How Do Dark Web Forums (DWFs) Work?
Within this space, lies the dark web — anonymized websites, often called hidden services, dealing in criminal activity from drugs to hacking to human trafficking. Here at CybelAngel we share in-depth Threat Notes prepared by our expert REACT team with our clients to provide contextualized profiles on threat actors, including emerging dark web marketplaces as well as the evolution of key threat actors. For organizations to effectively protect themselves from these continuously changing threats, cybersecurity strategies must include monitoring both of these platforms.
Casual term which referes to any dark web user whose identity is unknown or “anonymous”. Individual in charge of the management and security of an organization’s network infrastructure and servers. We’ve created a full incident response guide to this very question which you can read here. It concerns vendor breaches but the same logic applies to all data breaches. IBM data shows that the average costs of global data breaches continues to climb (in 2023 it increased by 15% to USD $4.45M compared to 2020).
Understanding the Dark Web Forum
As a result of those measures and others, “Exploit has been a mainstay in the cybercriminal landscape for years,” said Harrison Van Riper, a senior analyst at Digital Shadows who conducted the research. They are used by hackers who do not always follow ethical hacking practices but do not engage in illegal activities. Black hat forums – These forums are used for discussing illegal activities, such as identity theft, hacking, and cybercrime. Underground forums – These are exclusive forums that are not open to the public.
The dark web forum is an integral part of the broader dark web ecosystem, serving as a platform for communication, exchange, and transactions that often evade typical scrutiny. Many are drawn to these forums for a variety of reasons, including the pursuit of illicit activities, privacy concerns, or the allure of anonymity.
RaidForums is a site dedicated to sharing hacked databases and tools to perpetrate credential stuffing attacks. CryptBB, which launched in 2017, started out life as a private English-speaking hacking forum known for its rigorous application policy, only accepting members who passed an interview. They have, however, recently been expanding with a new section of the site for “newbies”. Scam report posts “are a rich, and underexplored, source of intelligence,” argues Wixey.
“There are some search engines, but they’re not very robust,” Rhysider adds, although they can help you find forums to see what people are talking about. “That makes [the Dark Web] more mysterious, because you’re kind of just bumping around in the dark.” Anti-crime efforts are also stymied by the fact that “it depends on how you define illicit activities,” Samtani says.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing these sites typically requires special software, such as Tor, which anonymizes users’ locations and usage. Within this realm, dark web forums thrive, offering services and information that are often illegal or controversial.
“We get these glimpses of it every now and then with different bills [legislators are] trying to pass” to throttle the Internet so people can’t get to certain places, Rhysider says. “Yeah, it brings in some terrible things, but overall, it has a net benefit.” Rhysider has been on Tor many times and says that unless you know where to go, “nothing happens … it’s a very dark version of the Internet,” with no Google you can use to ask to be shown around. All the website URLs are long and complex, so a person has to do some research to figure out where they want to go.
Key Characteristics of Dark Web Forums
The forum is thought to have emerged after Reddit banned a number of subreddits related to darknet market discussions (e.g. r/darknetmarkets). This allowed Dread forum to grow a large user base more quickly than many other darknet forums. The site has been widely reported as facilitating criminal activity, such as the case of Zachary Shames, who in 2013 sold a keylogger that was used to steal personal information. The forum caters mostly to a young audience who are curious and occasionally malicious but still learning. “We observe a handful of new ransomware double extortion pages a month; in some cases, these are rebrands of previously known ransomware groups. The volume of dark web domains has remained stagnant, even though the overall traffic has increased recently,” Estes says.
- Anonymity: Users typically remain anonymous, using pseudonyms and encrypted communication.
- Specialized Content: Discussions may revolve around hacking, illegal drug sales, or whistleblowing.
- Membership Requirements: Many forums require members to go through a vetting process or to be invited by existing members, enhancing the sense of exclusivity.
- Security Measures: Forums often implement tight security protocols to protect their members from law enforcement and other threats.
Popular Topics Discussed on Dark Web Forums
Dark web forums cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Cybercrime: Hacking guides, malware distribution, and data breaches.
- Drug Trade: Buying and selling illegal substances anonymously.
- Whistleblowing: Sharing sensitive information about governments or corporations.
- Identity Theft: Trading stolen personal information.
- Digital Privacy: Tools and techniques for maintaining anonymity online.
Risks Associated with Dark Web Forums
While the dark web forum offers a myriad of opportunities, it also comes with substantial risks:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to serious criminal charges.
- Scams and Fraud: Many scams target unsuspecting members, often resulting in financial loss.
- Malware Exposure: Visiting these forums can put users at risk of malware infections.
- Data Breaches: Personal information shared on these forums can be exploited.
How to Navigate Dark Web Forums Safely
If one chooses to explore a dark web forum, adhering to safety protocols is essential:
- Use a VPN: Always connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to enhance anonymity.
- Secure Browsing: Utilize the Tor browser to access dark web forums safely.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge on cybersecurity to avoid threats.
- Limit Personal Information: Never share personally identifiable information.
FAQs about Dark Web Forums
What is the purpose of a dark web forum?
Dark web forums serve as platforms for users to discuss and engage in various activities, often related to illegal operations, digital privacy, and technology.
Are dark web forums legal?
The forums themselves may not be illegal, but many of the activities discussed or conducted on them can undoubtedly lead to legal trouble.
How can I access a dark web forum?
Access typically requires the Tor browser or similar software, along with knowledge of specific URLs since these sites are not indexed.
What should I avoid on dark web forums?
Avoid engaging in illegal activities, sharing personal information, or downloading files from untrusted sources, as these actions can have serious consequences.
- XSS.is is a well-known dark web forum that has been around since at least 2004, making it a veteran among today’s active underground forums.
- This provides users with a sense of anonymity and privacy, making them attractive to those engaged in illegal activities.
- To protect themselves, organizations must remain vigilant and prioritize security measures – including patch management and proactive threat monitoring – to safeguard against potential attacks.
- Three cryptomarket forums incudes the Silk Road 1 forum (left), the Silk Road 2 forum (middle), and the Agora forum (right).
In summary, the dark web forum is a fascinating yet perilous corner of the internet that attracts individuals for various reasons. While exploring, adherence to safety protocols and awareness of the associated risks is crucial for a secure experience.
