These findings align well with the expected S-Curve as described in the Diffusion of Innovations theory (Rogers, 2003). Primarily Russian-language deep and dark web forum with a large community of users from CIS countries. Next to Exploit, this is the most serious underground hacker community, knowledgeable in a wide variety of malicious tools, hacking, initial access brokering, data exfiltration, ransomware, etc.
The dark web forum, a hidden corner of the internet, has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue. It is a virtual space where users can interact anonymously, discuss various topics, and exchange information that may not be accessible or allowed on the surface web. In this article, we delve into the mysterious world of dark web forums and explore their significance.
Shortly after the known and popular Raidforums was seized, one of its main leading and noticeable members, pompompurin, launched breached.co which was announced to be the official replacement to Raidforums. Raidforums’ users were naturally drawn to this site, as it provided the same information and its design resembles Raidforums. Its “Databases” section maintains over 80 unique datasets containing over 1 billion records, with a total sum of over 20K users and more than 85K posts to date. The forum also consists of other sections such as Cracking, Marketplace, Tutorials and Scripts. First, the previous analysis mainly focuses on vendors and products (Christin, 2013; Christin, 2017; Soska and Christin, 2015). This is the first work to examine the online social interactions between cryptomarket users with a focus on sustainable user behavior.
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web Hacking Forum ‘Hell’ Is Back Online
It was in this scene that Dread emerged as a life raft for dark web denizens displaced by Reddit’s crackdown. Dread was founded in 2018 by HugBunter, an underground penetration tester who gained admiration and ire for their security reports of various dark web markets. HugBunter has often described Dread’s mission to be a trusted neutral party. In the context of the Western dark web, this generally means reducing the chances of being ripped off by a vendor, losing your funds in an exit scam, or getting apprehended by law enforcement. To facilitate its focus on being a trusted third party, it launched “Recon,” a dark web search engine that consolidated vendor information and reviews across different markets.
The dark web, often misconstrued as synonymous with the deep web, refers to a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and cannot be accessed through traditional search engines such as Google or Bing. While the deep web encompasses all web pages that are not indexed by search engines, the dark web specifically refers to websites that require special software, like Tor, to access them.
Access options
One of the most notable features of the dark web is its anonymity. Users can browse and participate in activities without revealing their true identities, allowing for freedom of expression and privacy. However, this anonymity also attracts individuals engaged in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, hacking, and other illicit practices.
While countless cybercriminals will often operate their illegal activities outside the dark web (such as in illicit Telegram channels), many dark web forums are still extensively valuable to monitor regularly. Dark web monitoring can be beneficial to many companies for research and threat intelligence purposes solely. This is because much of the dark web is still prominently full of threat actors eager and willing to connect with others to commit the latest hacks or attack methods successfully. From marketplaces for illegal goods to forums dedicated to hacking and cybercrime, these sites are where some of the most nefarious internet activity can occur. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive overview of the opioid supply chain in the anonymous online marketplaces and forums, as well as a measurement study of trading activities, is still an open research challenge. This is the first study to measure and characterize opioid trading in anonymous online marketplaces and forums.
Threat Cyberfuture 2023
The Role of Dark Web Forums
- The dark web is part of the internet that isn’t visible to search engines.
- It even has threads where individual/groups claim to provide “hitman for hire” services.
- The higher demand for developers could be explained by a need to create and configure new, more complex tools.
- In 2023, CISA added approximately 159 vulnerabilities to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list.
- The hacked forums are based on vBulletin 4.x which can be exploited by multiple security vulnerabilities including SQL injection attacks.
- The Tor browser differs from others such as Chrome or Firefox because it does not take the most direct route from your device to the web.
Dark web forums serve as a hub for online discussions where users share knowledge, seek advice, and collaborate on various subjects. These forums act as a breeding ground for cybercriminals, activists, whistleblowers, and individuals with diverse interests who choose to remain hidden from the prying eyes of law enforcement agencies and surveillance bodies.
Counteracting dark web text-based captcha with generative adversarial learning for proactive cyber threat intelligence
Topics Discussed on Dark Web Forums
The range of topics covered on dark web forums is vast and eclectic. Users can find discussions related to cybersecurity, hacking techniques, programming, politics, conspiracy theories, marketplaces for illegal goods, and much more. The freedom of speech and lack of censorship on these forums often leads to controversial discussions, making them a hotbed for radical ideologies and extremist groups.
It is important to note that not all dark web forum users engage in illegal activities. Some individuals utilize these platforms to voice their concerns about oppressive regimes, share sensitive information with journalists, or discuss topics that may be taboo in certain jurisdictions.
The Risks of Navigating the Dark Web Forums
While the dark web forum can provide a sense of liberation and anonymity, it also comes with significant risks. Various malicious actors operate within these forums, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and target unsuspecting users. Cyberattacks, scams, identity theft, and exposure to explicit content are just a few of the dangers associated with navigating the dark web.
Law enforcement agencies around the world continually monitor and infiltrate these forums to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities. Users must exercise caution and understand the potential legal consequences of participating in discussions or engaging in illicit transactions on dark web forums.
In Conclusion
The dark web forum remains an enigmatic space where individuals express themselves freely, share knowledge, and explore ideas beyond the boundaries set by conventional society. While it is a realm shadowed by illegal activities, it also serves as a platform for those seeking privacy and anonymity. The allure and danger associated with the dark web forum continue to captivate curious minds, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness when navigating this clandestine corner of the internet.
