“I’d Like to Pay with Your Visa Card” An Illustration of Illicit Online Trading Activity in the Underground Economy

Abstract. With the growing use and financial importance of the In-ternet, cyber criminals increasingly perceive computer systems, network architectures, and databases storing transaction- and personal-related data as assets and profitable targets. As illicit activities have become more organized and monetary-driven, a digital underground economy for hacking-related goods and services has evolved. In this paper, we outline the infrastructure and modes of operation of said economy with the help of real world samples captured in a communication channel on an IRC network. Thereby, we are able to gain a better understanding of the dynamics and interactions on this market.