Q & A: What Comes After Hydra, The Darknet Marketplace That Changed Everything?
The recent Ukraine-Russia war was reflected in the cyber world, and nationalist Russian threat actors came together in some forums. Hydra, which had a long-standing review system and significant entry barriers for potential sellers, provided a useful platform for vendors, including crypto launderers, to prove that they were trustworthy. The trust Hydra commanded among users is obvious from how Kraken Market, which claims to be a project of former Hydra administrators, even designed its logo to make it similar to Hydra’s. In fact, there’s no evidence that Hydra and Kraken were developed by the same team.
Understanding the Darknet Black Market
The darknet black market refers to the hidden sections of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines. These areas are often associated with illegal activities, including the trade of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and counterfeit goods.
We chose VirtualBox due to its lightweight, high-performing virtualization features and its compatibility with Linux, the operating system used in this study [13, 20]. Additionally, the virtual machines’ browsers were configured to use The Onion Router, also known as Tor. Tor is a protocol that encrypts a user’s information and browsing data, both on the client’s side of communication and the server’s side [21].
Our research details a thriving underground economy and illicit supply chain enabled by darknet markets. As long as data is routinely stolen, there are likely to be marketplaces for the stolen information. While researching and writing this piece DarkOwl analysts observed multiple days where the site was unavailable, which is likely a continuation of the general trend of widespread DDoS attacks against the Tor network.
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. If you do visit a dark web marketplace, don’t do so without a VPN and a robust antivirus. Never share personal information and stay away from anything that looks remotely suspicious. Many digital files, like stolen credit card information sheets, often contain malicious software designed to infect computers. Unless you’re absolutely sure, we highly recommend that you avoid downloading anything off the dark web.
- Even if your online activity is completely legal, privacy is essential to avoid hackers and other snoops.
- Social security numbers, stolen credit card numbers and full identity information run for as cheap as a few bucks each.
- Through a combination of data anonymization technology, a trading platform, and a feedback system, Silk Road created a haven for drug traders.
Characteristics of the Darknet
Registration data, legal documents, and guidelines indicating buyer and seller rights and obligations are also listed here (Karimov & Brengman, 2014). Providing information on privacy protection is essential for legally operating web markets. For their illegal counterparts, confidential data treatment is key to survival, as data protection is fundamental in reducing the risk of being caught by the authorities (Thaw et al., 2009). Data protection obligations also apply to the vendor in sending product advertisements and informing potential customers. The recording and subsequent use of email addresses are subject to regulations, thus vendors must display the relevant information (Al-Dwairi, 2013). According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, more than 60% of all trading on the darknet consists of illegal drug trafficking (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021).
The darknet black market operates using specific software and protocols designed to provide anonymity and privacy to users. This allows buyers and sellers to conduct transactions without revealing their real identities.
- Tor Network: A commonly used platform that anonymizes user activity.
- Cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies like Bitcoin are frequently used for transactions to ensure anonymity.
- Forums and Marketplaces: Specialized platforms where illegal goods and services are listed for sale.
We also occasionally consulted Dread, a forum on the dark web that lists additional market URLs and discussion boards for users, vendors, and even market owners. Although all of these markets and forums were free to access, we were aware that some deeper, more illicit sites required invitation or payment for admission; we did not explore those options in this study. Market for cannabis products only, By this it wants to distance this marketplace explicitly from illegal and highly dangerous class A drugs.
Common uses include non-indexed webpages for online banking, web email, and paywall-protected content. Although more than 70 DWMs were observed at the end of last year, the four big Russian markets divide 80% of the total volume among them, while the western bitcoin-based market ASAP comes in 5th place with 7%. Asian APT groups target various organizations from a multitude of regions and industries. We created this report to provide the cybersecurity community with the best-prepared intelligence data to effectively counteract Asian APT groups. Moreover, the rise in the popularity of other cryptocurrencies with enhanced privacy features might also influence the Bitcoin mixer market.
Types of Goods and Services Found on the Darknet
The darknet black market offers a variety of products and services, including but not limited to:
- Drugs: A large portion of the market is dedicated to the sale of illegal substances.
- Weapons: Firearms and other weaponry can be purchased with relative ease.
- Stolen Data: Credit card information, personal identities, and login credentials are frequently trafficked.
- Counterfeit Items: Fake documents, currency, and luxury goods are also available.
The Risks of Engaging with the Darknet
There are significant risks associated with participating in the darknet black market, both legally and personally:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal transactions can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Scams and Fraud: The potential for being scammed is high, as many sellers are untrustworthy.
- Malware and Security Risks: Visiting darknet sites may expose users to viruses and hacking attempts.
FAQs about the Darknet Black Market
What is the main purpose of the darknet black market?
The primary aim is to facilitate the anonymous buying and selling of illegal goods and services.
Is the darknet legal?
While accessing the darknet itself is not illegal, many activities conducted within it are unlawful.
How do people access the darknet?
Users typically access the darknet through special browsers like Tor, which help maintain anonymity.
Can law enforcement track darknet activities?
While it is challenging to track activities on the darknet black market, law enforcement agencies have developed methods to infiltrate and monitor these illegal activities.
Conclusion
In summary, the darknet black market presents a complex landscape marked by anonymity, illegal trading, and significant risks. While it offers a means for individuals to engage in underground commerce, the potential legal and personal consequences should not be overlooked.
