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The Dark Web Down Under: What’s Driving The Rise And Rise Of NZ’s ‘Tor Market’ For Illegal Drugs?
Although the federal agents admitted that the use of Tor and Bitcoin to obscure addresses were significant obstacles that they encountered, they were still able to crack down on the underground drug market. DarkMarket was uncovered as part of a larger investigation into web-hosting company Cyberbunker, The Guardian reports. When it emerged in 2015, Hydra filled a void left behind by previous marketplaces and quickly rose to prominence. Its revenue jumped from $10 millionOpens a new window in 2016 to more than $1.3 billion in 2020, the U.S. With the right tools, online habits, and safety measures, you can make yourself a much harder target for identity thieves and online scammers.
Understanding Darknet Markets
The concept of darknet markets has long intrigued individuals ranging from curious internet users to law enforcement agencies. These markets operate on the hidden corners of the internet, predominantly using anonymity software such as Tor. As with any online marketplace, the landscape of darknet markets constantly shifts, leading to the question of what darknet markets still work.
The Current State of Darknet Markets
As of now, some darknet markets remain operational, while others have faced shutdowns or increased security measures. Understanding which markets are still active can be critical for those exploring or studying this clandestine segment of the internet.
- She writes about cybersecurity startups, cyberattacks in Eastern Europe and the state of the cyberwar between Ukraine and Russia.
- It enables the users to create a vendor account and sell stuff on their marketplace and implements a rigid security system to lessen scams.
- This simple concept is fundamentally important for maintaining truly private web surfing and communications.
Darknet Markets That Are Currently Operational
Run a dark web scan and you may be surprised to find your own personal data up for sale. Some vendors with drug listings have an additional information button next to the product listing. Following this link provides in-depth information for estimated dosage, preparation methods, and description and duration of the product’s effects. The landing page for the marketplace lists the daily exchange rates for Bitcoin and offers the site in both English and Russian.
At its height, AlphaBay’s daily sales ranged between $600,000 and $800,000 USD across 300,000 listings for illicit goods, offered by over 40,000 vendors and viewed by some 200,000 users. “With Hydra and the evolution of money-laundering services as a feature of the darknet market ecosystem, a number of new financial motivations come into play,” Jardine says. Established in 2019, Versus quickly gained a reputation for a user-friendly UI and intuitive search options. It has gained a lot of users and has become a popular marketplace due to its focus on security. Buyers can purchase a range of digital goods and services, which include illicit drugs, software and malware, and services related to fraud.
Here are some of the darknet markets that are noted for still being functional:
- Hydra Market – One of the most prominent Russian-language markets, Hydra has a focus on drugs and is known for its user-friendly interface.
- White House Market – A relatively newer market that gained popularity for its considerable selection of products and commitment to customer safety.
- Empire Market – Once a top player, Empire briefly went offline but has re-emerged and continues to attract a sizable user base.
- ToRReZ – Known for its non-drug related offerings, this market has carved a unique niche among users seeking various illicit goods.
You can conduct discussions about current events anonymously on Intel Exchange. There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks. Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there. Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet. Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”.
People have been organizing illicit trades via the Internet since the 1970s. Those early examples, though, were through closed networks and the actual exchanges of money and goods generally had to take place in person. With the advent of crypto-currencies, it became not only possible to complete trades online without leaving a money trail but easy.
Even as the time goes by, and it gets more accessible than ever, dark web is still surrounded by plenty of misconceptions or stereotypes. So, is it the last stronghold of privacy on the Internet or a safe house for criminals? DeSnake tells WIRED, however, that he’s developed a few forms of protection that give him confidence he’ll continue to stay a step ahead of the feds. Perhaps most importantly, he claims to be based in a former Soviet country that has no extradition treaty with the US. His choice for AlphaBay to use only Monero, rather than Bitcoin, may make the sort of blockchain analysis that contributed to the original site’s takedown far more difficult. And he claims to have built complex technical protections that include redundant infrastructure in multiple countries, along with a system called AlphaGuard that’s designed to automatically relaunch the site on new servers in the case of a bust.
We don’t yet have confirmation of OMG offering money laundering services, but again, the on-chain data suggests it likely does. The two charts below show which markets Hydra’s previous counterparties used the most in both of those two time periods. The color of the lines show the former Hydra users’ category of activity and the thickness of the lines show the proportion of their activity flowing to new markets after Hydra was shut down. Flare’s high risk threat monitoring solution provides automated dark web monitoring, which frees up time and resources for other important security tasks. The platform takes around 15 minutes to set up and it decreases dark web investigation time by 10x. Below the deep web is the darknet (or dark web), which is even harder to access due to its unsearchable, encrypted and private nature which affords users complete anonymity.
Factors Influencing Market Viability
The sustainability of these markets hinges on several factors, including:
- Security Measures – Markets that can maintain their security from law enforcement are more likely to persist.
- User Trust – Building a solid reputation is crucial for retaining customers, with escrow systems playing a vital role.
- Market Regulation – Some markets actively impose rules to prevent scams and enforce quality control.
Risks of Using Darknet Markets
Engaging with darknet markets comes with significant risks:
- Legal Consequences – Purchasing illegal goods can lead to severe legal repercussions.
- Scams and Fraud – Many users fall victim to scams where they lose money without receiving products.
- Security Threats – Exposure to malware and hacking attempts is high within these unregulated ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What defines a darknet market?
A darknet market is a platform on the internet that facilitates the buying and selling of illicit goods and services while providing anonymity to its users.
Are all darknet markets illegal?
While many markets focus on illegal products like drugs and weapons, some also offer legal items. However, the majority tend to operate outside the law.
How can I access a darknet market?
Accessing a darknet market typically requires the use of the Tor browser to maintain anonymity and privacy while navigating these hidden websites.
How do users ensure safety on darknet markets?
To ensure safety, users should employ methods such as:
- Using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for transactions
- Reading reviews for vendors
- Using a reliable VPN service to cover their IP address
Conclusion
While the question of what darknet markets still work yields various answers depending on current trends and operational statuses, understanding their dynamics is essential. Users must navigate this hidden realm cautiously to mitigate risks and ensure their safety. The ever-evolving nature of darknet markets necessitates continuous monitoring and awareness of their operational capabilities.
