Overview of Stolen Cookies on the Dark Web
Recent research conducted by NordVPN highlights a disturbing trend regarding cyber security. It was found that an astonishing 94 billion stolen cookies are currently circulating on the dark web. These cookies are small data files created by web servers and stored in users’ browsers. While this alarming statistic raises serious concerns, only a minor percentage of these cookies remain active.
The Depth of the Issue
Among the 94 billion stolen cookies identified, nearly 42 billion are linked to Redline, a well-known infostealer malware. However, it is noteworthy that only 6.2% of this total is still active, illustrating the fleeting nature of these digital assets. A deeper dive into the statistics reveals that the majority of these cookies are inactive. For example, only 7.2% of the 10.5 billion cookies associated with another infostealer, Vidar, were deemed valid. Similarly, 6.5% of the 8.8 billion cookies gathered through the new LummaC2 service remain active.
Interestingly, CryptBot stands out for its effectiveness. Of the 1.4 billion cookies it has compromised, an impressive 83.4% are still functional.
Previous Warnings and Trends
This revelation is not the first of its kind. NordVPN previously cautioned against the misuse of cookies, reporting that millions of stolen cookies from UK consumers were also found on the dark web in 2024. The global total for 2024 has reached 54 billion, highlighting a significant year-on-year increase in cyber theft.
The cookies in question contain various types of information, with the most frequently encountered keywords being “ID” (18 billion), “session” (1.2 billion), “Auth” (292 million), and “login” (61 million). The presence of these keywords is particularly concerning, as they indicate potential for misuse, allowing attackers to hijack live sessions without necessitating a password.
The Risks of Stolen Cookies
Researchers behind the study have issued dire warnings regarding the implications of these findings. They articulated that, "Cookies may sound sweet, but sometimes they can leave a bad taste." The reality is that even seemingly innocuous cookies can inflict significant harm on individuals or businesses. Once a single security breach occurs, additional vulnerabilities can often be exploited with relative ease. Session cookies, especially those that are still active, are particularly valuable to cybercriminals. They enable attackers to bypass login pages and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The implications of such unauthorized access are grave. These stolen cookies could empower criminals to take control of social media accounts, circumvent two-factor authentication mechanisms, or initiate social engineering attacks. Moreover, they could provide entry points for accessing confidential financial data, thus posing a serious risk to both personal and business security.
Conclusion
The extensive circulation of stolen cookies on the dark web represents a significant challenge in the realm of cybersecurity. With 94 billion cookies in play, the need for heightened awareness and security measures is imperative. Users must be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their online information, as even minor data breaches can lead to substantial complications. By understanding the nature of these threats and the mechanisms through which they operate, individuals and businesses can better fortify themselves against potential cyberattacks.
