Content
Understanding Dark Web Marketplaces
Nonetheless, threat actors adapted, with many choosing to move to the “RuTor” forum for communications and to decentralized platforms such as Telegram-based shops for drug advertisements, as well as offline sales. Russian-speaking DNM customers were historically frequent users of RuTor, where they would exchange information. In fact, much of the Russian-language DNM ecosystem emerged from such forums. However, in the wake of Hydra’s takedown many Russian vendors set up independent vendor shops and automated Telegram shops employing Telegram shop bots, although this did not imply a wholesale move away from DNMs.
Recent research on attributing anonymised Bitcoin addresses to named entities18,19,20,21 has not yet been applied to the investigation of the dynamics of dark marketplaces. Dark Web Markets (DWMs) are the markets on the dark web that are used to access illegal products and services. Users can access illicit products, such as drugs, unregistered firearms, fake ID cards, credentials, and data sets in DWMs. These illegal shopping platforms, which gained popularity in the dark web in 2011 with Silkroad, which we call the first modern DWM, have increased their activity until today. After the Silkroad closed with the FBI operation in 2013, big names such as RAMP, one of the longest-lived dark web markets, and Hydra emerged and were later taken down.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access, creating a more secretive environment. Among the various entities operating in this hidden segment are dark web marketplaces, platforms that facilitate the trade of goods and services, often illicit in nature.
This is why a majority of Dark Web marketplaces cater to illicit commerce. These are centralized marketplaces controlled by an individual or small group for profit. They can only be accessed using a Tor browser and payments are generally made using Bitcoin, or other types of cryptocurrency.
In findings set to be published Tuesday, the threat intelligence company Recorded Future sought to map the number of so-called .onion sites reachable via the anonymity browser Tor. Researchers found 55,828 different onion domains, and only 8,416 were active, though it’s not clear exactly how many of those are used for criminal activity, Garth Griffin, Recorded Future’s director of data science, told CyberScoop. WHM is one of the few dark web marketplaces that accept monero as their only form of payment.
Silk Road grew rapidly, attracting thousands of users who saw the platform as a way to buy and sell illegal goods without the risk of being identified. Transactions on the site were conducted using Bitcoin, further ensuring anonymity. This makes it hard to find the servers behind a hidden service, which in turn makes it hard to block that service, even if it’s clearly breaking the law by selling firearms improperly or trafficking in illegal drugs.
Hidden or onion services have existed before the emergence of Silk Road in 2011, but the site was one of the first major darknet markets that helped establish the dark web’s reputation as it’s known today. Overall, our dataset includes a total of 851,199 unique listings, which were observed a total of 8,538,593 times between January 1, 2020 and November 16, 2020. In Table 2 we report the breakdown of the number of unique listings and their total observations in each of the 30 DWMs. We did not find any mention of COVID-19 on 12 DWMs (Atshop, Black Market Guns, Cannabay, Darkseid, ElHerbolario, Exchange, Genesis, Mouse in Box, Rocketr, Selly, Skimmer Device and Venus Anonymous). This makes sense as these DWMs are primarily focused on specific goods with a pre-defined listing text structure. A brief description of each DWM together with its specialization can be found in Table 7.
The Nature of Dark Web Marketplaces
Dark web marketplaces are unique online platforms that operate anonymously. They utilize encryption and specialized networks, like Tor, to conceal users’ identities and locations. This anonymity attracts a range of products, including:
- In 2020, a total of 6778 pairs of users in stable pairs met inside a DWM, corresponding to 192% of the 2019 level and to 255% of the 2018 level, see Fig.
- Wikipedia page visits saw a very high peak of page visits after the first declaration from President Trump [79], and smaller peaks in correspondence in the following declarations.
- Even in the occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian troops entering Mariupol were closely followed by Telegram bots offering hash, mephedrone and alpha-PVP, peddling their wares even before the ruined city had running water returned.
- The theme for Week 3 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021 is “Explore.
- We are beginning to understand that each police operation, taken individually, does not have much impact on the dark web industry.
- Illegal drugs
- Fake identification documents
- Hacking services
- Stolen data
- Weapons
How Dark Web Marketplaces Function
Generally, dark web marketplaces operate similarly to e-commerce sites. Users can create accounts, browse listings, and make purchases. Key features include:
- Escrow Services: Most platforms use an escrow system to protect both buyers and sellers during transactions.
- User Reviews: Feedback systems allow users to rate their experiences, helping others choose reputable sellers.
- Multi-Currency Payments: Transactions are often made using cryptocurrencies, providing an extra layer of anonymity.
The Risks Involved
Engaging with dark web marketplaces carries significant risks:
Archetyp Market
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal items can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- Fraud: Many vendors may not deliver on their promises, leading to potential financial loss.
- Scams: Users face the risk of encountering scams, where sellers may take money without delivering products.
Popular Dark Web Marketplaces
Some well-known dark web marketplaces include:
- Silk Road: One of the first and most infamous marketplaces, which has since been shut down but paved the way for others.
- AlphaBay: A major player that had a wide range of products before it was taken down.
- Dark Market: A newer platform that has gained notoriety for its extensive listings and user base.
How to Stay Safe on Dark Web Marketplaces
For those who choose to navigate dark web marketplaces, safety is paramount:
- Use VPNs: Virtual Private Networks enhance privacy and security.
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Keep identities and sensitive information confidential.
- Be Skeptical: Always question the legitimacy of listings and sellers.
FAQs About Dark Web Marketplaces
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires special software to access.
Are dark web marketplaces legal?
While accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, many activities associated with dark web marketplaces involve illegal items and services.
How do I access dark web marketplaces?
Accessing these platforms typically requires installations like Tor, which anonymizes users’ online activities.
What payment methods are used?
Dark web marketplaces mostly accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to maintain user anonymity.
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers a level of anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked, especially if users do not take necessary precautions.
In conclusion, while dark web marketplaces present opportunities for anonymous trade, they come with a host of risks and ethical considerations. Awareness and caution are critical for anyone venturing into this shadowy aspect of the internet.
