• Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
Stock

How AI and underground markets fuel a $70 billion cybercrime industry

by March 6, 2025
by March 6, 2025

The global cybercrime landscape has evolved beyond isolated hackers operating in the shadows.

An underground economy of cybercriminal marketplaces is expanding, offering illicit services that lower the barriers to entry for digital fraudsters.

These networks provide hacking tools, stolen data, and AI-powered scam technology for purchase, allowing even unskilled individuals to engage in cybercrime.

With transactions surpassing $70 billion, platforms like Huione Guarantee are central to this underground economy, enabling criminals to operate on an unprecedented scale.

Cybercrime-as-a-service (CaaS) is no longer confined to the darknet but is increasingly visible on public messaging platforms like Telegram.

As authorities struggle to contain the growth of these networks, experts warn that the rise of AI-driven scams and deepfake fraud is making it harder than ever to distinguish between legitimate and malicious activities.

Cybercrime as a service grows

Cybercrime has shifted from isolated efforts to a structured, organised industry. In the past, technical expertise was essential to execute online fraud, but today’s cybercriminals can simply buy the tools they need.

The emergence of CaaS platforms has made fraud more accessible, allowing individuals to purchase phishing kits, ransomware tools, and identity theft services without any coding knowledge.

The darknet has long been home to such marketplaces, but Huione Guarantee is proof that cybercriminals are operating in more visible spaces.

The Chinese-language platform, reportedly linked to Cambodia’s Huione Group, has processed billions in cryptocurrency transactions since 2021.

It acts as a peer-to-peer marketplace, directing potential buyers to private Telegram groups where they can access hacking services, money laundering tools, and fraudulent investment platforms.

By acting as an escrow service, Huione Guarantee facilitates seamless transactions while shielding its users from detection.

AI scams and deepfake fraud

As cybercriminal networks expand, so does the sophistication of their tactics. AI-generated deepfake videos and voice cloning technology have transformed scams, making fraudulent transactions harder to detect.

Last year, Hong Kong police reported a case where a finance worker at a multinational firm was tricked into transferring $25 million after cybercriminals used deepfake technology to impersonate the company’s chief financial officer in a video call.

This level of deception was once considered impossible without advanced technical skills, but now, fraudsters can easily access AI-powered scam technology.

Cybercriminals use stolen social media accounts, synthetic identities, and AI-generated content to create realistic fake personas.

Victims are lured into investment scams, romance fraud, or business email compromise attacks, with many losing thousands before realizing they have been deceived.

The expansion of AI tools has also made phishing campaigns more effective. Scam emails and messages are now personalised and human-like, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks.

Criminal organisations operating these networks are structured like legitimate companies, with dedicated customer support, marketing, and refund policies to maintain trust within their illicit marketplaces.

Law enforcement struggles

Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in tackling cybercrime, as shutting down one marketplace often results in another taking its place.

The sheer scale of illicit activities makes it difficult to track and dismantle these networks.

Experts warn that cybercrime cannot simply be eradicated through arrests—prevention and public awareness are critical.

Interpol has highlighted the need for stronger cybersecurity frameworks and educational initiatives to help individuals and businesses recognise and counter digital threats.

Meanwhile, companies are investing in AI-driven security systems and dark web monitoring tools to detect stolen data and prevent cyberattacks before they occur.

With cybercrime becoming more accessible than ever, experts stress the urgency of investing in advanced security measures to protect sensitive data.

As the underground cyber economy continues to grow, individuals and businesses alike must remain vigilant against emerging threats, ensuring that technological advancements are used for security rather than exploitation.

The post How AI and underground markets fuel a $70 billion cybercrime industry appeared first on Invezz

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
From NTPC to Tata Power: 5 power stocks to watch as India braces for extreme summer
next post
Crypto market update: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP rise ahead of Trump’s crypto summit

Related Posts

Commerzbank sees China economic growth slowing in second...

June 27, 2025

JSW Paints to buy Akzo Nobel India for...

June 27, 2025

Europe markets open: stocks rise as US hints...

June 27, 2025

US-China sign trade deal, 10 more with trading...

June 27, 2025

Xiaomi stock price hits record high as Apple...

June 27, 2025

NTT Data Group plans Singapore REIT IPO in...

June 27, 2025

Jio Financial shares rally close to 5% after...

June 27, 2025

CAC 40 2025 outlook: Biggest winners and losers...

June 27, 2025

From best to worst: Why Trade Desk stock...

June 27, 2025

HBAR drops 1.63% as short bets rise and...

June 27, 2025

Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.

By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

Recent Posts

  • PBS and NPR: A Free Press Doesn’t Need a Government Budget Line 

    June 27, 2025
  • Trump v Powell: The Credibility Cost of Politicized Monetary Policy

    June 27, 2025
  • Consumer IoT Products are Priced 44% Higher on Average Than Similar Non-Connected Products

    June 27, 2025
  • Morse Micro Wi-Fi HaLow Technology Receives Matter Certification

    June 27, 2025
  • Nordic Semiconductor acquires Memfault, launches the first complete chip-to-cloud platform for lifecycle management of connected products

    June 27, 2025
  • PBS and NPR: A Free Press Doesn’t Need a Government Budget Line 

    June 27, 2025

Editors’ Picks

  • 1

    Meta executives eligible for 200% salary bonus under new pay structure

    February 21, 2025
  • 2

    Walmart earnings preview: What to expect before Thursday’s opening bell

    February 20, 2025
  • 3

    New FBI leader Kash Patel tapped to run ATF as acting director

    February 23, 2025
  • 4

    Anthropic’s newly released Claude 3.7 Sonnet can ‘think’ as long as the user wants before giving an answer

    February 25, 2025
  • 5

    Nvidia’s investment in SoundHound wasn’t all that significant after all

    March 1, 2025
  • 6

    Elon Musk says federal employees must fill out productivity reports or resign

    February 23, 2025
  • 7

    Cramer reveals a sub-sector of technology that can withstand Trump tariffs

    March 1, 2025

Categories

  • Economy (1,641)
  • Editor's Pick (171)
  • Investing (185)
  • Stock (1,062)
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Read alsox

Tesla stock gains ahead of robotaxi launch:...

June 21, 2025

SPCE stock price analysis after the $12...

March 7, 2025

Cramer reveals a sub-sector of technology that...

March 1, 2025