Despite the fact that cryptocurrency discussions have decreased by almost 40% in 2024, the increase in the theft of digital currencies is quite significant; The use and discussion level of the dark web has increased by 135 percent. A new perusal of Kaspersky’s report shows that the number of malware developed to scam users of their cryptocurrencties has risen. Malicious tools take advantage of shortcomings in electronic wallets and enable cybercriminals to withdraw money within a short time.
2024 Sees a 135% Surge in Dark Web Crypto Thefts, Kaspersky Reports
Besides, the overall sentiment remains rather dark as Kaspersky’s report shows that the number of ads with offers for company databases on forums of aggressive cyberstructures has risen by 40 percent. This shows that the world is going toward the constant usage of data breaches to get illicit funds by cybercriminals. With the increase in the quantity of stolen data that can be purchased from criminal markets, cybercriminals are well equipped to go after anyone they desire.
The second worrying trend is the change in the preferences of cybercriminals themselves, where increasing numbers of offenders are shifting from such channels as Telegram to more specific forums of the dark web. These forums afford greater anonymity and are a direct buy/sell platform for criminals selling malware tools via MaaS. Such services put smiles to arrant criminal hackers or even those with relatively low technical competency to make away with cryptocurrencies.
Kaspersky’s report also observed that threats increase in this region too in the current year, especially in Middle East. The region is known for increasing activity of cyber criminals who exploit the political and economic situation as well as the increasing adoption of IT solutions by everyone from ordinary citizens to large business. The growth of cybercrime means that businesses and citizens worldwide will require increasingly effective protection and control.
That is why the growth of new thefts on the dark Internet despite the rapidly developing popularity of cryptocurrency among legal users and criminals is evidence of the need for strict adherence to digital security. Still, the public is encouraged to use complex security measures such as two-factor authentication and encryption to prevent their assets from being a target of these improved theft types.
Dark Web Cryptocurrency Thefts Surge by 135%, Kaspersky Warns of Growing Cyber Threats
Having learned their tricks, cybercriminals are growing ever more resourceful with their methods of propagating cryptocurrency theft malware. These are the fake giveaway, phishing websites, malicious browser extensions, and misleading ads. Also, fake smart contract and cloned NFT platforms were employed to get rid of users and their valuable digital tokens. The increase in such tactics goes on to indicate that people must be more alert and protect their privacy on-line.
In its research report, Kaspersky revealed that the number of posts on the dark web regarding cryptocurrency thefts rose by 135% in 2024. The amount of posts has risen significantly from only 55 in 2022 to 129 in 2024 with topics ranging from malware sales to the coordination of distribution networks for cyber criminals. This increase shows that the dark web has also evolved to become a platform on which all sort of criminal activities involving the creation of cryptocurrencies are carried out.
Turning to the future, Kaspersky researchers expect an increase of the data breach and leaks in 2025. It is proven that by 2024 the sales of stolen company databases in hidden forums have already risen by 40% compared to the previous year. While 2020 reported a growing number of data thefts, and supply chain attacks directed at massive organizations and their contractors or partners, the cybersecurity threat is set to worsen in 2021.
Business and political conflict are also expected to cause increased rates of cyberattacks in 2025 with the Middle East being most affected. Kaspersky on average estimates that the number of ransomware attacks grew in this area from 28 in 2022-2023 to 45 in 1 H 2024. In the event that geopolitical tension persists, the number and severity of these cyber threats may increase more threatening to peoples and institutions.
Despite detecting more cybercriminal activity in 2024, analysts expect their future focus to be shifted toward Darknet marketplace forums again. Since the criminal channels suffer from tighter restrictions and limitations as Telegram tightens its grip, dark web affords secure space. Thus, the current and constantly developing forms of cyber threats require increased security measures and more effective counteraction to fraud.
Shifting Cybercrime Tactics in 2024: Evolving Threats and Protective Measures
Police forces also have achieved several successful Cases in 2024 against such groups involved in computer crime. But these actions put pressure on attackers and led them to switch to other places which are normally dons boards which can rarely be joined. This change has least made it harder for the authorities to penetrate the illicit exercises in these secluded regions.
There alsoORN Another worrisome trend is that ransomware crews are fractal. Cybercriminals are now decentralizing themselves into small effective groups as opposed to the large, authoritarian units. This makes them function more privately and independent, thus law enforcement cannot easily track their activities and disabling of their businesses. Therefore, ransomware attacks may be more often and may occur unexpectedly.
A new category of threats is information-stealing malware. It is different from other viruses, which are created to enter systems and extract confidential information from them and then sell it to cybercriminals on black markets. Today, the malicious actors primarily operate within one specific niche – the market of stolen information, where they attack people and companies with valuable personal or financial information.
In response to these emerging threats, personal security is the next best step that should be embraced. One must include antivirus, firewalls, and two-factor authentication as some of the best security measures that one owns a personal device. Software upgrades and web hygiene practices also contain risks complementary to most or all of these methods.
On the other hand, business organizations should consider working on the active surveillance of the dark web. Another valuable benefit is that the alert can spot threats that can be potentially dangerous to the business before they emerge, thus, help preserve business assets including information that is critical for the company’s operations. Continued awareness and having a proper and secure security system will be a very helpful in the fight against smarter ways of hacking.
