The Defender's Advantage Podcast AI Tools and Sentiment Within the Underground Cyber Crime Community
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Aug 18, 2025 Michelle Cantos, a Senior Analyst at Google Threat Intelligence Group, dives into the dark world of underground cybercrime. She reveals how deepfake technology is exploited for creation and monetization, shedding light on the complex landscape of illicit AI tools. The podcast discusses how threat actors leverage customized AI models, transforming conventional crime into sophisticated operations. Additionally, Cantos explores customer reviews in these marketplaces, highlighting the duality of satisfaction and deception among cybercriminals.
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No-Log, Uncensored Tools Attract Malicious Use
- Illicit AI offerings often advertise uncensored outputs and no data retention as selling points.
- These features differentiate them from legitimate models and appeal to malicious actors seeking deniability.
Watch For Integrated 'All‑In' Illicit Tools
- Expect many underground AI tools to bundle multiple capabilities into one 'all-in' service.
- Monitor for Swiss-army-knife offerings that combine LLMs, deepfake generators, and intrusion utilities when assessing risk.
Customer Reviews Drive Forum Reputation
- Underground tool listings include user reviews and heated feedback similar to commercial marketplaces.
- Michelle observed scammers being called out and vendors soliciting only positive reviews in those forums.