Italy Struggles to Combat Credit Card Fraud as Dark Web Activity Surges

Rome, Italy - The dark web has become a hotbed for credit card fraud, with hackers targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses alike. According to the latest report by CRIF Cyber Observatory, the exchange of compromised email account credentials on the dark web continued to soar in 2022, with phone numbers and first/last names being particularly vulnerable.

The Rise of Credit Card Fraud

• The combination of phone number and first name and last name was the most commonly involved in online circulation of personal data, increasing by 4.4% compared to the previous year.
• Similarly, the combination of credit card credentials saw a significant surge, with 55% of all detected cases occurring in North America.

Italy’s Vulnerability

Italy remains a prime target for hackers, ranking 14th globally in terms of credit card fraud activity. The “it” domain was also one of the most affected domains by online password theft, with over 25% of users aged 60 and above receiving alerts from CRIF services for personal data protection.

Phishing Attacks on the Rise

The report highlights the growing threat posed by phishing attacks, with the majority of users sent alerts being men (63.2%). Geographically, the North and Center regions of Italy received the most alerts, but proportionally, inhabitants of Sicily, Molise, and Umbria were more affected.

Combating Credit Card Fraud

To combat this rising threat, CRIF promotes several cyber educational initiatives, including the game Cyberninja, which aims to increase awareness about phishing among young people and adults alike. The results achieved in just a few months show that young people can better recognize phishing attempts, while millennials and adults obtained an average score, with the over-64 age group being more vulnerable.

“CRIF is committed to promoting cybersecurity education and awareness, particularly among young people, who are often the most targeted by hackers,” said Beatrice Rubini, CRIF’s representative. “Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their digital identity and protect themselves from online threats.”

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and education on cybersecurity best practices, as well as the importance of implementing robust security measures to prevent data breaches. As credit card fraud continues to rise, it is essential that both individuals and businesses take proactive steps to safeguard their personal and financial information. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, Italians can reduce their risk of falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated attacks.