Cybersecurity Canon
The one consistent theme throughout the book is the tough job law enforcement has on its hands globally around this issue, due to the anonymous nature of the internet and cybercrime being a global challenge. A card can get skimmed in one country, duplicated in another and then used to withdraw money in Australia – but law enforcement is largely local, so police forces lack both the means and the incentive to track down culprits in different jurisdictions. Additionally, banks, supposedly the ultimate victims, tend to resist cooperation with law enforcement agencies so as not to damage their reputations or betray technological weaknesses.
Understanding the Darkmarket
It’s worth noting that the book was published in 2012, so much has changed in both the cybercrime and law enforcement worlds since. However, this is a very good read for those interested in the human aspect of cybercrime, when we all too often we get lost in the technological details. We anticipate a rise and further advancement in crypto asset stealers, leading to a corresponding increase in ads for its development and sale on the underground market. The success of malware like Angel Drainer, reportedly used in the attack on Ledger, combined with continuing interest in cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and related digital assets, is expected to fuel the proliferation of such drainers. This trend reflects the lucrative nature of targeting digital financial assets, making crypto assets an attractive target for cybercriminals. As interest in, and usage of, these assets are growing, so, too, will the sophistication and prevalence of malware designed to exploit them.
The term darkmarket refers to a segment of the internet where illicit activities are conducted, typically via anonymous networks. These markets operate on the dark web, which is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access.
Europol said it supported Germany in coordinating the cross-border collaborative effort that involved international partners. In a relentless adventure that takes her from the steamy streets of Cuba, to the dark markets of Mexico City’s ruthless cartels, the odds against Brea’s chances of success seem stacked against her as she increasingly finds herself with no one to trust. Pitted against rivals who seek to destroy her, Brea must learn to survive on her instincts alone all while battling the ghosts of her past. Whilst these efforts by law enforcement cause temporary disruption for suppliers, the reality is that these actions are unlikely to have any long-term impact. They are almost certainly pushing vendors to operate on multiple markets and embrace new ways of trading, using end-to-end encrypted applications such as Telegram and Signal. A 34-year-old Australian national who was alleged to have operated DarkMarket was arrested near the German-Danish border during the German operation.
Empire’s exit scam may have pushed buyers and sellers to reject marketplaces altogether and seek alternative technologies such as cybercriminal forums or messaging applications like Telegram and Discord. Digital Shadows (now ReliaQuest) (now a ReliaQuest company) repeatedly reported on the potential of these alternative technologies to become contenders to the marketplace model. While its transaction figures sound impressive, the reality is that DarkMarket was often excluded from cybercriminals’ discussions about marketplace preferences or recommendations because of their relaxed security practices. “Today’s bust also reminds us all that BlackMatter, Conti and other ransomware gangs aren’t the only malicious actors on the internet,” he said.
Characteristics of Darkmarkets
Darkmarkets exhibit several key characteristics that distinguish them from standard online marketplaces:
Even though the market administrator’s identity was revealed, the method to identify him remains unknown. Still, market participants have theories that the identity had been known for quite some time, possibly from seizures of other dark web markets. 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.
In addition to shuttering DarkMarket’s infrastructure, The Central Criminal Investigation Department in Oldenburg (a German city) over the weekend arrested an Australian citizen near the German-Danish border. Europol said this citizen is the alleged operator of DarkMarket, but did not give further details. It said DarkMarket processed over 320,000 transactions, with more than 4,650 bitcoin and 12,800 monero transferred on the underground marketplace, totalling roughly €140 million — a little over$170 million. DarkMarket, which boasted almost 500,000 users, was taken offline following a joint effort between authorities in Germany, Australia, Denmark, Moldova, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, through the National Crime Agency, and the United States, including the FBI.
- Anonymity: Users often seek to remain anonymous, using cryptocurrencies and other privacy tools to obscure their identities.
- Illicit Goods and Services: Commonly traded items include drugs, counterfeit products, hacking services, and stolen data.
- Encrypted Communication: Marketplaces usually facilitate encrypted channels of communication to protect users from surveillance and law enforcement.
Popular Darkmarket Platforms
Over the years, several darkmarket platforms have gained notoriety:
- Silk Road: The first and most famous darkmarket, it was shut down by the FBI in 2013.
- AlphaBay: A successor to Silk Road, it operated until its seizure in 2017.
- Hansa: Another significant darkmarket that was taken down as part of a coordinated law enforcement operation.
Risks Associated with Darkmarkets
Engaging with darkmarkets comes with substantial risks:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illicit items can lead to criminal charges and significant penalties.
- Fraud: The risk of scams is high; users may receive counterfeit items or nothing at all after payment.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Malicious actors often operate on these platforms, posing risks to users’ personal information and devices.
FAQs about Darkmarkets
What is the primary currency used on darkmarkets?
Most darkmarkets prefer cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin due to their pseudonymous nature, making transactions harder to trace.
How do law enforcement agencies monitor darkmarkets?
Law enforcement utilizes various methods, including undercover operations, blockchain analysis, and collaborations with cybersecurity experts.
Are there legitimate goods sold on darkmarkets?
While a minority of items may be legal, the majority of offerings on darkmarkets involve illegal products and services.
How can one access a darkmarket?
To access a darkmarket, users typically need a specific browser such as Tor, which allows for anonymous web surfing.
- One of the internet’s largest forums for criminal activity, has been seized and the man believed to be its operator has been arrested, European authorities announced Tuesday.
- In May, 2020, an online-crime unit in the northern German city of Oldenburg was asked to investigate.
- Some health professionals such as “DoctorX” provide information, advice and drug-testing services on the darknet.[139] The quality of products is attributed to the competition and transparency of darknet markets[138] which involve user feedback and reputation features.
- The Dark Market rose to prominence during the 2030s as Europe collapsed, but their ascension to international empire occurred during the 2040 Blackout.
What should I do if I suspect online fraud on a darkmarket?
It is advisable to report suspicions to law enforcement and avoid sharing personal information or engaging further with the suspected fraudster.
The Future of Darkmarkets
The landscape of darkmarkets is continually evolving. As law enforcement becomes more adept at tracking these platforms, new markets surface, often with enhanced security measures. The persistent cat-and-mouse game between authorities and darkmarket operators suggests that while they may change forms, the underlying demand for illicit goods continues to foster their existence.
