A new report published by Panda Security has said stolen credit card details and botnets-for-rent are now becoming more popular items on the digital black market.
The report, titled “The Cyber Crime Black Market: Uncovered”, alleges that personal details and botnet controls are being sold for only a few dollars in some instances. Report author Luis Corrons has told Information Week that all buyers need to know is where to look.
“Credit card details can be purchased for as little as $2 per card, but this level does not provide additional information or verification of the account balance available,” he said.
“If the buyer wants a guarantee for the available credit line or bank balance, the price increases to $80 for smaller bank balances and upwards of $700 to access accounts with a guaranteed balance of $82,000.”
The report also alleges that money laundering services can be bought, with cloned credit card machines also being sold. Corrons said the industry is becoming so sophisticated there are even new business models appearing.
“Since there is a great deal of competition in this industry, the rule of supply and demand ensures that prices are competitive, and operators even offer bulk discounts to higher-volume buyers. They will offer free ‘trial’ access to stolen bank or credit card details, as well as money-back guarantees and free exchanges,” he said.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
