July 8, 2024 at 11:24AM
Analysis of dark web malware logs reveals thousands of users accessing child sexual abuse material, shedding light on the potential for combating serious crimes. These info-stealers target various operating systems, harvesting sensitive data for illicit use. The information has been shared with law enforcement to aid in tracking child exploitation on the dark web.
From the meeting notes provided, it is clear that an analysis of information-stealing malware logs on the dark web has revealed the existence of thousands of consumers of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This discovery highlights the potential for using such information to combat serious crimes.
The notes also mention that the prevalence of off-the-shelf info-stealer variants poses a pervasive and ubiquitous threat to various operating systems, aiming to siphon sensitive information such as credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, payment card data, and screenshots. These variants include Kematian Stealer, Neptune Stealer, 0bj3ctivity, Poseidon (formerly RodStealer), Satanstealer, and StrelaStealer.
The distribution of this malware occurs through phishing, spam campaigns, cracked software, fake update websites, SEO poisoning, and malvertising. Data harvested by such programs often ends up on the dark web in the form of stealer logs, which are then purchased by other cybercriminals to further their schemes.
The notes also mention the existence of a complex ecosystem in which malware-as-a-service (MaaS) vendors sell info-stealer malware on illicit Telegram channels, threat actors distribute it through fake cracked software or phishing emails, and infected device logs are sold on specialized dark web marketplaces.
Additionally, it is highlighted that employees saving corporate credentials on personal devices or accessing personal resources on organizational devices increases the risk of infection.
Recorded Future’s Insikt Group identified 3,324 unique credentials used to access known CSAM domains between February 2021 and February 2024, revealing three individuals who maintained accounts at no less than four websites.
Finally, the notes emphasize that info-stealer logs can be used by investigators and law enforcement partners to track child exploitation on the dark web, providing insight into a particularly challenging aspect of the dark web to trace.
This information presents a significant concern for cybersecurity and law enforcement efforts and underscores the critical need for proactive and robust measures to combat cybercrime and child exploitation on the dark web.