Dark web marketplaces operate on a hidden part of the Internet that uses the anonymizing Tor network to protect users from law enforcement. These illicit online marketplaces offer everything from drugs and guns to malware and hacking services. And, as the name suggests, they're often a target for law enforcement agencies.
Using a combination of the Tor network, encryption and Bitcoin transactions, dark web markets allow criminals to transact with impunity. But, the reality is, the volume of illicit commerce on these markets is minuscule when compared to global commerce.
The first darknet market was Silk Road, which operated between 2011 and 2013. It enabled the purchase and sale of mind-altering drugs through a series of encrypted transactions that were nearly impossible for law enforcement officials to track. But, the site was ultimately brought down in a massive operation involving thousands of law enforcement agents and two separate drug busts.
Since then, a host of darknet markets have emerged to replace it. These markets are based on the same encryption and trust technology as Silk Road, but they're more sophisticated in how they enable illegal transactions. Some are also based on different crypto networks and use unique payment systems to ensure users' anonymity.
Currently, there are close to 200 marketplaces catalogued as illicit by security firm Terbium Labs. Most of Dark net markets them sell recreational and pharmaceutical drugs, along with stolen information like credit card details and cloned pin numbers. But, some also provide hacking services and "ransomware-as-a-service." And, of course, many of them sell weapons, pornography, and counterfeit goods.
These illegal marketplaces are fueled by cryptocurrencies, especially the Bitcoin. Most have thousands of listings and a variety of categories, but some focus on specific items. For example, Archetyp and Incognito are exclusively drug marketplaces, while others offer a mix of products like forged documents, counterfeit currencies, and erotica. Some, such as Cocorico and WeTheNorth, specialize in specific regions of the world, while others offer a broad range of products.
Most of these marketplaces are open to anyone with a Tor account and the technical skills to navigate them. But some, such as AlphaBay and Blacksprut, are open only to trusted users. AlphaBay was closed in July 2017 by law enforcement authorities. It was the largest darknet market at that time. Several new sites arose after its closure, including OMG Market and Blacksprut. OMG was hacked in June, and that probably led vendors and buyers to migrate away from the market.
The most active darknet markets today include Blacksprut, Mega Darknet Market and OMG!OMG. Each of these has enjoyed periods of dominance in the wake of Hydra's collapse, and each has its own unique features. Blacksprut, for example, offers a user-friendly interface and allows for walletless purchases, which means that customers don't need to deposit additional cryptocurrency into their accounts to complete a transaction. The most active markets also tend to have a variety of payment options, such as Bitcoin and e-gold.
About penilaian kinerja
0 comments:
Post a Comment