Eight Months After Hydra Shutdown, New Russian-language Darknet Markets Are Filling The Void
Understanding the Landscape of Darknet Markets
According to Chainalysis, there were 37 darknet markets operating at the end of 2020. Using SOCRadar Extended Threat Intelligence, when you have leaked or stolen data about your organization on the dark web and black markets, it can be detected automatically and take proactive measures. Like hacker forums, critical data such as VIP credentials, employee data, and espionage information are sold in dark web markets as well. Infinity Forum will target NATO and Western countries with its ideological aims throughout the Russian-Ukrainian war. Whilst a great many products are sold, drugs dominate the numbers of listings, with the drugs including cannabis, MDMA, modafinil,[107][108][109] LSD, cocaine, and designer drugs.
As the internet evolves, so do the clandestine ecosystems operating within it. One pressing question among users and researchers alike is: what darknet markets are up? The term “darknet” refers to parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, often requiring specific software to access. This unregulated space has given rise to various marketplaces, each with unique characteristics.
Unfortunately, DeSnake’s contributions written in a mixture of English and Russian backfired and senior members of XSS berated them for their lack of operational security and inability to properly understand the dynamics of the Russian language. Interestingly, AlphaBay’s former moderator “Disc0” also chimed in, but using a lowercase “d” this time. Since early May of 2020 alone, DarkOwl has witnessed an astonishing 76.92% increase in vendor registration volume. So far, no other marketplace has been able to dominate the Dark Web market like Hydra did in its heyday.
Current Status of Darknet Markets
The concept of darknets emerged as a response to concerns about digital privacy and government surveillance. One of the most well-known technologies enabling darknets is the Tor network, which was developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the mid-1990s and later released to the public. Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” routes internet traffic through a global network of volunteer-operated servers to anonymize a user’s online activity. This technology initially had noble intentions, aiming to protect activists, whistleblowers, and individuals in repressive regimes. However, it soon became a double-edged sword as malicious actors began to exploit its capabilities for illicit purposes.
Monitoring the availability and activity of these marketplaces can be complex. Many darknet markets come and go frequently, so understanding whether they are operational is critical for users. Here are some common indicators to check:
Although eight of the darknet markets active in 2018 closed in 2019, eight new ones opened, keeping the total number of active markets steady at 49. On average, each active market in 2019 collected more revenue than those active in any other year, apart from during the height of Silk Road’s heyday in 2012 and 2013. As we’ll examine in more detail later, it appears that when some markets close, others are able to pick up the slack and satisfy customer demand. Alphabay Market was originally operating from 2014 to 2017 with alpha02 and DeSnake as admins and was the biggest darknet market in history. It was suspected as an exit scam; however, a few days after it had gone offline, it was revealed that AlphaBay had been seized and alpha02, aka Alexander Cazes, was caught. However, cashing-out the proceeds of their activity will increasingly become a challenge.
Respondents ranked vendor reliability (TF 2) as the second most important trust factor in illegal drug purchasing on the darknet. In addition, most of the respondents would prefer to purchase drugs online than in person. Both findings indicate that the perception of the reliability of markets and vendors determines potential customers’ decisions. The escrow system used in darknet markets provides an additional technical guarantee of payment security by depositing the price of the ordered product and releasing it upon receipt if both the vendor and the customer agree (Moeller, 2022).
In June, OMG suffered a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, which likely caused vendors and customers to migrate to Mega Darknet Market and Blacksprut Market around that time. Similarly, Blacksprut was hacked in late November, which coincides with its decline from its peak revenue share of 68.5% a few weeks prior. Given the illicit nature of darknet markets, it’s unsurprising that vendors and users would seek to leave a market that has suffered a data breach. Fraud shops are a unique segment of darknet markets that sell stolen data such as compromised credit card information and other forms of personally identifying information (PII) that can be used for fraudulent activity. This decline was triggered in part by the closure of prominent fraud shops like Bypass Shop, which was shut down in March. Brian Dumps, the biggest overall fraud shop for the year, also appears to have suffered a disruption as its revenue fell almost to zero in October, though it’s unclear exactly why.
- Europol said Tuesday the seizure of Monopoly Market’s criminal infrastructure provided “troves of evidence” authorities used to compile “intelligence packages” for investigators to pursue.
- Sara ran the security team at Demand Media for 6 years; prior to Demand Media, she held various roles in the information security community over 11 years at Network Computing Architects and Conjungi Networks.
- Interventions should then be integrated into a comprehensive drug policy framework that includes other elements, such as targeted harm reduction and treatment.
- Darknet markets are one of the most notorious parts of the dark web, where illegal goods and services are traded.
- After conducting undercover purchases from Robertsson on Flugsvamp to confirm he was still selling drugs, Stefan and his team received warrants to tap Robertsson’s phone, put a GPS tracker on his vehicle, and watch his house with cameras.
- I actually ended up asking a friend who studied computer science to come over and help, as he had experience with the marketplaces.
Yet, like the Hydra of Greek legend, whose heads multiply when they are severed, a new generation of darknet markets popped up to challenge for control of a market worth at least $1.37 billion, according to unofficial estimates. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which escalated to a war of conquest in February 2022, has also had an impact on darknet markets. “The war has widened the splits in the cybercrime underground,” Ian Gray, director of analysis and research at Flashpoint, told Information Security Media Group. In early 2022, Russian authorities disrupted major carder markets selling stolen payment card data, including UniCC, Ferum Shop, Sky-Fraud and Trump’s Dumps, aka TDStore.
- Market Status Websites: Websites dedicated to tracking darknet markets often provide live updates on which platforms are currently operational.
- User Forums: Discussions on forums focused on the darknet can reveal the latest information about specific markets.
- Market Activity Reports: Some groups produce regular reports analyzing market trends, including uptime statistics.
Popular Darknet Markets and Their Status
Here is a brief overview of several well-known darknet markets as of the latest updates:
- Hydra:
Primarily serving Russian users, this market remains one of the largest and most active. Its strong encryption and extensive vendor listings have contributed to its long-standing presence.
- Empire Market:
After initial reliability issues, Empire Market has been a stabilizing presence, offering various goods and services.
- MarketPlace:
This platform has witnessed fluctuations in availability but is still operational. Users should remain aware of potential downtime.
What to Expect When Navigating Darknet Markets
Before exploring what darknet markets are up, it’s essential for users to familiarize themselves with the environment. Consider the following:
- Security Risks: Engaging in darknet activities can expose users to security threats, including scams and law enforcement monitoring.
- Legal Implications: The sale and purchase of illegal goods and services can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Cryptocurrency Usage: Most transactions occur in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which adds an extra layer of anonymity but also complicates the user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sources for checking active darknet markets?
Dedicated market tracker sites that monitor various markets and provide real-time status updates are reliable sources.
How often do darknet markets go offline?
It varies significantly; some markets may only last a few months, while others can operate for years. Most have fluctuating uptime based on law enforcement actions or internal disputes.
Is it safe to buy from darknet markets?
No, it is generally not considered safe. Users face numerous risks, including scams, poor product quality, and potential legal consequences.
Conclusion
Staying informed about what darknet markets are up is crucial for potential users considering operating within this shadowy realm. By utilizing the right tools and being aware of associated risks, individuals can navigate this complex landscape more effectively, though caution is always advised.
