The Rise of Dark Web Marketplaces

Amid the cyber warfare between those vying to succeed Hydra, Russia’s drug trade, most of it orchestrated via darknet marketplaces continues almost in plain sight. As we reported earlier this year, social media manipulation is an increasingly popular trend by nation state actors to conduct disinformation and propaganda campaigns against their adversaries. Accounts on most all prominent social media platforms are readily available for sale across most darknet marketplaces with digital goods. Long-term established accounts with more ‘followers’ and historical influence are more coveted. One can purchase 1,000 LinkedIn followers for as little as $15 USD on ToRReZ, which could be essential for a nation-state level social engineering or espionage attack, while 50,000 Instagram followers cost upwards of $350 USD.

The same vendor also has another 8 million Chinese phone numbers for only $200 USD. As we’ve recently reported in our findings regarding the SolarWinds hack, monitoring the darknet for these types of tools and malicious discussions enables organizations to understand when and if they’re a target, and prepare accordingly. At Media Sonar, we ensure that our purpose, the pursuit of freedom, safety and security for all, is applied to all the technology we create. We are trusted by law enforcement and the private sector to produce applications that help investigate crime on the Dark Web.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It has been associated with a variety of illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. One of the most notorious aspects of the dark web is the presence of marketplaces where these illicit goods can be bought and sold.

Carr Announces Investigation Into Suspected Users Of Genesis Dark Web Marketplace Following FBI Takedown Of Illicit Site

For instance, we see single vendor shop revenue spike beginning around March, around the same time traditional darknet market revenue began to fall. Similarly, single vendor shop revenue fell concurrently with the recovery of traditional darknet markets from around June through end of year. Four of the top five highest-earning darknet markets in 2022 were conventional, drug-focused darknet markets, while just one, Brian Dumps, was a fraud shop. Silk Road operated via a hidden darknet feature in the anonymous Tor network. Accessed with an app, the Tor network allowed users to anonymously browse Silk Road without the threat of traffic monitoring.

What are Dark Web Marketplaces?

Also, unlike most competitors, the new version of AlphaBay only allows users to buy and sell in the privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero, not Bitcoin, transactions of which can often be tracked through blockchain surveillance. That makes the site’s sales difficult to measure and may mean it has fewer sales per listing, since many users prefer to trade in Bitcoin. However, these developments do not mean a complete departure from darknet markets, or DNMs. Nevertheless, as long as these actors avoid arrest, the general darknet market landscape appears to be capable of healing itself.

Dark web marketplaces are online platforms where users can buy and sell illegal goods and services. These marketplaces are typically accessible only through the Tor network, which provides anonymity for both buyers and sellers. Transactions on these marketplaces are usually conducted in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, which further obscures the identity of the parties involved.

How do Dark Web Marketplaces Operate?

Dark web marketplaces operate similarly to legitimate e-commerce sites, with sellers listing their products and buyers purchasing them through a shopping cart system. However, there are some key differences. For example, many dark web marketplaces require buyers to use a vendor-specific escrow service to ensure that the seller sends the goods as promised. This helps to reduce the risk of fraud for both parties.

Title:Emergence And Structure Of Decentralised Trade Networks Around Dark Web Marketplaces

Popular Dark Web Marketplaces

There are many dark web marketplaces in operation, but some of the most popular include:

• Dream Market: One of the oldest and most established dark web marketplaces, Dream Market offers a wide variety of illegal goods and services, including drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
• Wall Street Market: Another well-known dark web marketplace, Wall Street Market specializes in the sale of drugs and other illegal substances.
• Silk Road 3.1: A successor to the original Silk Road marketplace, which was shut down by the FBI in 2013, Silk Road 3.1 is a popular destination for buyers and sellers of illegal drugs.

What Is A Darknet Market?

FAQs

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. These markets exist on the Tor network to provide users and darknet providers with security and anonymity. To protect the seller and buyer, transactions are conducted using a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and dark wallets. The only exposed link in the chain is the delivery of the goods via the postal system.

Is it illegal to access dark web marketplaces?

Accessing dark web marketplaces is not necessarily illegal in and of itself. However, buying or selling illegal goods or services on these marketplaces is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

How can I protect myself when using dark web marketplaces?

Using dark web marketplaces always carries some level of risk, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. For example, you should always use a VPN and the Tor browser to access these marketplaces, and you should never share personal information or use your real name. Additionally, you should only transact with reputable vendors and use a vendor-specific escrow service to ensure that the goods are delivered as promised.

• The FBI is cracking down on sites that peddle everything from guns to stolen personal data, and it is not only going after the sites’ administrators but also their users.
• ArXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.
• Hydra’s servers were seized in Germany by police there Tuesday morning in coordination with U.S. law enforcement.
• We also report on what can only be described as the shrewd and technologically impressive innovation in the offerings sold throughout the cybercrime ecosystem.
• Exit scams are common when vendors are considering winding up their operations.
• Users can also change the language of the site by clicking on the corresponding flag icons.

However, the most striking ones regarding cybercrime in terms of numbers are DDoS for hire services, RDP accesses, and credentials. In terms of value, data such as VIP credentials and databases stand out. Although enforcement efforts continue to target the darknet markets and the shipping of illegal products, these markets continue to grow due to the technical difficulties encountered in actually tracking down the buyers and sellers.

Can dark web marketplaces be shut down by law enforcement?

Yes, dark web marketplaces can and have been shut down by law enforcement agencies. However, new marketplaces often spring up to take their place, making it a constant game of cat and mouse between law enforcement and the operators of these sites.

Conclusion

Dark web marketplaces are a troubling aspect of the internet, facilitating the sale of illegal goods and services. While law enforcement agencies are working to shut down these marketplaces, new ones continue to emerge, making it a ongoing challenge. It’s important to remember that accessing and using these marketplaces is illegal and carries serious consequences. As a responsible internet user, it’s crucial to stay informed and avoid engaging in any activities that could put you at risk.