Cybersecurity Firm Offers to Buy Dark Web Accounts for Intelligence, Promises Anonymity

Threat intelligence firm Prodaft is introducing an unconventional strategy to gather insights from the cybercriminal underground: purchasing user accounts from major dark web forums.

The initiative, called SYS, invites members of five prominent cybercrime forums — XSS, Exploit.in, RAMP4U, Verified, and BreachForums — to sell their accounts directly to Prodaft in exchange for cryptocurrency. While specific payout amounts haven’t been disclosed, the company says it will offer higher compensation for accounts with elevated privileges, such as those held by administrators or moderators.

The company emphasized a no-questions-asked approach, aiming to attract individuals who may be seeking to exit the world of cybercrime. “You don’t have to justify your past. No judgment, no interrogation — just a safe and simple transaction,” Prodaft stated in its announcement.

The main goal behind the initiative is to enhance Prodaft’s ability to gather threat intelligence from inside criminal networks. Forum users interested in participating can reach out to the company via ToX chat or email (tips[at]prodaft.com). Once contact is made, Prodaft will evaluate the account and make a financial offer, detailing the payment method — typically in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero.

If the seller agrees to the deal, the account will be transferred and the payment completed. While the purchased accounts will be shared with law enforcement partners for transparency, Prodaft assures that the identity of the original owners will remain confidential.

To qualify for the SYS program, accounts must have been created before December 2022 and must not be associated with individuals on law enforcement’s Most Wanted lists.