $12. However, the dangerous malware pack 2021 edition costs almost twice as much — $21. Meanwhile, a hacker start-up kit can be bought for as little as $14.
Prices of basic ransomware, which employs encryption to hold victims’ data at ransom, start at $15 and can go up to $76. Ransomware with source code, on the other hand, costs $50. The source code can help malicious actors customise the ransomware to their own malware campaigns.
Finally, VPN breach packs can too be obtained. Their prices vary between $15 and $100.
Cybersecurity writer and researcher at Atlas VPN Ruta Cizinauskaite said: “The data leads to an unsettling revelation that cyber-attacks are no longer limited to ‘professional’ hackers. With cyber-attack kits being so readily available on the dark web and the prices so low, anyone who dares step into the dark net can acquire the tools needed to launch a cyber-attack.”
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