Inside the Dark Web: How Threat Actors Are Selling Access to Corporate Networks

 Understanding the Growing Threat of Dark Web Access Sales

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.

1. Key Actors on Underground Forums

1.1 Individual Cybercriminals

Individual threat actors form a significant portion of the dark web’s cybercriminal landscape. These lone wolves typically specialize in:

• Phishing attacks
• Malware distribution
• Exploiting common vulnerabilities

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.

1.2 Organized Cybercrime Groups

Organized cybercrime groups represent a more sophisticated and dangerous threat. These groups often function as access brokers for corporate networks, offering:

• Advanced capabilities for complex breaches
• Sophisticated post-exploitation tools
• Ongoing support and services after initial access is sold

“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.

2. Types of Access Sold

2.1 VPN Credentials

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:

• Provides an initial foothold for further network exploitation
• Often obtained through phishing or credential stuffing attacks
• Can be used to maintain long-term, stealthy access to corporate resources

2.2 RDP Access

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access is another valuable commodity in the dark web marketplace. RDP credentials offer:

• Full control over compromised systems
• Ability to move laterally within the network
• Opportunities for privilege escalation

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.

2.3 Cloud Platform Access

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:

• Entry to vast amounts of sensitive data
• Control over critical business applications
• Ability to leverage cloud resources for further attacks

“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.”

3. Links to Public Breaches and Infostealers

3.1 Data Origin

The access credentials sold on the dark web often originate from:

1. Public data breaches
2. Information stolen through malware (infostealers)

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.

3.2 Examples of Breaches

Real-world examples of access sale incidents have affected various sectors:

• Financial institutions: Compromised banking portals leading to fraudulent transactions
• Healthcare providers: Unauthorized access to patient records and medical systems
• Educational institutions: Breached student information systems and research databases

These cases often begin with phishing attacks or malware infections, which then lead to the theft and sale of network access credentials on the dark web.

4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Market Size and Growth

The underground market for corporate network access has experienced rapid expansion in recent years:

• Estimated annual growth rate of 30% in identified threat actors
• Market value projected to reach billions of dollars by 2025
• Increasing specialization and professionalization of cybercriminal services

4.2 Pricing and Variability

The pricing for network access on the dark web varies widely based on several factors:

• Size and industry of the target organization
• Type and level of access (e.g., admin rights vs. user-level access)
• Potential value of the compromised data or systems

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.

5. Avoiding Becoming a Victim

5.1 Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

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:

• Significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access
• Helps prevent account takeovers even if passwords are compromised
• Provides an additional barrier against automated attacks

“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.”

5.2 Endpoint Protection

Robust endpoint protection is essential for preventing credential theft and unauthorized access attempts. Key strategies include:

1. Implementing advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
2. Regularly updating and patching all systems and software
3. Employing a Threat Hunting Service to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats

By focusing on endpoint security, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of becoming victims of dark web access sales and other cybersecurity threats.

Strengthening Your Network Defense

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:

1. Implement strong Multi-Factor Authentication across all critical systems
2. Invest in robust endpoint protection and threat detection capabilities
3. Regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices and threat awareness
4. Stay informed about the latest dark web cybersecurity trends and tactics

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.