Exploit kits are malicious toolkits used by cybercriminals to automatically scan for and exploit security vulnerabilities in software, typically web browsers, plugins, or applications. Once a vulnerability is found, the kit delivers malware without the user’s knowledge or interaction.
Angler and Nuclear were two of the most notorious exploit kits. They were often used to spread ransomware, banking trojans, and other malware. These kits were typically deployed on compromised or malicious websites. When a user visited the site, the kit would silently probe their system for weaknesses. If successful, it would exploit the flaw and install malware.
Both Angler and Nuclear were popular in the mid-2010s but have since been taken down or abandoned due to law enforcement actions and shifts in cybercriminal tactics. However, the concept of exploit kits remains relevant, and newer versions still pose a threat today. Keeping software up to date and using security tools can help defend against them.