The rise of cryptocurrency has brought about a new wave of cybercrime, with hackers targeting online wallets and exchanges to steal funds. According to a recent report by online data security provider Privacy Affairs, cybercriminals are selling hacked and verified cryptocurrency accounts for as low as $30 each on the darknet. These accounts can be used to evade know-your-customer (KYC) measures on popular cryptocurrency exchanges, making them a valuable asset to hackers.
The report highlights the rising prices of verified cryptocurrency accounts since last year. According to last year's edition of the Dark Web Price Index, hackers were purchasing verified Kraken and Binance accounts for only $260 and $250, respectively. However, this year, the prices have risen significantly, with Kraken-verified accounts selling for $1,170 and Binance-verified accounts for $410. Other verified cryptocurrency accounts, including Crypto.com and Coinbase, are also being sold for hundreds of dollars.
Hackers are not only selling verified cryptocurrency accounts but also account information for credit cards and online bank accounts. The report reveals that hackers are selling login credentials for online bank accounts with balances up to $2,000 for just $60. Credit card information with balances up to $5,000 is also up for sale, with prices ranging from $50 to $110. Social media accounts are also being targeted, with hacked Facebook, Airbnb, and Gmail accounts being sold for as low as $25.
The report's author, Miklos Zoltan, emphasizes the need for internet users to be more cautious with their personal information. He warns that if someone gets their hands on an individual's financial details or social media credentials, the prices mentioned above are basically what it's worth to them. To avoid becoming a target of cybercrime, Zoltan recommends using two-factor authentication, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and not sharing personal information online.
Hacking accounts on popular cryptocurrency exchanges has become a growing problem in the industry. A U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, was sued in April by one of its customers after he suffered a SIM swap attack that resulted in the loss of "90% of his life savings". The attack allowed scammers to gain control of the customer's phone number by duping the telecommunications provider into linking it to their own SIM card. As the value of cryptocurrencies continues to rise, it's essential for users to take extra precautions to secure their accounts and prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime.
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