A Cybercrime Renaissance
Right now, there are 19 billion passwords for sale on the dark web. 19 billion.
Right now, automated scanning attacks conduct 36,000 scans per second in search of network vulnerabilities.
And right now, with every advance in ChatGPT, MS Co-pilot, and the many other AI engines, an equal advance takes place in nefarious AI engines dedicated specifically to hacking and exploitation.
According to Fortinet’s latest Global Threat Landscape report, “the growing cybercrime market is thriving on cheap and accessible wins, and as AI evolves, it’s already lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring cybercriminals, increasing access to the tactics and intelligence needed to execute attacks regardless of an adversary’s technical knowledge.”
Folks, the days of “my business isn’t big enough to get hacked” are long gone. First, cybercriminals are no longer what you have thought of as a “hacker.” They do not need advanced computer knowledge. So many tools, tactics, and credentials are for sale on the dark web that only a little nefarious gumption is needed to make a few bucks.
Forget the 90s Hollywood version of hackers—sweaty, chain-smoking coders hunched over computers, manually running “brute force” attacks for hours. That’s not what cybercrime looks like anymore.
Today’s attacker is more likely to be an average tech user with nefarious intent and access to powerful tools. They don’t need advanced computer skills—they need only a browser, a wallet, and a little malice.
Imagine this:
- They visit an Amazon-like dark web marketplace
- Purchase a phishing kit, malware service, or ransomware package
- Use AI-driven engines to plan, write, and even automate their attack execution
No code writing. No terminal hacking. Just drag, drop, deploy.
Now, this average tech user with nefarious intent has launched sophisticated attacks with minimal technical skill. All without coding skills OR the sweat and cigarettes.
AI Is Fueling a New Era of Cybercrime
Just as AI can write your emails or automate your workflow, it can do the same for criminals:
- Crafting hyper-personalized phishing emails
- Automating vulnerability reconnaissance
- Using deepfakes or synthetic content for impersonation
- Making cyberattacks faster, cheaper, and more effective
This is no longer elite hacker territory. It’s cybercrime-as-a-service, and anyone can buy in.
SMBs Are Prime Targets
Most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are not prepared for this. Many assume they’re “too small” to be targeted.
But today, SMBs are the big fish—not because of the size of their wallets, but because of the size of their vulnerabilities. Attacking an unprepared business is easier and more profitable than penetrating a heavily protected enterprise system.
3 Things You Can Do Right Now
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Passwords alone are not enough. MFA adds a crucial second layer that can stop most automated attacks cold. - Educate Your Team About Phishing
The vast majority of attacks start with a simple click. Train your staff to spot fake emails, urgent messages, and social engineering tactics. - Get a Cybersecurity Assessment
You can’t fix what you don’t see. Get an expert evaluation of your network’s vulnerabilities before an attacker finds them.
Conclusion
Robust Cybersecurity is truly a new utility for your business, just like electricity or internet. It is not a luxury for “big business” – it’s an absolute necessity for SMB owners.
Want help identifying where your risks are and how to reduce them? Let’s talk! At BIT Services, we offer:
- FREE Network Security Assessment. This assessment reveals weaknesses in your computer security that leave you vulnerable to cybercrimes. (PRO TIP: after countless assessments, we’ve never found a network that DIDN’T have vulnerabilities!)
- Moneyback guarantee. If you are not pleased with our service, we will refund 100% of the money you’ve paid us for the last month of your managed service contract.
Give us a call at 803-226-0837 and let us evaluate your network vulnerabilities.