The Life And Death Of Dark Web Markets
Are Darknet Markets Still a Thing?
The dark web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google. You can only access websites on the dark web using a specific onion link and a special browser known as the Tor browser. There were more than 45 darknet marketplaces operating in 2022, with some of them being relatively legitimate while others can be downright harmful. Most of us have heard about a dark web marketplace where one can buy anything from weapons to fake or hacked bank accounts. Avast One helps you hide your online activity, while featuring an array of other security and privacy tools, including online banking protection, data-breach monitoring, and anti-malware detection. Whether you want to access dark web markets or simply browse anonymously online, using a VPN alongside the best privacy browsers like Tor — which is still available to access the dark web today — can help protect your privacy and security.
It could even be because the admin implemented an exit scam, which is what happened with Empire Market, where the admin team is estimated to have made off with some $30 million worth of Bitcoin in August 2020. Because of the range of goods and services found for sale, as well as the conversations that occur around these sales, dark web marketplaces can be immensely valuable sources of data on criminal activity. As such, they are normally under intense scrutiny from law enforcement and security professionals alike.
Marketplaces such as Evolution have also pulled exit scams on users by withdrawing escrowed BTC to their personal wallets. Dark web markets are primarily used to sell narcotics, stolen data, illegal goods and services, and counterfeit items. While you might be curious to explore these darknet marketplaces yourself, our general advice would be to steer clear of them. The dark web is generally unsafe, and in many cases, dark web marketplaces are often the hub of criminal activity and illicit trade. Despite demand for legitimacy, the world of darknet markets is rife with shady characters, scams, and instability. The marketplaces are also a hotbed for cyberattacks, and the threat of law enforcement means they could be shut down at any time.
Eternos will be available on AspaNET, but it is uncertain if it will also be available on other darknets (like TOR and I2P) or if it will be an AspaNET exclusive. For trouble-free operations it should have infrastructure that will handle Eternos and other new projects. As the Hydra crew will be its operator, its maintenance budget will be coming from criminal activity. If Russian authorities have something to do with it, they would have the possibility of extending their surveillance with this network. So it is possible that it will be another international darknet, but probably made and controlled in cooperation with the Russian intelligence services. According to the announcement, AspaNET can bypass Internet censorship and filtering made by the Chinese Golden Shield Project and the Russian Sovereign Internet.
Agora was a darknet market operating in the Tor network, launched in 2013 and shut down in August 2015. New Zealanders have a history of innovative solutions to the so-called “tyranny of distance”. They also have a relatively high level of digital engagement and online shopping habits by international standards. It was the largest marketplace in the world till early 2022 and was notorious as the destination for ransomware hacks. They also recovered close to 23 million euros in BTC by seizing Hydra’s servers. As you can imagine, buying banned substances or engaging in any criminal activity can land you in jail.
In recent years, the darknet has gained significant attention from various sectors, from law enforcement to tech enthusiasts. The question lingering in many minds is: are darknet markets still a thing? This article delves into the current state of these underground marketplaces, their evolution, and what to expect moving forward.
Originally created by the US Government, TOR is an anonymising browser that allows users to enter the darknet and blocks their identity. Adding to this layer of security and anonymity is the use of cryptocurrency to make transactions on the darknet. Sanctioning the various actors in the global cryptocurrency laundering and cashout ecosystem has caused disruptions for these services.
Hydra darknet marketplace is currently the biggest Russian language darknet Market (DNM). In December 2019, the Hydra crew announced the creation of several new projects, the most important of which are Eternos and AspaNET. The Hydra crew initially planned to launch new projects in September 2020, but in June they postponed it for an unspecified time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the events in the English-speaking sphere of TOR during the last 18 months, current instability among DNMs and uncertainty among darknet users, it could be an opportune time for a new player to take the stage. Despite the user-friendly and familiar interface of the darknet markets, it is still a place where many criminals find their victims. Of course, such marketplaces were designed to present a whole range of illegal or semi-legal products and services.
The Rise of Darknet Markets
Initially, darknet markets emerged as platforms for purchasing illicit goods and services, often using cryptocurrencies for anonymity. The Silk Road, created in 2011, was one of the first major darknet markets and set the stage for many successors.
Current Landscape of Darknet Markets
Despite increased law enforcement efforts to shut them down, darknet markets continue to operate, albeit in more sophisticated ways. Here’s an overview of the current landscape:
- DDoS service listings typically range from $20 to $100 per day based upon bandwidth and duration requirements.
- Bangkok vowed to conduct an autopsy, while US authorities had no interest in verifying the legitimacy of the suspect’s death.
- I compile a dataset of 87 public English-language darknet markets (DNMs) 2011–2016 in the vein of the famous Silk Road 1, recording their openings/closing and relevant characteristics.
- While darknet markets may never completely disappear, the challenges they face will likely shape their evolution.
- Resilience: New markets have continuously replaced those that have been seized or shut down.
- Improved Security: Many darknet markets now employ robust security features, including enhanced encryption and multi-signature wallets.
- Diverse Offerings: Beyond illegal drugs, many markets are now showcasing a variety of illegal products and services, including hacking tools and counterfeit currencies.
- Community Building: User forums and communities are forming around these markets, allowing buyers and sellers to share tips and experiences.
Are Darknet Markets Still Thriving?
When assessing whether darknet markets are still a thing, consider the following factors:
- User Base: Thousands of users continue to participate in these markets, which maintain a loyal customer base.
- Market Disruption: Law enforcement operations may disrupt individual markets, but the overall ecosystem remains intact with new entrants.
- Increased Privacy Measures: Technologies like Tor and VPNs offer users greater anonymity, making it easier to navigate these platforms.
- Technological Advances: As cryptocurrency becomes more popular and understood, payment methods evolve, increasing transactions.
Challenges and Risks
While darknet markets are still operational, they come with inherent risks:
- Legal Risks: Users face potential legal action from law enforcement agencies.
- Scams: The anonymous nature of these markets often leads to scams and fraudulent transactions.
- Security Threats: Hackers may target users or marketplaces, leveraging vulnerabilities for gains.
FAQs
1. What products can be found on darknet markets?
Darknet markets offer a broad range of goods, including illegal drugs, counterfeit currencies, hacking tools, and stolen data.
2. How are transactions conducted?
Most transactions are conducted using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to ensure user anonymity.
3. Are there any safe darknet markets?
While some markets attempt to build reputations based on security and escrow services, users should always exercise caution, as no market is entirely risk-free.
4. How do law enforcement agencies respond to darknet markets?
Law enforcement agencies continuously monitor and infiltrate darknet markets to identify and prosecute operators and users engaging in illegal activities.
Conclusion
To answer the original question: are darknet markets still a thing? Yes, they are very much alive, evolving amid ongoing challenges and risks. As technology advances and users seek anonymity, these markets will likely persist, presenting an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and security agencies worldwide.
