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   $25 software kits to steal your personal details are freely on sale on dark   
   web  here's how to remain safe   
      
   Date:   
   Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:35:00 +0000   
      
   Description:   
   Cheap phishing-as-a-service kits drive a surge in hacking, identity theft,    
   and easy online scams.   
      
   FULL STORY   
      
   The world of cybercrime is ever-evolving, and phishing attacks are becoming   
   easier to carry out.    
      
   New research by NordVPN s shows that phishing kits - pre-made software    
   bundles - are now widely sold for less than $25, giving even low-skilled   
   criminals the ability to steal sensitive data and launch malware attacks.    
      
   NordVPNs research found phishing kits are, like so much criminal gear, often   
   sold on the dark web and apps like Telegram, with the packages typically   
   including everything an attacker needs: ready-to-use fake websites,   
   pre-written emails, and stolen contact lists.   
      
   Targeting Google, Meta and Microsoft   
      
   Brands such as Google, Meta/Facebook, and Microsoft are some of the most   
   commonly impersonated, with nearly 85,000 fake Google URLs discovered in 2024   
   alone.    
      
   Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, explained these kits   
   are making cybercrime more accessible.    
      
   Phishing kits are a force multiplier for cybercrime. They put powerful attack   
   tools into the hands of people who may not have the skills to build them on   
   their own, he says.    
      
   With features like drag-and-drop website builders, email templates, and even   
   contact lists, these kits enable even the least technical attackers to carry   
   out professional-looking scams.    
      
   At the same time, phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platforms are rising. These   
   subscription-based services allow criminals to launch campaigns without    
   having to manage any of the technical work themselves.    
      
   Phishing kits and PhaaS platforms lower the barrier to entry, so were seeing    
   a surge in the number and variety of attacks, Warmenhoven adds. That means   
   consumers need to be more alert than ever.   
      
   How to stay safe   
      
   Protecting yourself starts, as always, with being skeptical about unexpected   
   emails, especially ones that try to create a sense of urgency or promise big   
   rewards.    
      
   Always hover over links to check for small spelling errors or unusual domains   
   before clicking.    
      
   Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible to add a second layer of   
   protection to your accounts. This can stop attackers even if your password   
   gets compromised.    
      
   Avoid using free file sharing or video hosting sites you do not trust. These   
   often hide malware or invasive trackers.    
      
   Keep all your software and devices updated to patch known security flaws. Use   
   anti-malware tools to scan downloads, and consider installing browser tracker   
   blockers to protect your privacy.    
      
   If you accidentally click on a suspicious link or download something you are   
   unsure about, run a full malware scan immediately. If you think your   
   information may have been exposed, change your passwords right away from a   
   safe device.    
      
   Staying careful with where you browse, what you download, and who you   
   communicate with online can reduce the risks from phishing attacks and help   
   keep your information secure.   
      
   ======================================================================   
   Link to news story:   
   https://www.techradar.com/pro/usd25-software-kits-to-steal-your-personal-detai   
   ls-are-freely-on-sale-on-dark-web-heres-how-to-remain-safe   
      
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