Understanding the Darkweb Marketplace
OMG, Blacksprut, And Mega Darknet Markets Show Potential Vendor And Admin Overlap With Hydra
A different trend was found for COVID-19 guides on scamming, which saw spikes in the number of listings in correspondence to event related to relief program measures [80–82]. Restrictions have shaken the global economy and reshaped the demand for goods and services worldwide, with an estimated 2.5–3% world GDP loss since the crisis started [4]. Demand for many products has fallen; for example, the price of Brent crude oil decreased from 68.90 USD a barrel on January 1, 2020 to 43.52 USD as of August 2, 2020 [5, 6]. Meanwhile demand for other products, such as toilet paper [7], dramatically increased.
The term darkweb marketplace refers to online platforms that operate on the dark web, often facilitating the exchange of illicit goods and services. These marketplaces are generally accessible only through specific browsers like Tor, which anonymizes user activity. This allows buyers and sellers to conduct transactions with a certain level of anonymity.
How Does a Darkweb Marketplace Work?
Market closures have most commonly taken the form of “exit scams” or law enforcement takedowns. Another significant product offering on STYX are fake IDs and document forgery. With over 900 positive reviews listed on other cybercriminal websites and markets, “Podorozhnik” is one of the most credible vendors operating on STYX. His services are widely used by Dark Web actors to pass selfie and ID verifications required by digital banks, cryptocurrency platforms, and e-commerce systems.
Over the course of their investigation into the illicit online marketplace, federal law enforcement worked to identify those who purchased and used these stolen access credentials to commit fraud and other cybercrimes. This effort resulted in hundreds of leads being sent to law enforcement throughout the United States, including the Georgia Office of the Attorney General. Federal authorities also recently announced the seizure of 11 domain names used to support Genesis Market’s infrastructure.
Therefore, research any Darknet markets with Tor, being careful to visit forums and check updated information to see if any sites have been flagged as suspicious or compromised. Even if you buy something from deepweb marketplaces, you can’t make the payment via regular methods like Paypal, Payoneer, DD, Cheque or direct deposit. The Genesis Marketplace, available both on the dark web and the public internet provides an avenue for attackers to buy digital fingerprints. As shown in Figure 1, the site features a wiki, a news page, a rolling ticker of how many bots are available for sale, and a ticketing system. Finally, once the relevant sites have been located and access gained, there is still the serious challenge of monitoring the dark website to effectively gather usable intelligence.
Again, during the same period, the number of COVID-19 specific listings sharply increased. When worldwide quarantine began to ease [76] in many countries, in June and July, we registered a decrease in public attention and in available COVID-19 specific listings. Towards the end of 2020, we did not detect significant variations in COVID-19 specific listings and public attention, in correspondence of the second wave of contagions [77] and new lockdown measures in Europe [78]. Both vendors of COVID-19 specific listings and public attention have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and react more smoothly to its development. So once again, DDoS attacks were successfully orchestrated by law enforcement.
Over the past few years, we have become used to one international market dominating the dark web. Weapons – Firearms, explosives, and other weapons are also available on darknet markets. Vendors offer a range of weapons, from handguns to assault rifles, and even hand grenades and rocket launchers. Despite the illegal nature of these marketplaces, they still operate like any other legitimate online marketplace, with rules, regulations, and customer service.
A typical darkweb marketplace functions similarly to traditional e-commerce platforms but focuses on illegal activities. Here are the fundamental steps involved:
Silk Road was eventually shut down by the FBI in October 2013, following the arrest of Ross Ulbricht. German authorities and law enforcement from the US, Ukraine, Moldova and Switzerland have seized the infamous Kingdom Market cybercrime marketplace in a joint operation. Since the message was posted—on December 17—the site’s admins have disabled the registration of new accounts and the posting of new product listings. Their plan is to shut down servers in 2-3 weeks in order to allow users to withdraw funds deposited on the site, for transactions to finish, and for users to file any complaints or disputes. If you do visit a dark web marketplace, don’t do so without a VPN and a robust antivirus. Never share personal information and stay away from anything that looks remotely suspicious.
- Accessing the Marketplace: Users need to download a specialized browser such as Tor to access these marketplaces.
- Creating an Account: Buyers and sellers create accounts, often using pseudonyms to maintain anonymity.
- Browsing Listings: Users can browse a variety of illegal goods, including drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Making Purchases: Transactions usually occur in cryptocurrency, ensuring privacy and security.
- Delivery: Physical goods are often sent discreetly, while digital products may be downloaded immediately.
Types of Goods and Services Available
Various products can be found on a darkweb marketplace, including:
- Drugs: A wide range of illegal narcotics, from marijuana to synthetic opioids.
- Weapons: Firearms, explosives, and other dangerous items are available.
- Stolen Data: Personal information, credit card numbers, and login credentials can be bought.
- Counterfeit Items: Fake documents, currency, and luxury goods are often sold.
- Hacking Services: Services ranging from DDoS attacks to personal data breaches.
- Threat actors deploy a mass-registration engine that enables them to generate a large number of accounts with further alerts about activation.
- We first made sure to navigate to the “digital goods” category of each market in order to isolate the malware and cybersecurity-related products.
- Tor, now available for mobile devices as well, still offers more privacy than many other popular mobile applications [46] and Bitcoin is currently the most popular cryptocurrency in DWMs [47–49].
- Fortunately, there are alternatives available if you’re looking for a safer way to make these transactions.
Security Measures on Darkweb Marketplaces
Users of darkweb marketplaces often implement multiple security measures to protect their identities and transactions, including:
- VPN Usage: Many users employ VPNs for an extra layer of anonymity.
- Encryption: Communication may be encrypted to prevent interception.
- Escrow Services: Many marketplaces utilize escrow to facilitate secure transactions.
- Reputation Systems: User reviews and ratings help establish trust between buyers and sellers.
Legal Implications of Using a Darkweb Marketplace
Engaging with darkweb marketplaces can come with serious legal consequences:
- Criminal Charges: Purchasing illegal goods can lead to criminal investigations and charges.
- Data Breaches: Personal information may be stolen during transactions, putting users at risk.
- Fraud Risks: Many scams exist within these marketplaces, leading to financial losses.
FAQs about Darkweb Marketplaces
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, like Tor, to access.
Are all dark web marketplaces illegal?
While many operate illegally, some may offer legal services or products. However, they often exist within a framework of anonymity and can be risky.
How do I stay safe on the dark web?
Always use a VPN, refrain from sharing personal information, and use secure payment methods like cryptocurrencies.
Can law enforcement track dark web activity?
While the dark web offers anonymity, law enforcement agencies continually work on methods to track illegal activities and can sometimes trace transactions and user behavior.
In conclusion, the darkweb marketplace presents a complex landscape filled with both opportunities and risks. Understanding how these platforms operate, the types of goods offered, and the potential legal consequences is essential for anyone considering exploring this clandestine part of the internet.
