Expired Domains and Credit Cards Are New Cyber Threats, Experts Warn
TechRadar reports hackers spend millions on expired domains for malware, and expired credit cards may be used for contactless payments.
These warnings draw attention to the fact that assets which are no longer in active use can still carry security risks. An expired domain may be bought by anyone, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it can become a tool for cybercrime. Similarly, a credit card that has reached its printed expiration date may not necessarily stop working in every payment terminal, creating an opening for unauthorised use. The exact mechanisms are not detailed in the reports, but the underlying message is clear: old and disregarded items deserve proper care when being discarded.
For owners of websites and domains, the advice is to keep track of expiration dates and ensure that the domain is either renewed or intentionally decommissioned. For cardholders, the recommendation is to physically destroy an expired card, especially if it is enabled for contactless features. These steps, while simple, can reduce the chances that an overlooked piece of digital or financial infrastructure is turned against its original owner.