Understanding the Darknet
Dark market listings are offers, while seized products may already have been sold. Although seized products can also inform us about offers, they are only a subset of sold counterfeits from the overall market. Thus, comparisons of dark market listings with seized goods are informative, but they do not always encompass the same measures.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. It can be a place for anonymous communication and transactions, often associated with both legal and illegal activities.
For a long time, the strategy for law enforcement has been to go after the darknet markets themselves. On its face, this appears to be the most logical course of action — why go after individual vendors if you can take them all down in one fell swoop? Law enforcement agencies have achieved big wins following this strategy, shutting down once-prominent markets like AlphaBay and Hansa. Perhaps our most interesting finding is that darknet markets’ transaction activity appears to be less influenced by the ebbs and flows of the cryptocurrency markets and other forms of seasonality compared to other services. The graph above shows a comparison of total Bitcoin transaction volume between darknet markets and three other types of services over the course of 2019. While all categories see spikes in July around the same time as a Bitcoin price surge, darknet markets exhibit a much less dramatic spike than the others.
There are also .onion versions of Facebook, The New York Times, BBC and many others. For the purposes of this article, SearchSecurity examined well-known .onion markets and websites (barring those with more extreme content). From an enterprise and security perspective, there were concerns as well. The dark web has been known as a place where stolen information from data breaches would be packaged and sold for anyone with a bit of cryptocurrency. Malware, including ransomware, was also for sale, as was financial info and personally identifiable information (PII).
- Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers.
- Others like Agora and Evolution filled the vacuum left by Silk Road after it was shut down through the efforts of the U.S. government, though since then, these have also been shuttered.
- The problem occurs when people aren’t incentivized to operate nodes, which can result in a slow and unreliable network.
How to Buy from Darknet Markets
Purchasing items from darknet markets poses unique challenges and risks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process safely and securely.
The chart below reveals darknet market revenue and the number of transfers to those markets. The gold line shows that the actual number of individual transfers dropped in 2020, but the orange bars show that 2020 was the first year for darknet market revenue to top $1.5 billion. At the end of February 2023, there was a change in the management of the Infinity Forum. KillMilk put the Infinity Forum up for sale for unknown reasons, which may be good news that the forum may be disbanded, but KillNet has since relaunched its Telegram forum.
Marie had never purchased drugs in the conventional way—and still hasn’t. Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). Social pressure encourages us to leave high scores in public forums. If you have experienced an Uber driver saying at the end of a trip, “You give me five stars, I’ll give you five stars, ” that’s tit for tat or grade inflation in action. I know I’m reluctant to give a driver a rating lower than four stars even if I have sat white-knuckled during the ride as he whizzed through lights and cut corners. Drivers risk being kicked off the Uber platform if their ratings dip below 4.6 and I don’t want to be responsible for them losing, in some instances, their livelihood.
Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
Each market category has subcategories and several related items are offered for sale on each, making AlphaBay one of the most popular and unique dark web marketplaces since it operates both as a classic marketplace and a data store. This makes it valuable for both conventional crime and cybercrime actors. AlphaBay’s marketplace and forum are also available on the darknet I2P. One should remember cyber threat actors also take place in these markets. Even Stealer as a service (SaaS), one of the most recent cyber attack vectors, has taken its place in black markets.
Before you can buy from darknet markets, you need to prepare your digital environment:
- Download Tor Browser: This browser helps you access the darknet safely by anonymizing your connection.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an additional layer of anonymity by masking your IP address.
- Create Secure Email: Use an anonymous email service for registration on darknet markets.
- Install Security Tools: Consider using antivirus software and a firewall to protect your computer.
Step 2: Create Accounts
Now it’s time to create accounts on darknet marketplaces:
- Choose a Marketplace: Research and select a reputable marketplace. Popular choices include AlphaBay, Dream Market, and others.
- Register Anonymously: Use your secure email address to register and avoid providing any personal information.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: If available, this adds an extra layer of security to your account.
Step 3: Funding Your Account
Related Sites
Typically, you will need to use cryptocurrency to make purchases:
- Choose a Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin is the most common option, but others like Monero offer additional anonymity.
- Create a Wallet: Set up a secure wallet to store your cryptocurrency safely.
- Buy Cryptocurrency: Use an exchange to purchase the cryptocurrency and transfer it to your wallet.
Step 4: Making a Purchase
Once your account is funded, you can start shopping:
- Browse Listings: Navigate the marketplace, inspecting seller ratings and reviews for credibility.
- Add Items to Cart: Carefully choose what you wish to buy, ensuring you understand the listing details.
- Check Escrow Options: Use marketplaces that offer an escrow service for added security during transactions.
- Complete the Purchase: Follow the site’s instructions to finalize your transaction. Ensure that you keep copies of any transaction details.
Step 5: Post-Purchase Safety
After your purchase, remember these key practices:
- Keep Everything Anonymous: Do not share personal information with sellers.
- Monitor Your Wallet: Keep an eye on your cryptocurrency wallet for unauthorized transactions.
- Use a Secure Address: Opt for a delivery method that maintains your privacy, if applicable.
FAQs About Buying from Darknet Markets
What are the risks involved?
Buying from darknet markets carries several risks, including:
- Legal consequences: Purchasing illegal items can lead to serious legal problems.
- Fraud: There is a significant risk of scams and receiving counterfeit goods.
- Security breaches: Your personal information can be compromised if not properly protected.
Is it legal to buy from darknet markets?
The legality of purchasing items from darknet markets depends on the nature of the goods. Many items sold are illegal, and engaging in such transactions can have legal ramifications.
How do I ensure my anonymity?
To maintain anonymity:
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Regularly clear your browsing history and cookies.
- Consider using a separate device for darknet transactions.
Conclusion
Buying from darknet markets can be tempting, but it is essential to proceed with caution. Understanding how to navigate these platforms safely while adhering to legal boundaries is crucial for a secure experience.
