On the darknet, individuals can purchase verified crypto exchange accounts for less than $3,000.
Privacy Affairs, an online data security provider, has published a report revealing that malicious actors are using the darknet to sell verified crypto accounts.
According to the research paper titled "The Dark Web Price Index," apart from crypto-related data, hackers are selling credit card data, payment processing service data, social media account login and followers, as well as their hacking services.
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Credit card accounts with balances up to $5,000 are offered for a mere $110, while login credentials for online bank accounts with balances up to $2,000 go for $60. Additionally, log in details for various social media accounts, including Facebook, Airbnb, and Gmail, are available starting at just $25 each.
When it comes to crypto, users can purchase verified crypto accounts from 24 different crypto exchanges. For the most expensive N26 verified account, malicious actors are asking $2,650.
The list also includes cryptocurrency accounts, such as:
- Kraken verified account: $1,170
- Binance verified account: $410
- Crypto.com verified account: $300
- Coinbase verified account: $250
- US-verified Bittrex account: $30
Compared to the data from the previous year's edition of the Dark Web Price Index, in 2022, the prices have significantly increased. For instance, verified Kraken and Binance accounts were priced at up to $260.
Hacked accounts can be exploited to circumvent know-your-customer (KYC) requirements on popular cryptocurrency exchanges.
Commenting on these alarming figures, Privacy Affairs security researcher Miklos Zoltan urged internet users to exercise greater caution with their personal information, stating:
If someone gets their hands on your financial details or social media credentials, the prices mentioned above are basically what it's worth to them. There's a good chance that you value these things much more than they do, as to them you're just another mark for a quick buck.
The hacking of accounts at prominent crypto exchanges has become an increasing issue within the industry. In a recent example, a Coinbase customer filed a lawsuit against the crypto exchange after an attack on his account, alleging he lost "90% of his life savings" following a malicious "SIM swap" hack.
The increasing prevalence of account hacking in the crypto sphere underscores the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures to safeguard users' personal and financial information.
