Dark Web Marketplaces: Data For Collaborative Threat Intelligence
Monopoly is the only dark web marketplace that aims to reduce exit scams by allowing only experienced vendors to sell on their platform. They are a true walletless market which means you make the payment directly to the vendor. Sellers who deliver the goods on time receive higher ratings and a better reputation over time. Darknet markets offer sellers and buyers resources on how to get their products through the mail, such as what supplies are needed to disguise shipments and techniques to avoid detection. Things are not always as they seem when it comes to darknet market closures. When Hansa market was shut down by European law enforcement in July 2017, it was revealed that the investigators had actually been operating the market for a number of weeks.
- When browsing through different darknet marketplaces, we realized that several of the most popular ones had been shut down.
- The black market sites were allegedly purveyors of illegal drugs, guns and hacking tools, according to federal charges announced on Thursday.
- What’s more, with stolen operational data, cybercriminals can potentially interfere with or halt production lines, supply chain operations, or service delivery.
- He pointed to the recent example of “SolarLeaks,” a site on the public web that claimed to have sensitive data from companies breached in the SolarWinds attacks.
- 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.
The Dark Web Black Market: An Overview
The dark web black market refers to a collection of online marketplaces that operate on the dark web, a part of the internet accessible through specific software such as Tor.
Everything from the Grams darkweb search engine to various popular wikis (colloquially called The Hidden Wiki, even though it actually consists of a group of unrelated, individual wikis), and more, many looking professionally designed and well-programmed. That is, assuming you know where to find the right 16-character .onion addresses. Nielsen’s Law of Internet Bandwidth is an observation that states the average bandwidth speed will grow by 50% each year. Computer systems became more prevalent in households, and because of the ubiquity of always-on broadband systems with speeds increasing at a near-linear rate, Internet connectivity became a supporting element of life itself. Currency, as we mentioned earlier, became a digital thing, as did practically everything else. Music to Movies, financial and transaction information, software to corrupt it all.
These markets are notorious for the anonymity they provide, often facilitating the trade of illegal items and services.
Understanding the Dark Web
A description of our implementations, as well as an overview of our data acquisition tool, is outlined in the following three subsections. The investigation into AlphaBay revealed that numerous vendors sold fentanyl and heroin, and there have been multiple overdose deaths across the country attributed to purchases on the site. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California filed a civil forfeiture complaint against Alexandre Cazes and his wife’s assets located throughout the world, including in Thailand, Cyprus, Lichtenstein, and Antigua & Barbuda. Cazes and his wife amassed numerous high value assets, including luxury vehicles, residences and a hotel in Thailand. Cazes also possessed millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, which has been seized by the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Using a search aggregate, Cybereason Labs recently uncovered all kinds of interesting and illegal merchandise without logging into any market.
The dark web is a segment of the internet that requires special software to access. It is intentionally hidden and often associated with anonymity and privacy. Here are some key points:
- Access via Tor: Users must download the Tor browser to access dark web sites.
- Privacy and Anonymity: The architecture of the dark web protects user identities, making it appealing for illicit activities.
- Non-indexed Websites: Content on the dark web is not indexed by standard search engines.
Kilmer and Pacula (Reference Kilmer and Pacula2009) estimate a 2003 trade volume of $142 billion. Court documents used in the trial of Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht (U.S. vs. Ross Ulbricht, 2013) allege the original Silk Road grossed approximately $214 million during its two years of operation. This paper investigates a market place where feedback mechanisms and reputation are the only things keeping the market functioning, without any government taxation and regulation (Clay, Reference Clay1997; Greif, Reference Greif1989). Deep Web markets are an empirical example of the depth of robustness of spontaneous order. It shows that the principles of an unfettered market rooted in reputation and accountability can be applied to an extremely vast array of goods and services. We are fundamentally analyzing how individuals interact with each other and without government (Leeson, Reference Leeson2010; Powell and Stringham, Reference Powell and Stringham2009).
You can also find secure email services, independent journalism platforms, and even the dark web Wiki. It’s important to point out however that as long as the dark web provides an outlet for anonymously trading in illicit goods, malware, and stolen data, dark web marketplaces will continue to emerge and flourish. Though many “hidden services” are likely scams; sites like BlackMarket Reloaded — where this particular AK-47 is for sale — hold payment in escrow until the purchaser confirms possession of the product.
It is also possible for users to use different usernames on each site, so it is not unlikely that one user could have 11 different names on each market. Figure 1 below shows listed vendor names across sites, the first graph depicted below shows common sellers on Dark0de, Tor2dor Market, and Bohemia. Figure 2 shows the common sellers between the previously listed sites and Vice City. The increasing popularity of anonymizing systems and methodologies such as TOR and unlogged VPNs created an underground, hidden environment where nothing was too extreme to host or sell anymore; their world was finally free. These havens of anything-goes became the go-to for anyone wishing to participate in anything with minimal fear of being caught, coming with the unsurprising caveat of often being very seedy, immoral, and even hostile. In one such community, users communicate over the IRC protocol secured and accessible only via the TOR proxy system.
What Is the Dark Web Black Market?
The dark web black market is a subsection of the dark web where users can buy and sell illegal goods and services. Common offerings include:
- Drugs: Various types of substances, from marijuana to synthetic drugs.
- Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, and other weaponry.
- Stolen Data: Credit card information, personal identities, and hacked accounts.
- Counterfeit Items: Fake documents, luxury goods, and software.
How Transactions Work
Transactions on the dark web black market typically involve cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Finding a Marketplace: Users often find links to black markets through forums or word of mouth.
- Creating an Account: Most platforms require users to set up accounts with usernames and passwords.
- Funding the Account: Users deposit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to make purchases.
- Placing Orders: Orders can be placed, and sellers will typically ship the goods discreetly.
Risks and Legal Consequences
Engaging with the dark web black market comes with significant risks, both legal and personal:
- Legal Risks: Purchasing illegal items can lead to severe penalties including arrest and imprisonment.
- Scams: Many users fall victim to scams or receive products that do not match their description.
- Security Threats: Users are at risk of hacking, malware, or identity theft.
FAQs about the Dark Web Black Market
1. Is the dark web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities that take place there, such as the dark web black market, are often illegal.
2. Can law enforcement track dark web transactions?
While the dark web provides anonymity, law enforcement agencies have developed methods to track illegal activities, including cryptocurrency transactions.
3. How can I stay safe if I choose to explore the dark web?
If you decide to explore the dark web, consider these tips:
- Use a VPN to enhance your privacy.
- Do not disclose personal information.
- Be cautious of the links you click and the sites you visit.
Conclusion
The dark web black market presents a complex and often dangerous landscape where anonymity and illegality intertwine. Understanding the risks and operations of these marketplaces is crucial for anyone considering venturing into such realms.
