Delving Into Exploitin: The Cybercriminal’s Marketplace
Understanding the Dark Web Forum
So it makes sense that they are more and more meticulously planned and supported by shared community intelligence. Reports like the Lancope-Ponemon “Cyber Security Incident Response” report and IBM’s “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023” highlight how cyber attacks are an extensive business model now. Applicants were offered to work pro bono, for promised commission, or for a share of the profits in the future. The reviews may result in the employee receiving a bonus or being fined due to unproductivity. On top of that, some underground organizations run employee referral programs offering bonuses to those who have successfully engaged new workers.
The dark web forum comprises hidden online communities that exist on the dark web, a part of the internet not indexed by conventional search engines. Accessing these forums requires specific software, such as Tor, which anonymizes user identities and locations.
According to a CISA report (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), there are several barriers to entering forums and marketplaces on the dark web to ensure that members are legitimate hackers. We’ve briefly mentioned that specific forums and marketplaces like RECON, Nemesis, Russian Market, Genesis and White House Market help cybercriminals to stay in the loop. To analyze the state of the dark web job market in January 2020 through June 2022, we gathered statistics on messages that mentioned employment, posted on 155 dark web forums. Messages were selected from forum sections on any jobs, not necessarily those in IT.
As stated by ONION.live “you will rarely find normal dudes on here, most of em are pedos” so take it with a warning. Chat with strangers is a very obscure p2p chat platform similar to Omegle but without the video calls. Thus, if the company does comply with the government’s demands, the government will get the data it’s after.
And reporting on Operation Cookie Monster stated that Genesis Market had 59,000 registered users. Victims of the cyber attack reported on September 27 that they had been contacted with demands that they pay AU$2,000 (US$1,300) or their data would be sold to other hackers. Notorious dark web hacking forum BreachForums is reportedly shutting down following the arrest of one of its top administrators by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Information (FBI).
Dark web forums often cover various topics, ranging from illicit activities to privacy concerns and discussions surrounding technology. The anonymity provided by the dark web allows users to communicate freely, but it also raises ethical and legal issues.
With 4,000 cybercrime communities monitored, our platform provides data from 14 million stealer logs and 2 million threat actor profiles. Protect your business from the hazards of a growing cybercrime market and phishing boom with Graphus. Plus, Graphus even takes out your trash by automatically deleting known threat messages and malicious spam without your IT team lifting a finger. Uncover new cybercriminal tactics and tools used to automate attacks, test for weaknesses, and scam you and your customers. Leverage the broadest and deepest coverage of dark web sources to gain visibility into threat actors and their activities. We access restricted channels and automate intelligence gathering to anticipate attacks targeting your organization, employees, and customers.
A malicious SEO method that involves delivering a custom version of the website based on the website visitor. For example, if the visitor is a Googlebot, a form of the website landing page is served with more keywords to increase the sites search engine ranking. The process of verifying the claimed identity of a user using digital credentials, keys, or social engineering. Online 3rd party file data repository that allows users to upload and download files shared by others. The main takeaway to note in the difference between marketplaces and forums is that marketplaces are automatic.
Features of Dark Web Forums
Dark web forums are characterized by several unique features:
- Like Genesis Market, BreachedForums, and RaidForums before, ExposedVC forum also provides an anonymous underground forum where threat actors can advertise and leak stolen data.
- Organizations can search for stolen data, such as login credentials, and take action to secure their systems.
- Often many of these types of attacks as a service type of criminal operations that are sold are still predominantly on dark web forums and marketplaces.
- Some mainstream publications such as the New York Times maintain a presence on the dark web for just such tips, and other publications around the world maintain a presence to circumvent government-imposed internet censorship.
- Under the cloak of anonymity, cybercriminals and threat actors can operate, selling an array of tools and services that can be used to wreak havoc on organizations.
- Anonymity: Users can interact without revealing personal identities.
- Encrypted Communication: Discussions are often encrypted, making it challenging for outsiders to intercept conversations.
- Diverse Topics: Ranging from hacking, drug trade, to privacy discussions.
- Community Support: Many forums provide support for individuals seeking advice on sensitive topics.
Common Uses of Dark Web Forums
Individuals and groups frequent dark web forums for various reasons, including:
- Buying and Selling Illicit Goods: Forums often serve as marketplaces for illegal drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Cybersecurity Discussions: Many hackers and cybersecurity enthusiasts share insights and strategies.
- Privacy Advocacy: Discussions on maintaining digital privacy in a surveillance-heavy environment.
- Information Exchange: Users share tips, tricks, and knowledge about technology and security.
Risks Associated with Dark Web Forums
While dark web forums offer a platform for freedom of expression, they also come with significant risks:
- Legal Troubles: Participating in or accessing illegal activities can lead to severe penalties.
- Scams and Fraud: Many users encounter scams related to products and services on these forums.
- Misinformation: The anonymity of users can lead to sharing inaccurate or harmful information.
- Cyber Threats: Engaging in discussions can expose users to hacking attempts and other cyber threats.
FAQs About Dark Web Forums
1. What is a dark web forum?
A dark web forum is a hidden online community that typically discusses topics not suited for mainstream platforms, often with a focus on illicit activities or privacy concerns.
2. How do I access a dark web forum?
To access a dark web forum, you need specialized software, such as the Tor browser, which provides anonymous browsing capabilities.
3. Are all activities on dark web forums illegal?
While many activities on dark web forums are illegal, some communities focus on legal topics like privacy rights and cybersecurity.
4. Can I get caught using dark web forums?
Yes, engaging in illegal activities on dark web forums can lead to legal repercussions, including criminal charges.
Conclusion
The dark web forum is a complex arena that highlights the dual nature of anonymity—offering both a refuge for free speech and a breeding ground for illegal activities. Users must navigate these spaces with caution, understanding the inherent risks and responsibilities that come with participating in such communities.
