Security News > 2020 > June > Cybercriminals are using IM platforms as marketplaces

Cybercriminals are increasingly using IM platforms like Telegram, Discord, Jabber, WhatsApp, IRC and others to advertise and sell their goods and services, IntSight researchers have found.

IntSights CSO Etay Maor says that the migration to these platforms is at least partially the result of law enforcement operations that targeted the AlphaBay and Hansa markets several years ago, as well as the ongoing law enforcement takedowns of major marketplaces and cybercrime forums.

The IM platforms function as a market and an instant communication tool that allows them to reach deals faster and to share news that could impact their future efforts.

Even though traditional cybercrime forums have a lot to offer - a way to build reputation, escrow options, posts that can be seen by more users, and "Anonymous" access via the Tor browser - many IM platforms offer end-to-end encryption, the option to obscure location and IP address, and invitation-only groups that prevent unwanted outsiders from joining.

"Law enforcement can 'break' encryption using sophisticated algorithms and security vulnerabilities, or by collecting frame details and digital clues that were stored in the IM servers," Maor explained.

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