The German Cyber Criminal Underground
Dark Web Monitoring tools work by performing a crawl of Dark Web sites, including hacker forums. These data are then used to create alerts that a security analyst can use to decide how best to deal with a threat. Now that employees are Working from Home (WFH) we need to ensure that we double-down on our efforts to prevent cyber-attacks. Monitoring the Dark Web provides your organization with the threat intelligence needed to protect against cyber-attacks across even your extended home networks. Using the darknet is a practical way to improve your organization’s security posture. Hackers who want to exploit your organization always use the darknet to publish stolen data so active cyber security experts can easily track business information available for sale by hackers.
For example, StealthMole can monitor ransomware or government-specific threat incidents, as well as domain-specific credential leaks on the dark web. This proactive approach helps investigators stay ahead of potential threats and identify ongoing criminal operations. While most cybercriminals use cybercrimes to generate a profit, some cybercrimes are carried out against computers or devices to directly damage or disable them. Others use computers or networks to spread malware, illegal information, images or other materials. Some cybercrimes do both — i.e., target computers to infect them with a computer virus, which is then spread to other machines and, sometimes, entire networks.
WFH presents a golden opportunity for cybercriminals and the Dark Web intelligence communities they use. Several potential research areas are related to the Darkweb, phishing, and cybercrime. The deep web refers to any web content that is not indexed – or pages that can’t be found with a search engine.
Understanding Darknet Markets
Hackers call firewalls ‘cotton walls’ because they tend to have weaknesses that allow intruders to penetrate them easily. Digital Information World has analysed the research findings from PrivacyAffairs. It’s shocking to see that credit card details are sold for just $120 and hacked Gmail account costs only $65, given the potential profit they can make for cybercrooks. The dark web is also unregulated, meaning that it is run and upheld by a vast network of individuals around the world. This network contains thousands of volunteers who operate proxy servers to route dark web requests.
Chapter 2 looks at the wide variety of online fraud we risk as individuals – from email scams, malware and phishing to identity theft – and big-business heists including cyberattacks on banks and corporations. Chapter 3 examines how copyright laws are pitched against freedom of information activists and asks whether there can be a happy medium that enables the creators of music, books and movies to make a living while allowing free access to their products. The Darkweb, a hidden part of the Internet, attracts individuals who seek to engage in illegal activities while maintaining anonymity. This behavior can be linked to psychological factors such as impulsiveness, thrill-seeking, and a sense of power. The past decade has seen increased publications and citations related to Darkweb research.
One of the most popular types of corporate data bought and sold on the dark web is login credentials. During the first wave of widespread COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, the number of dark web forum users grew by 44 per cent, according to Israeli cyber intelligence company Sixgill. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Beneath the water is the “deep web”, which accounts for about 90 per cent of the world’s websites.
The darknet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines, requiring specific software to access. It is notorious for hosting illegal activities, particularly through darknet markets.
- In the mid-1990s, to anonymize internet connections, scientists at the US Naval Research Lab created the first covert internet communications channel by routing and encrypting traffic through multiple servers.
- By using a large scale index of dark web data that supports regex-type queries, we can easily search for email addresses that are in the same or close to the pseudonyms that we are investigating.
- As seen above, several studies have characterized the growing magnitude of studies on Darkweb-related crimes.
How Do Cybercriminals Use Darknet Markets?
Cybercriminals exploit darknet markets to conduct a variety of illegal activities. These platforms provide a level of anonymity that is not available on the regular internet, making them attractive to users engaged in illicit transactions.
1. Selling Illegal Goods
Darknet markets facilitate the sale of various illegal goods, including:
- Drugs: One of the most common goods sold on darknet markets is illegal drugs, ranging from narcotics to synthetic substances.
- Stolen Data: Cybercriminals often sell stolen credit card information, login credentials, and personal identification.
- Weapons: Firearms and other weapons can also be purchased anonymously, posing significant risks to public safety.
- Counterfeit Products: Fake currencies, documents, and luxury goods are frequently found on these platforms.
2. Hacking Services
Many darknet markets have sections dedicated to hacking services. Criminals can find individuals offering:
- DDoS Attacks: Distributed denial-of-service attacks to disrupt services.
- Phishing Kits: Tools that help conduct phishing campaigns.
- Malware: Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
3. Anonymity and Payment Methods
The use of cryptocurrencies is a significant feature of darknet markets. Cybercriminals use cryptocurrencies such as:
- Bitcoin: The most popular cryptocurrency used for transactions.
- Monero: Favored for its enhanced privacy features.
- Ethereum: Occasionally used due to its smart contract capabilities.
These payment methods help maintain anonymity, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace transactions.
Challenges Law Enforcement Faces
Law enforcement agencies encounter several challenges when addressing crime on darknet markets:
- Anonymity: The pseudonymous nature of users complicates identification.
- Rapidly Changing Markets: New darknet markets frequently emerge while existing ones disappear, making it tough to keep up.
- International Jurisdictions: The global nature of the darknet requires cooperation between countries with differing laws.
FAQs
What is a darknet market?
A darknet market is an online marketplace that operates on the hidden part of the internet, primarily facilitating transactions of illegal goods and services.
How do users access darknet markets?
Users typically access darknet markets using special software like Tor, which anonymizes their internet activity and grants access to hidden websites.
Are all transactions on darknet markets illegal?
While many transactions involve illegal goods and services, some users may engage in legal activities, but the majority of the market is dedicated to cybercrime.
In conclusion, understanding how cybercriminals use darknet markets is crucial for law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts alike. The ease of access to illegal goods and services, combined with anonymity, creates a challenging environment for combating cybercrime.
