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He noted, new dark web marketplaces eventually emerge to replace those that have closed, and users simply migrate to those new websites and to existing competitors. German law enforcement has shut down an internet market where users bought and sold narcotics, stolen data and hacking tools, authorities said Tuesday. Over the years, DarkMarket has generated about 140 million euros ($170.2 million) in revenue by selling drugs, malware, credit cards and more, according to Europol, which announced the takedown Tuesday.
They plan to do this by replacing the word “Dark” with, well, almost anything else. Infosec Insider content is written by a trusted community of Threatpost cybersecurity subject matter experts. Each contribution has a goal of bringing a unique voice to important cybersecurity topics. Twitter is blasted for security and privacy lapses by the company’s former head of security who alleges the social media giant’s actions amount to a national security risk.
Understanding the Darkmarket Ecosystem
The term darkmarket refers to online platforms that facilitate the buying and selling of goods and services that may be illegal or unregulated. These marketplaces operate deep within the dark web, employing encryption and anonymity to protect users.
This means that police probably have, in this seizure, significant information about the administrators of the next big dark web markets. Additionally, it means that dark web markets are not isolated ecosystems, but rather interconnected economies that can be leveraged to better understand one another. Past research has found that not only do police operations have limited impact on the criminal underground, but that participants adapted quite fast. We should therefore not expect a long lasting impact on the remaining dark web markets.
Transactions conducted on it in cryptocurrency were worth more than 140 million euros ($170 million). In the first arc of the anime series Lupin the 3rd Part V, Lupin III steals digital currency from the “Marco Polo” darknet market. For a local machine configuration he recommends a computer purchased for cash running Linux, using a local Tor transparent proxy.
The recent alleged seizure of the carding AVC Joker’s Stash’s Blockchain DNS domains didn’t generate as much discussion as we might have expected. And, a few weeks on from the takedown of the “largest darknet marketplace”, DarkMarket, the ripples in the cybercriminal underground are barely discernible. Taking this as our starting point, in this blog we’ll dive into the cybercriminal community’s reaction to the recent seizure of DarkMarket and ask why this news has not had the impact some might have expected. At the same time, the Italian authorities have moved against two other dark web markets, DeepSea and Berlusconi, and arrested four people alleged to be involved in their administration. As the end of the book approaches, you may, like me, start to become a little befuddled as to just who really is which alias; but the book closes with a nice epilogue of the arrests and sentencing, which highlights just how tough it can be to determine the scope of cybercrime and its impact.
Characteristics of Darkmarkets
In addition to Europol, law enforcement agencies from Germany, Australia, Denmark, Moldova, Ukraine, the United Kingdom (the National Crime Agency) and the USA (DEA, FBI, and IRS) participated in the operation. Over the weekend, German authorities arrested an Australian citizen who’s allegedly the operator behind the marketplace near the German-Danish border. A German cybercrime unit’s findings also made it possible to shut down DarkMarket and to seize its servers (more than 20 of them) in Moldova and Ukraine.
DarkMarket, reportedly the world’s largest dark web marketplace, has been taken offline by a Europol-coordinated international operation, according to authorities (via Gizmodo). German law enforcement arrested the Australian man believed to be the operator of the illegal site, and seized 20 servers that hosted it, bringing an end to what had become a hotbed of illegal activity. “The vendors on the marketplace mainly traded all kinds of drugs and sold counterfeit money, stolen or counterfeit credit card details, anonymous SIM cards, and malware,” Europol said. Furthermore, the Treasury Department’s February 2002 National Money Laundering Risk Assessment5 noted that darknet markets allow criminals to sell stolen personal or business data obtained by their unauthorized access to victim computers or computer networks.
Darkmarkets often share common characteristics, making them distinct from regular e-commerce platforms:
- Anonymity: Users typically operate under pseudonyms, utilizing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to conceal their identities.
- Decentralization: Many darkmarkets use peer-to-peer networks, reducing the risk of being taken down by authorities.
- Variety of Goods: These markets offer a wide array of products, including drugs, weapons, counterfeit items, and stolen data.
- User Reviews: Similar to mainstream e-commerce sites, users can leave feedback on sellers, helping to establish credibility.
How Darkmarkets Operate
The operational model of a darkmarket typically involves several key components:
- Access: Users need specific software, like Tor, to access these hidden sites.
- Registration: Most darkmarkets require users to register and create an account.
- Transactions: Goods are purchased using cryptocurrency, offering secure and anonymous transactions.
- Delivery: Sellers usually ship items discreetly, often using common postal services.
Risks Associated with Darkmarkets
DarkMarket, Reportedly One Of The Biggest Dark Web Marketplaces, Shut Down By Authorities
Engaging in transactions on a darkmarket involves numerous risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Participating in illegal trade can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Scams: Users face the risk of fraud, as there are many dishonest sellers and services.
- Security Threats: Personal information can be compromised, exposing users to hacking and identity theft.
Popular Darkmarkets
Several prominent darkmarkets have gained notoriety over the years:
- Silk Road: This was one of the first darkmarkets, focusing on the sale of illegal drugs.
- AlphaBay: This marketplace was known for its extensive range of illegal goods before being shut down in 2017.
- Dream Market: A significant player before it closed its doors in 2019, offering numerous illicit products.
- They bought and sold specialized equipment for skimming card and PIN numbers, and for cloning data to blank cards.
- For operations security he suggests avoiding storing conversation logs, varying writing styles, avoiding mobile phone-based tracking and leaking false personal details to further obfuscate one’s identity.
- “Full info” data – such as a bank customer’s name, account number, Social Security number and any other information needed to open or hijack a bank account – went for $150 per account with a $10,000 balance and $300 for one with a $20,000 balance.
- The stored data will give investigators new leads to further investigate moderators, sellers, and buyers.
Future of Darkmarkets
The future of darkmarkets remains uncertain as law enforcement agencies continue to target these platforms. However, users and developers are constantly finding ways to create new marketplaces and enhance their anonymity. As the technology progresses, the accessibility and functionality of darkmarkets are likely to evolve.
FAQs About Darkmarkets
Q: Can darkmarkets be accessed using normal browsers?
A: No, darkmarkets require specific software like Tor to access the hidden services that are not indexed by traditional search engines.
Q: Is it legal to browse darkmarkets?
A: While browsing darkmarkets is not illegal, participating in the transactions of illegal goods is against the law.
Q: What measures can users take to stay safe on darkmarkets?
A: To stay safe, users should:
- Utilize strong encryption tools.
- Communicate using secure channels.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Carefully research sellers before making purchases.
In conclusion, darkmarkets present a complex landscape that intertwines with issues of legality, morality, and technology. Understanding their workings can offer insights into the broader implications of digital black markets.
