The USA From a Cybercriminal’s Perspective

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the searchlight cyber threat intelligence team looks at the usa through the lens of the dark web

In this report, we share our observations on how organizations and individuals in the USA are targeted by cybercriminals on dark web forums, markets, and on communication channels like Telegram.

Most cybercriminals on the dark web are financially motivated, which naturally makes the United States a target due to its status as the largest economy in the world. This means it is home to some of the largest corporations, who are targeted for the customer data, financial information, or intellectual property. It also has a relatively high-earning population compared to other countries, who are targeted by cybercriminals and fraudsters for their social security numbers and credit card details.

This report demonstrates how interrogating dark web data can provide security teams with a better understanding of their adversaries, which they can use to prepare their defenses.

download the report to learn more about:

  • Initial Access Brokers selling access to companies in the USA – through targeted auctions on dark web forums.
  • How the USA is targeted by ransomware – including the top ransomware groups focusing on the USA and the industries they target.
  • Hacktivists targeting government institutions in the United States – in response to geo-political events.
  • Attempts to disrupt US Elections – including with deep fakes or stolen electoral data.
  • Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) impacting organizations in the US – discussed by cybercriminals on the dark web.
  • Fraud and stolen goods – with criminals selling everything from fake social security numbers to bank account details.