Understanding the Dark Web and Stolen Credit Card Numbers
- They determined nCux is a Russian word pronounced ‘seek’ and it means ‘psycho.’ They tracked his username back a few years and found they were first selling stolen identities online, things like name, birthday, and social.
- The pilot union Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing American Airlines pilots, disclosed a ransomware attack early in the week.
- Later, the group breached India-based online learning platform Unacademy, which exposed details of 22 million users and kept the records for sale on the darknet forums for $2,000.
- The expiration for most cards reviewed by BleepingComputer ranges from 2025 to 2029, but we also spotted a few expired entries from 2023.
Two million of the cards for sale included their American owners’ home address and telephone number, while 1 million cards included email addresses, and about 100,000 cards included their owners’ date of birth and even SSN. According to NordVPN’s card fraud risk index, on a scale from 0 to 1, America’s payment card fraud risk index is 0.79. Now, you might be wondering why so many of these small and local businesses had Remote Desktop exposed to the internet. They said they had it open like that because their IT support team needed it open to troubleshoot issues.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software to access, providing anonymity for its users. Unfortunately, this anonymity also makes it a hotspot for illegal activities, including the trade of stolen credit card numbers.
At a minimum this breach cost each of these small businesses $20,000 and some much higher. Then to top it all off, if the story got out, customers would stop coming in fear of getting their card stolen. The Broadway Grill in Seattle had just changed ownership right before this hack and this was a major setback for the new owners. They spent tens of thousands of dollars to fix the security issues on their systems. They also felt a big hit from customers who were afraid to come use their credit cards there. After being there for 22 years, this hack ultimately caused the Broadway Grill to shut down and declare bankruptcy.
Whether it is full credit card fraud or simply testing credit card numbers, many e-commerce sites are going to face this issue at one time or another. Cybercriminals (crooks who operate online) may use a technique called phishing to trick people into voluntarily giving up their credit card or banking information in droves. Since affiliate marketing often pays a percentage of a sale, fraudsters have learned that they can use this as a way to cash in. By making fraudulent purchases with stolen payment card information, they can get paid by the affiliate—typically before the chargeback comes through.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Verizon is a top-performing communications organization with clients and influence worldwide. They offer various electronic services, including physical technology, Internet services, entertainment programs, communications plans, etc. This week, around 643k data records were announced as lost in the cyber wars. Early on, the public learned of HopSkipDrive’s event, which impacted 155k student guardians. You’ll also want to change your password information wherever possible and check your statements so you can raise any dubious activity with your provider down the track.
2.5 million people were affected, in a breach that could spell more trouble down the line. REGISTER NOW for our upcoming live webinar, How to Think Like a Threat Actor, in partnership with Uptycs. Find out precisely where attackers are targeting you and how to get there first. Join host Becky Bracken and Uptycs researchers Amit Malik and Ashwin Vamshi on Aug. 17 at 11AM EST for this LIVE discussion.
What Are Stolen Credit Card Numbers?
Stolen credit card numbers refer to card details that have been obtained through fraudulent means, typically involving:
Online fraud will be a priority area for Ofcom as we gain powers under the upcoming Online Safety Act. Under the new online safety laws, tech firms including Google and Microsoft will have to do much more to reduce the risk of illegal content appearing easily on their services. In advance of those new duties coming into force, we have met with both of these companies to understand the steps they currently take to tackle some of the issues raised in our research.
- Phishing scams
- Data breaches from retailers
- Malware that captures sensitive information
- Skimming devices placed on ATMs or point-of-sale systems
The Appeal of the Dark Web for Credit Card Theft
The dark web serves as a marketplace where cybercriminals can buy and sell stolen credit card numbers. Here are some reasons why:
- Anonymity: Users are less likely to be tracked.
- Lower Risk: Transactions do not run through conventional payment processors.
- Access to Vast Networks: Criminals can access a wide array of stolen data.
How Stolen Credit Card Numbers Are Sold
On the dark web, stolen credit card information is commonly sold in various forms:
- Card Dumps: Full data from the magnetic stripe (including card number, expiration date, and CVV).
- Fullz: Comprehensive packages that include the cardholder’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number.
- Carding: A practice where stolen cards are used to make small purchases until flagged.
Risks Associated with Using Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Engaging in the illegal trade or use of stolen credit card numbers carries significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Possession or use of stolen data is a crime.
- Financial Loss: Victims may face severe financial consequences.
- Identity Theft: Stolen personal information can lead to long-term problems.
Protective Measures Against Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Individuals can take steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of credit card theft:
- Monitor Finances: Regularly check bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure online accounts are protected with robust passwords.
- Activate Alerts: Set notifications for any transactions above a certain amount.
FAQs About Dark Web Stolen Credit Card Numbers
Q: How do I know if my credit card information has been compromised?
A: You may notice unauthorized transactions or receive alerts from your bank about suspicious activity.
Q: Can stolen credit card numbers be traced?
A: While the dark web offers anonymity, law enforcement agencies are capable of tracking certain activities through various means.
Q: What should I do if I find my credit card details on the dark web?
A: Immediately contact your bank to report the incident and take steps to secure your accounts.
Conclusion
The buying and selling of stolen credit card numbers on the dark web represents a serious threat to individuals and businesses alike. Awareness of these risks and taking appropriate preventive measures can help minimize the likelihood of falling victim to credit card fraud. Understanding the dynamics of the dark web ensures that users stay informed and vigilant in protecting their financial information.