In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the use of ransomware by malicious actors. As the threat of ransomware continues to grow, it’s also important to know how the criminals behind this malware are able to make a living. Dark net markets, which are underground online shops that are often used to sell illicit products and services, are one of the most popular methods for selling ransomware. In this paper, we will explore the profitability of dark net markets in selling ransomware by investigating the various methods used to monetize ransomware, the types of ransomware that are most commonly sold on dark net markets, as well as the risks and rewards associated with this type of operation.
First and foremost, it is important to know the various methods used to monetize ransomware. One of the most common tactics is called “ransomware-as-a-service,” which involves lending out ransomware to other criminals and then using it to launch their own attacks. Criminals are able to “rent” the code without having to create or maintain it themselves, thus lowering their overhead costs. Other monetization methods include providing ransomware in exchange for cryptocurrency in exchange for cryptocurrency or providing “subscriptions” to access pre-made ransomware.
The ransomware that are most popular on dark net markets are those that are designed to encrypt the personal of victims and demand a compensation in exchange for a decryption key. These ransomware are particularly lucrative because they enable criminals to attack large companies or individuals with large amounts of valuable data. In addition, ransomware targeting individuals is often more profitable than ransomware targeting businesses because individual victims are more likely to pay the ransom in order to gain access to their personal information.
Lastly, there are a few things to think about when it comes to the risks and rewards associated with selling ransomware through dark net markets. One of the most significant risks is for law enforcement to locate and apprehend those responsible for the distribution of ransomware. In addition, other criminals may be able to deceive other criminals who may have outdated or outdated ransomware software. On the other hand, the rewards of selling ransomware in underground markets can be very lucrative, as the returns can be very high for those that are profitable.
In conclusion, it is clear that dark net markets can be a cost-effective method of selling ransomware. It’s easy to determine the success of dark net markets in selling ransomware by analyzing the various methods used to monetize ransomware, the types of ransomware that are most popular, as well as the risks and rewards involved with this type of activity.