The Evolution and Impact of Malware-as-a-Service (Maas) in the Dark Web: Systematic Review

The rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) on the dark web has reshaped cyber threats, making advanced attacks accessible to a wider range of users, from lone hackers to organized crime and state actors. This paper systematically Freviews MaaS, examining its evolution, operational dynamics, and impact on cybersecurity policies. The study illustrates how MaaS commodifies malware, leveraging dark web anonymity to expand cybercrime by analyzing scholarly works, industry reports, and case studies. This growth increases the complexity and frequency of attacks, necessitating stronger technological solutions, adaptive legislation, and enhanced international collaboration. The findings support future research into more robust cybersecurity strategies to counter the growing threats MaaS poses.