Take Action Against Identity Theft
Understanding Dark Web Markets
Killnet and Infinity – a dark forum recently launched by Killnet – have been largely silent about the takeover, instead focusing on an apparent Killnet hack of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Meanwhile, many Kraken-affiliated vendor groups on the WayAway Forum have been vying to recruit former Solaris vendors of illicit goods and services. Testing the first hypothesis highlights whether there are similarities or differences in the process of legal and illegal online shopping. Based on the answers to the related questions, we can highlight the most important trust factors in illegal trade. • Gain visibility into the dark web and cybercrime markets to prepare for previously undetected threats. Answering fundamental questions such as, “What are our crown jewels? Where are they stored? Who is accessing them, and how?” is prudent to improving monitoring capabilities.
The dark web markets are platforms that operate on the dark web, facilitating the exchange and sale of illegal goods and services. Unlike the surface web, which is easily accessible via standard web browsers, the dark web requires specific software, such as Tor, to access its content.
The marketplace has over 8,400 listings and 500 vendors who communicate in English and accept Bitcoin for transactions. Because of the range of goods and services found for sale, as well as the conversations that occur around these sales, dark web marketplaces can be immensely valuable sources of data on criminal activity. As such, they are normally under intense scrutiny from law enforcement and security professionals alike.
What Are Dark Web Markets?
This means that the amount is transferred to the vendor when they mark it as shipped, as opposed to being held in the escrow account until the transaction is completed. You can narrow down the visible products by selecting particular categories. Besides product listings and categories, you can also see your wallet balance on the home screen (if the marketplace allows that option). These websites aren’t as flashy or as well-designed as most eCommerce stores. The left-hand side features a column with different categories, as visible in the picture below.
The lack of technical knowledge and the assessment of other elements of anonymity and encryption suggest that risk perception related to data loss can be effectively influenced in the study’s target population. An example is Operation Bayonet, in which law enforcement agencies took over an entire darknet market and obtained user data, thus effectively reducing the activity of vendors and customers (Bradley & Stringhini, 2019). Informing potential users that their identity is not completely hidden, even when purchasing on the darknet, may also impact their perception of risk. The target group of the research, composed of potential customers, ranked the reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) as the most important trust factor when buying illicit drugs on the darknet.
Given the potential returns in dark web markets where personal data is the product, the cybercriminals providing that product are working continuously to keep supplies fresh. By mid-2021, White House Market had become one of the largest dark web marketplaces in the world. We also found several fake sites impersonating popular dark web marketplaces that have popped up. These fake marketplaces are used for obtaining financial information and credentials from unsuspecting users.
TRM Labs adds that eight of the top 10 mainstream exchanges that received funds from Hydra before its shutdown also received funds from its successor entities over the subsequent year. If you decide to venture to the Dark Web and browse the markets, don’t buy anything. Remember, everything that’s being sold is illegal and most likely dangerous. At the end of February 2023, there was a change in the management of the Infinity Forum. KillMilk put the Infinity Forum up for sale for unknown reasons, which may be good news that the forum may be disbanded, but KillNet has since relaunched its Telegram forum. KillNet’s Telegram forum is a different form created by managing multiple chat groups from the same hand; this forum also includes a market that offers the same services.
Dark web markets are part of a broader category known as the dark web, which encompasses sites that are hidden from traditional search engines. These markets typically sell a range of illicit items, including:
Darknets and dark markets have propelled the growth of cybercrime by offering a platform for the sale and exchange of malicious tools and services. Cybercriminals use these platforms to traffic in stolen data, execute targeted ransomware attacks, and collaborate on advanced hacking techniques. Nation-state actors, too, leverage darknets for espionage and cyber warfare, capitalizing on the obscurity and untraceability they provide.
- Drugs – Various illegal narcotics
- Weapons – Firearms and ammunition
- Stolen data – Personal information, credit card numbers
- Fake documents – Passports, IDs
- Hacking services – DDoS attacks, malware
While the announcement deals a blow to participants of Dream Market, a large number of marketplaces remain. Silk Road is a prime example, the original and 2.0 were shut down, though the third iteration persists today. Even as the dark web has changed in recent years, several security vendors have introduced new monitoring products that are tied to meet the demand from enterprise users and consumers alike. “One of the things that have changed over the last few years is that many of these discussions are carried out and finalized on more private chat services like Telegram, Discord and others,” he said. While defining the dark web — which is different from the deep web — is a bit more complicated than just onion services, and while Tor Browser is not the only anonymous browsing option, onion services represent a significant portion of the dark web. For the purposes of this article, SearchSecurity examined well-known .onion markets and websites (barring those with more extreme content).
Risks of Using Dark Web Markets
Engaging in transactions on dark web markets comes with a multitude of risks, including:
- He said the proceeds from ransomware attacks, as well as investment schemes, violent extremism and child sexual abuse material, are also being laundered through Russian darknet markets.
- A VPN encrypts your online activity and adds a layer of security to your network.
- If your personal details can be found on web search engines, then they’re most likely available on the Dark Web, too.
- Earlier this month a Kraken employee told Russian news website Lenta.ru that the market had a dedicated PR department.
- Stolen Data – Darknet markets also offer a range of stolen data, including credit card information, personal identification information, and login credentials for various websites and services.
- With an increasing emergence of darknet markets and single vendor shops, offers of counterfeits are also likely to increase.
- Legal consequences – Purchasing illegal items can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Scams – Many sellers may be untrustworthy, leading to financial loss.
- Cybersecurity threats – Exposure to malware and hacking attempts.
- Lack of consumer protection – There is no legal recourse in case of fraud.
How to Access Dark Web Markets
Accessing dark web markets requires careful steps to maintain anonymity and security. The following measures are generally advised:
- Use a VPN – Encrypts online activity and hides the user’s IP address.
- Download Tor – The Tor browser allows access to .onion websites.
- Create a secure email account – Use anonymous email services to communicate.
- Use cryptocurrency – Transactions typically require anonymous payment methods like Bitcoin.
Popular Dark Web Markets
Several notable dark web markets have emerged over the years, some of which include:
- Silk Road – The first major dark web marketplace, now defunct.
- AlphaBay – Once the largest, was shut down in 2017.
- Dream Market – Gained popularity after other markets closed.
- Wall Street Market – Known for a wide range of goods before its closure.
FAQs About Dark Web Markets
What types of items can be found on dark web markets?
Items include drugs, weapons, stolen data, counterfeit currency, and hacking services, among others.
Are dark web markets legal?
While merely accessing the dark web is legal, most activities on dark web markets are illegal and can lead to prosecution.
Can you get caught using dark web markets?
Yes, law enforcement agencies monitor these platforms, and users can be tracked and arrested for illegal activity.
How can I stay safe on dark web markets?
Use VPNs, anonymous communication, secure payment methods, and exercise caution to minimize risks.
In summary, dark web markets represent a complex and often dangerous facet of the internet, characterized by the sale of illegal goods and services. Engaging with these markets poses significant legal and security risks, and users must be fully informed of the potential consequences.
