Understanding the Dark Web Marketplace
AlphaBay mysteriously went offline earlier this month fuelling suspicions among users that law enforcement action had taken place. It was widely considered the biggest online black market for drugs, estimated to host daily transactions totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds after filling the gap left by the takedown of Silk Road in 2013 by the FBI. FBI acting director Andrew McCabe said AlphaBay was 10 times as large as the Silk Road. As the world of technology continues to evolve and expand, so do the possibilities of the dark web. Darknet markets, in particular, have been at the forefront of the underground economy, allowing users to buy and sell goods and services anonymously. However, with the increasing scrutiny from law enforcement agencies and the rise of new technologies, it’s important to consider what the future of these markets might look like.
To compile comprehensive information, we also used law enforcement documents on closures as well as a number of online forums31,32,34 dedicated to discussing dark marketplaces (see Supplementary Information Section S2). Out of the selected marketplaces, 12 were subject to an exit scam, 9 were raided, 3 were voluntarily closed by their administrators, and 7 are still active. Out of the 31 marketplaces, 3 are marketplaces dedicated to fake and stolen IDs and credit cards. 2, we present the lifetimes of the selected marketplaces and the reasons behind their closures. Although the dark web was once considered to be a relatively safe haven for those selling and buying drugs, international operations like Dark HunTor have seen regular arrests of suspects and speedy closure of marketplaces. The list of dark web markets closed just in recent years is extensive, including Dream, WallStreet, White House, DeepSea, and Dark Market.
The dark web marketplace serves as a hidden segment of the internet, accessible only through specific software that ensures anonymity. It stands in stark contrast to the surface web, where most internet users navigate freely. Leveraging a network that masks user identities, these marketplaces provide a platform for a range of activities, both legal and illegal.
How the Dark Web Marketplace Works
By the time it was shut down in October 2013, and Ross Ulbricht arrested, the site had traded an estimated $183 million worth of goods and services. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its enormous impact worldwide, demand for malicious and illicit goods, services, and data has reached new peak highs across dark web marketplaces (DWMs). Hydra market was the largest darknet market – facilitating $5 billion in transactions. In comparison, when Alphabay was seized, the FBI estimated that the market had facilitated $1 billion in transactions.
2Easy admins opted to call the data packages for sale on this market “logs”. Prices for harvested data on 2Easy are comparatively cheaper than the bots found on the Genesis market; some logs go for as little as $5. The data for sale on 2Easy comes from over 600,000 compromised devices, most of which have infostealing malware installed on them. Some of the users were in the U.S., officials said, declining to provide any other details about them. They were among the 119 people arrested around the world in connection with Genesis Market takedown. “We’re going after the users who leverage a service like Genesis Market, and we are doing that on a global scale,” the FBI official said.
Access to the dark web marketplace typically requires the Tor browser. This browser encrypts user data and hides IP addresses, enabling confidential browsing. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it operates:
- The user downloads and installs the Tor browser.
- Once opened, users can access websites with .onion domains.
- Users can browse various markets that offer goods and services.
- Transactions are often conducted using cryptocurrencies to maintain anonymity.
One of the German officers charged with analyzing the contents of the CyberBunker servers told me that the volume of data was unwieldy, but its content fascinating. “I do not recall any case where this huge amount of criminal-infrastructure data was gathered,” he said. The observation that trading volumes recover quickly after unexpected marketplace closures suggests that users may move to other dark marketplaces15,36. Law enforcement agencies have seen notable successes in identifying and apprehending darknet market operators. Their focus tends to fall on the largest markets, or those that have operated the longest.
Our results also support recent recommendations of paying attention to individual sellers rather than entire DWMs40. Law enforcement agencies, however, have only recently started targeting individual sellers. The first operation took place in 2018 and successfully led to the arrest of 35 sellers41, while the largest operation to date occurred in 2020 and led to 179 arrests in six different countries42. Our study indicates that a much higher number of highly active DWM users, on the order of tens of thousands, is involved in transactions with other DWM users.
It prioritized the creation of a safe environment for vendors and buyers to transact in. However, its admins announced the website’s closure in December 2021 due to personal reasons. This means that the money a buyer sends is placed in a secure account until the goods are received. Once the buyer confirms that the goods have been received, the money is transferred to the seller’s wallet. As you can imagine, buying banned substances or engaging in any criminal activity can land you in jail.
Types of Goods and Services Offered
Within the dark web marketplace, a plethora of items can be found. Some of the most common include:
- Illegal drugs: Various narcotics and illegal substances.
- Counterfeit products: Fake IDs, currency, and designer goods.
- Hacking tools: Software and services for hacking and cybersecurity breaches.
- Stolen data: Personal information, credit card details, and credentials.
Range Of Products
Risks Involved with the Dark Web Marketplace
Engaging with a dark web marketplace isn’t without its dangers. Users may face:
- Legal repercussions: Purchasing illegal items can lead to criminal charges.
- Scams: Many vendors may not deliver items after payment, leaving buyers with financial losses.
- Cybersecurity threats: Users may expose themselves to malware or phishing attacks.
- Personal safety risks: Engaging in illegal transactions can attract law enforcement attention.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web Marketplace
If one chooses to explore the dark web marketplace, implementing safety measures is crucial. Consider the following precautions:
- Use a VPN in addition to Tor to strengthen anonymity.
- Engage in transactions only through reputable marketplaces.
- Never disclose personal information.
- Utilize secure payment methods like cryptocurrencies.
- This approach is vastly more time-efficient and allows you to put your web monitoring on auto-pilot, reducing costs while simultaneously increasing efficacy.
- Account takeover and fraud are common outcomes seen in mobile malware attacks.
- From leaked credentials or stolen company data for sale and signs of targeted attacks, Flare provides comprehensive dark web threat detection.
- Most computer users will have heard of Silk Road, without doubt the best known and most notorious Dark Web market, where customers could order all sorts of contraband, from illegal drugs and fake IDs to computer hacking services.
- On the brighter side, the dark web provides you anonymity, privacy, and highly secure communication routes to protect reform agents such as human rights activists and journalists who are targeted by oppressive foreign regimes.
FAQs About the Dark Web Marketplace
What is the purpose of the dark web marketplace?
The primary purpose is to provide a platform for buying and selling goods that may not be available on the surface web, often of an illicit nature.
How do I access a dark web marketplace?
You can access it by downloading the Tor browser, which allows you to visit .onion sites often used for dark web marketplaces.
Is using a dark web marketplace illegal?
While accessing the dark web itself is legal, many activities conducted within these marketplaces are illegal, and engaging in them can lead to legal consequences.
Can I get scammed on the dark web marketplace?
Yes, scams are prevalent; it’s important to thoroughly research any vendor before making a purchase.
The dark web marketplace represents both a novel frontier and a perilous realm on the internet, wherein anonymity grants users freedom but also poses significant risks. Awareness and caution are vital for anyone considering exploring this hidden side of the web.
