Examining The Crypto Dark Web And Cyber Underground

Examining The Crypto Dark Web And Cyber Underground

The “Cyber Underground” is an organized marketplace for money mule networks, malware exploit development and ransomware.

In this episode, Ian Andrews speaks to Michael DeBolt, Chief Intelligence Officer of Intel 471, as he updates listeners about the cybercriminal underworld and the role of threat intelligence in combating cyber threats.

Michael explains with the increased activity of ransomware actors and other cyber attacks, cryptocurrency has become the de facto means of payment. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in disrupting cybercriminal networks and the emerging risks associated with ransomware and third-party vendors.

Minute-by-minute episode breakdown

• (2:03) - Overview of Intel471 and their role in tracking cyber threat actors  
• (6:18) - The concept of the dark web and the cyber underground
• (10:20) - Examples of cybercrime activities and their varying levels of sophistication
• (15:06) - Collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial for defense of cyber attacks
• (18:25) - What does a takedown of a darknet marketplaces consist of?
• (22:02) - Threat actors using instant messaging platforms for peer-to-peer trades
• (25:43) - Diverse team with technical and linguistic expertise tracks cybercrime
• (29:37) - No major decline in cybercriminal activity due to global events
• (31:22) - Emerging cyber attack and third-party vendor risks

Related resources

Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key.

• Website: Intel471: Fight Cyber Threats. And win.
• Research: Cyber Underground Handbook: Intel 471 General Intelligence Requirements (GIR) Framework (Download Now)
• Report: The 471 Cyber Threat Report 2023-24
• Workshop:  A Free Hands-On Workshop with Intel 471: Building an Intelligence Plan
• Blog: Insights from CLOP's MOVEit Extortion Attack 
• Blog: How Gray Market Cryptocurrency Exchanges Fuel Cybercrime
• Blog: The U.S. and U.K. Sanction 11 Members of Russia-based Ransomware Group Trickbot
• Blog: The 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index: Central & Southern Asia Are Leading the Way in Grassroots Crypto Adoption (Reserve Your Copy Now)
• YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page 
• Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: BuildCareers at Chainalysising trust in blockchain
• Tik Tok: Building trust in #blockchains among people, businesses, and governments.
• Telegram: Chainalysis on Telegram 

Speakers on today’s episode

• Ian Andrews * Host * (Chief Marketing Officer, Chainalysis) 
• Michael DeBolt (Chief Intelligence Officer, Intel 471)

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