E-Business
Kaspersky Reveals Half of Dark Web Exploit Listings Target Zero-day Vulnerabilities
Between January 2023 and September 2024, Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts identified 547 listings to buy and sell exploits targeting software vulnerabilities.
These advertisements are posted on various dark web forums and shadow Telegram channels, with half involving zero-day and one-day vulnerabilities.
However, it is difficult to confirm whether these exploits are functional, as the dark market is rife with scams. Additionally, Kaspersky found that, on average, the cost of exploits for remote code execution vulnerabilities amounted to $100,000.
Exploits are tools used by cybercriminals to take advantage of vulnerabilities in various software programs, like those from Microsoft, to commit illegal activities, such as gaining unauthorised access or stealing data.
More than half of the dark web posts (51%) offered or sought to purchase exploits for zero-day or one-day vulnerabilities. Zero-day exploits target undiscovered vulnerabilities that software vendors have not identified and patched yet, while one-day exploits focus on systems that do not have the patch installed.
“Exploits can target any program, but the most desirable and expensive ones often focus on enterprise-level software. These tools enable cybercriminals to carry out attacks, which equate to substantial gains for them, such as stealing corporate information or spying on an organisation undetected.
However, some exploit offers on the dark web may be fake or incomplete, meaning they don’t function as advertised. Additionally, a significant portion of transactions are likely to occur in private.
These two factors complicate the assessment of the actual market volume for functional exploits,” explains Anna Pavlovskaya, Senior Analyst at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.
The dark web market offers a wide array of different types of exploits. Two of the most widespread are those for RCE (Remote Code Execution) and LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) vulnerabilities.
According to an analysis of over 20 listings, the average price for RCE exploits is around $100,000, while LPE exploits typically cost about $60,000. RCE vulnerabilities are considered more dangerous, as they allow attackers to take control of a system or its components, or confidential data.
Dark web listings for buying and selling exploits, 2023-2024, where some offers can be repetitive. Source: Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence
This year, the peak level in exploit sales and purchases occurred in May, with 50 relevant posts, compared to an average of about 26 per month in the period surrounding the surge. “Peaks in the exploit market’s activity are unpredictable and hard to link to specific events.
“Interestingly, in May, the dark web witnessed the sale of one of the most expensive exploits during the analysed period – allegedly, for a Microsoft Outlook zero-day vulnerability priced at nearly two million US dollars,” elaborates Anna Pavlovskaya.
“Overall, the exploit market remains stable; while activity fluctuates, the threat is always present. This highlights the need for cybersecurity hygiene practices, such as the regular patching and monitoring of digital assets on the dark web.”
Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening its digital governance framework as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) officially assumes control of the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA) infrastructure.
The handover ceremony held in Abuja, marks the culmination of a high-level partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
This transition signals a shift from fragmented IT projects to a unified, disciplined approach to national digital investment.
The NGEA initiative forms a core part of the e-Government Masterplan 2.0 (Ne-GMP 2.0), aimed at establishing a unified and structured approach to managing government IT investments and digital resources.
The framework is designed to ensure that technology deployment across public institutions aligns with national priorities while improving efficiency and accountability.
With the system now operational, government agencies are expected to adopt more integrated digital processes, allowing seamless data sharing and interoperability.
This is anticipated to reduce duplication, strengthen risk management, and translate policy objectives into measurable digital outcomes.
Over the past two and a half years, Nigerian technical experts worked closely with their Korean counterparts to develop the architecture framework, create reference models, and execute pilot programmes in key institutions.
These include the National Identity Management Commission, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and NITDA.
Officials say the NGEA represents a shift from fragmented digital efforts to a more coordinated, citizen-focused system.
The infrastructure is hosted by Galaxy Backbone Limited, providing a secure and reliable platform for nationwide deployment.
Looking ahead, NITDA is expected to work with government stakeholders to expand and sustain the system, while the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will provide policy guidance to ensure its adoption across the country.
Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has said the government is shifting focus from expanding access to ensuring “meaningful connectivity” that drives economic growth and inclusion.
Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
The minister made the statement on Friday while addressing stakeholders at the inauguration of board members of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in Abuja.
He said that although Nigeria had made significant progress since the introduction of GSM services, millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remain either unconnected or unable to fully benefit from digital services.
Dr Tijani highlighted ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, including plans to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network and nearly 4,000 telecom towers nationwide.
He said initiatives under the USPF had improved access through projects such as rural connectivity and digital facilities in schools but stressed that the next phase must prioritise effective usage.
“It is not enough to connect a community. We must ensure that schools can teach with digital tools and that small businesses can access market opportunities,” he said, citing a pilot project in the Kura community where connectivity has enhanced access to communication, education and healthcare.
Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also called for a shift towards meaningful connectivity, noting that while data usage had grown significantly, it remained concentrated in urban areas.
According to him, recent data shows that telecom usage has increased by about 160% over the past two years, largely driven by urban demand.
“When we drill down, we see that a lot of that growth is actually in urban centres. So, the gap between those who are not connected or not meaningfully connected is growing,” he said.
Dr Maida added that the trend underscored the need for the USPF board to intensify efforts to bridge both access and usage gaps across the country.
Both officials emphasised the importance of collaboration, sustainable investment models and improved digital literacy to ensure that connectivity translates into real economic benefits for Nigerians.
A jury in Los Angeles has found technology companies, Meta and Google liable for contributing to a young woman’s social media addiction, in a case being described as a landmark ruling.
The 20-year-old woman, identified only as Kaley, argued that she became addicted to Google’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram from an early age due to their attention-driven design features.
According to her testimony, she began using YouTube at the age of six after downloading the app on her iPod Touch to watch videos about lip gloss and online games.
Kaley told the court that she joined Instagram at nine, bypassing parental restrictions put in place by her mother, and spent extended periods on social media.
The trial, which lasted about a month, with arguments and evidence from both sides.
Jurors also heard testimony from Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive, Meta and Adam Mosseri, Instagram head.
However, Neal Mohan, YouTube chief executive, did not testify.
The jury found that the companies were negligent in the design of their platforms and failed to adequately warn users about potential harms. Meta and Google were ordered to pay the woman $3 million in damages.
Jurors also recommended additional punitive damages, including $900,000 against YouTube and $2.1 million against Meta, according to company spokespersons.
The jury apportioned 70 per cent of the responsibility to Meta and 30 per cent to YouTube.
Kaley was present in the courtroom when the verdict was delivered, alongside parents of other teenagers who say they were harmed by social media use. Both companies said they plan to appeal the decision.
“We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. Teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app. We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously as every case is different, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online”, a Meta spokesperson said.
José Castañeda, Google spokesperson, said the case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.
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