On average, marketplaces had 109 unique vendor aliases and 3,222 product listings related to stolen data products. Marketplaces recorded 632,207 sales across these markets, which generated $140,337,999 in total revenue. On average, marketplaces had 26,342 sales and generated $5,847,417 in revenue. This trafficking of stolen data between producers, wholesalers and consumers is enabled by darknet markets, which are websites that resemble ordinary e-commerce websites but are accessible only using special browsers or authorization codes.
Understanding Darknet Market Sites
The term darknet market sites refers to online platforms found in the depths of the internet, accessible only through specialized software like Tor. These markets operate in a concealed part of the web where anonymity is paramount, facilitating the sale and purchase of various goods and services, often of an illicit nature.
Silk Road is a prime example, the original and 2.0 were shut down, though the third iteration persists today. The listings on BidenCash vary and they typically contain the card’s BIN, security code, expiration date, and type (e.g., Visa or Mastercard, credit or debit). Some listings go further by including personal identifying information (PII) such as the victim’s date of birth, social security number, phone number, email, and physical address. BidenCash also promotes its site by releasing free databases on underground forums.
How Darknet Market Sites Work
Although knowing which country counterfeits are available is helpful, products must be purchased first and subsequently shipped to be found at a border. Thus, estimation of product origins from dark markets and measures of seized goods might also vary because they capture products at different supply chain stages. Previous studies about dark markets sometimes encountered holding prices, which vendors use to mark out-of-stock listings, preventing their removal from the market (Soska & Christin, 2015; Wegberg et al., 2018). Some holding prices are very high to prevent anyone from buying the product. The advantage of a holding price is that vendors can keep showing customers what was sold and what might be coming back in stock. However, when estimating price or sale volumes on markets, holding prices with very high values can distort the actual results.
Below, we have another version of this chart showing only markets with a global customer base. Some of the markets shown in the second graph are more popular in some countries than others, but overall, the data shown below will be more relevant to investigators based in the U.S. and Western Europe. “Together with our German law enforcement partners, we have seized the infrastructure of the world’s largest darknet market, but our work is far from over,” U.S. Hydra Market, whose users were primarily in Russian-speaking countries, last year accounted for what is estimated to have been 80% of all darknet market-related cryptocurrency transactions, according to the Justice Department. All of this contributes to the volatility and criminality of cyber black markets.
DeSnake has broken this mold with their dramatic return to the public eye that included interviews with the media and identity verification through a potentially compromised PGP key. One user openly joked they would stick to purchasing their drugs on social media. DarkOwl has been unable to assess how the larger darknet community (outside of Dread) feels about the new Alphabay Market. AlphaBay historically had a vocal and persistence presence on Darknet Market Avengers forum which unfortunately, has been offline for several weeks.
Darknet market sites primarily function using a few key principles:
- Anonymity: Users and vendors rely on encryption and anonymity to protect their identities.
- Cryptocurrencies: Transactions are usually conducted using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to enhance privacy.
- User Ratings: Marketplaces often have an internal rating system that allows buyers to assess the reliability of vendors.
- Escrow Services: Many sites use escrow to make transactions safer, holding funds until both parties fulfill their obligations.
Eight Months After Hydra Shutdown, New Russian-language Darknet Markets Are Filling The Void
“I do not recall any case where this huge amount of criminal-infrastructure data was gathered,” he said. Illicit marketplaces like Genesis empower fraudsters to trick many security controls. Therefore, a comprehensive and intelligent defense is required on both the user and enterprise fronts. Users need to understand threats to their digital identity and mechanisms to safeguard it. Enterprises need to have greater visibility to detect this evolving threat.
Both Metals and Pharmaceuticals show high standard deviations, which can be attributed to a few very high-priced listings. For example, “28 g PSEUDO SPEED” for $2000 or “Lot of 10 High Quality Counterfeit Gold Bars” for $5799. As compared to the other dark web markets links, the Incognito Market is relatively a smaller one.
Darknet markets have allowed cybercriminals, fraudsters and criminals who trade in weapons, drugs and illegal products to trade without much concern of getting caught due to the anonymity provided by the deep-web. It is imperative to have an understanding on how these criminals operate and the type of information being traded to better secure ourselves. Darknet markets are websites which are hosted on the deep-web and can be accessed typically using the Tor network.
Popular Darknet Market Sites
While the landscape of darknet market sites is constantly changing, several have gained notoriety over the years:
- Other approaches to counterfeiting might involve one or more of the 25 techniques of situational crime prevention (Clarke, 1995; Freilich & Newman, 2018), which are also informed by Rational Choice theory and the RAA.
- The United States will continue our efforts to protect U.S. businesses from malicious cyber actors, disrupt these actors’ activities, and impose consequences on the cybercriminals who use their services.
- The anonymity of onion sites is the main draw of the dark web, and most dark web links are hosted on “.onion” domains due to the sensitive nature of the businesses or services they host.
- Some vendors, eager to build brand, label their drugs as “fair trade” or “organic” to appeal to “ethical” interests.
- By contrast, western DNMs offer Monero alongside Bitcoin or are Monero-only.
- Silk Road: The first and most famous darknet market, known for its sale of illegal drugs.
- AlphaBay: A significant player that was shut down in 2017 but has influenced many successors.
- Dream Market: Popular among users, often highlighted for its extensive range of products.
- Nexus Marketplace: Known for its commitment to user anonymity and various service offerings.
The Risks Involved
Engaging with darknet market sites carries inherent risks that users should consider:
- Legal Consequences: Many activities on these sites are illegal, and being caught can result in serious legal repercussions.
- Fraud: The anonymity of the darknet also opens the door to scams, with dishonest vendors potentially cheating buyers.
- Security Threats: Users may face cybersecurity threats, including hacking and data theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you buy on darknet market sites?
Items commonly sold include:
- Illegal drugs
- Stolen data
- Fake identification documents
- Hacking services
Are all darknet market sites illegal?
While many darknet market sites facilitate illegal activities, not all are inherently illegal. Some markets offer legal goods or services but operate in an unregulated space.
How do I access darknet market sites?
Accessing these sites typically requires:
- Downloading the Tor Browser
- Ensuring a secure internet connection
- Using a VPN for additional privacy
Can I trust the vendors on darknet market sites?
Trust is a significant concern in these markets. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research, read reviews, and rely on established vendors to mitigate risks.
Is it safe to use darknet market sites?
Engaging with these platforms is risky. Users face potential legal, security, and financial threats. Caution and discretion are advised when navigating darknet market sites.
Closing Thoughts on Darknet Market Sites
In summary, darknet market sites present a complex intersection of anonymity, risk, and the potential for illegal transactions. Understanding their operation and recognizing the associated dangers is vital for anyone considering venturing into this hidden part of the internet.
