Russia Is Trying To Spread A Viral Disinformation Campaign
The re-evaluation of the indicators applied in the questionnaire, taking statistical aspects into account, could help create a database suitable for running more robust parametric tests and developing models. The majority of respondents only filled out the questionnaire in part, which can be explained by the length of the survey and its complex, repetitive situational questions. While it is unknown how those who completed the questionnaire differ from those who filled it out partially, shortening the questionnaire in future fielding is advised.
Understanding the Situation: Why Are All the Darknet Markets Down?
While some cyber security and brand protection organizations advertise dark web monitoring to detect data leakages, such as personal data, to what extent they track counterfeits is unclear (Corsearch, 2023; Lenaerts-Bergmans, 2023). Counterfeits could be introduced during packaging, distribution to wholesalers, retailers, or any other transportation process. As Hollis and Wilson (2014) discuss, addressing the problem in cases where companies have been misled would involve improvements to guardianship in risky parts of the supply chain. Companies could be provided with information about which products are affected and from which country they originate to facilitate their efforts to identify risks in their supply chain.
The darknet has long been a haven for individuals seeking anonymity and freedom to trade various goods and services. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable trend: darknet markets frequently go down or shut down entirely. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, addressing the question: why are all the darknet markets down?
Possible Reasons for Downtime
Moreover, threat actors offer ransomware and stealers “as a service” in these markets. 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. KillNet’s Telegram forum is a different form created by managing multiple chat groups from the same hand; this forum also includes a market that offers the same services. It took almost no time for the void left by Hydra to be filled, and dozens of new illicit markets emerged.
In addition to testing Hypotheses 1 and 2, it should be highlighted that reliable delivery of goods (TF 18) and vendor reliability (TF 2) were ranked at the top. In contrast, the option of registering (TF 9) and payment with cryptocurrency (TF 13) were ranked at the bottom of the list of the factors examined in the illegal purchasing situations. The dark web is an anonymized overlay of the internet accessible through networks such as Tor (“The Onion Router”), I2P and Riffle that utilize layered encryption to obscure the identities and locations of users. Indeed, Hydra was so popular that vendors had illegal ads painted on the streets of cities, advertising drugs or jobs.
Charles Sennewald brings a time-tested blend of common sense, wisdom, and humor to this bestselling introduction to workplace dynamics. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. However in December last year a Ukrainian-born hacker broke into the Solaris market’s crypto-wallets and donated $25,000 to a charity for Ukrainian refugees. On Friday the 13th of January, the WayAway team hacked Solaris, taking advantage of a weakness in its coding, and shut it down. Now those trying to access Solaris are redirected to its upstart rival, Kraken. A fortnight earlier one of OMG’s main competitors, Kraken, parked a bus painted with its logo across two lanes of the Russian capital’s Novy Arbat thoroughfare, blocking traffic for over an hour before the authorities were able to remove it.
The other possibility being entertained is that, given the increase in DDoS attacks to Darknet markets, is that a competitor is targeting and hoping to take down the Dream Market, among others. “Excluding Hydra, if all darknet markets take in $250 million per year and administrators make 5% commission, that’s $12.5 million total divided by all the markets, where a lot of employees have to be paid. It’s simply not worth the risk of spending 100+ years in jail,” said Décary-Hétu. We’ve also seen more darknet market closures in 2020, including prominent markets like Flugsvamp 2.0 and Empire.
These tools enable a rapidly growing cohort of organizations around the world to safely embrace cryptocurrency-related transactions, products, and partnerships. Law enforcement agencies around the world are looking to curb illicit activity on the Dark Web, in particular related to drugs, weapons and illegal pornography. While seizures and arrests occur on a regular basis, Dark Web markets are a scourge that will not be cured. Through online investigative efforts and the concerted activities of different agencies, the problem can be addressed but it will not disappear.
Several factors can contribute to the shutdown or inaccessibility of darknet markets. Here are the most common explanations:
For other products, estimations may be missing entirely, as in the case of Tobacco, which was estimated to make up 28% of all counterfeits by the IP Crime Group (2015) but was not identified as a counterfeited product by OECD/EUIPO (2019). Since different agencies use different data sources (e.g., border or inland seizures), some measurement differences are to be expected, but they also illustrate how inconsistently seizures reflect the true prevalence of counterfeits. Thus, additional data sources to estimate counterfeit affected products would be helpful to better understand the counterfeit landscape and aid efforts at prevention. Versus’ operators announced at least two more security audits in the past after suspicions of hacks or critical flaws arose. Hydra is the largest darknet market in the world, accounting for more than 75% of the total darknet market revenue in 2020, despite only serving Russian speakers. This is far from the first time authorities have shuttered major dark web markets.
- Law Enforcement Actions
Numerous darknet markets have been targeted by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Operations like “Operation Disruptor” have led to significant arrests, increased scrutiny, and the eventual shutdown of many marketplaces.
- Server Seizures
Authorities can seize servers that host darknet markets, rendering them non-operational. This approach disrupts the infrastructure that supports these illicit platforms.
- Scams and Exit Scams
Market administrators might orchestrate exit scams, disappearing with users’ funds. When this happens, users find the market inaccessible, prompting questions about its legitimacy.
- Technical Issues
Like any digital platform, darknet markets can face technical difficulties due to server overload, software bugs, or DDoS attacks, leading to temporary shutdowns or prolonged inaccessibility.
- Increased Crackdown on Payment Methods
Payment processors and cryptocurrencies can also be targeted, causing marketplaces to close if they cannot facilitate transactions securely.
The Impact of Market Shutdowns
The closure of darknet markets has profound implications for both users and the ecosystem:
- DDoS attacks prior to market shutdown have been analogous with the “canary-in-the-coal-mine” to a market seizure by an international law enforcement effort.
- Hydra Market, which was considered to be the world’s largest and oldest darknet marketplace of illegal items and services, was seized and shut down by German authorities in coordination with U.S. law enforcement Tuesday, the U.S.
- As a hub for criminal activity, the Dark Web offers more than just “products” to anyone willing to buy and consume.
- Many crooks perceive them as too aggressive and don’t accept their connections with Russian authorities.
- Loss of Trust
Frequent downtime can lead to a loss of trust among users, making them hesitant to engage with remaining markets.
- Rising Prices
With fewer platforms available, the limited supply leads to inflated prices for commodities within these markets.
- Migration to New Markets
Users often move to newly established markets, which may not have a reliable reputation or security protocols.
FAQs About Darknet Markets
Why do darknet markets keep shutting down?
Darknet markets shut down due to law enforcement actions, server seizures, scams, technical issues, and payment method crackdowns.
Are all darknet markets down right now?
No, while many may be down at times, there are usually several active markets available, though their reliability may vary.
What happens to users’ funds when a market goes down?
Users may lose access to their funds if the market closes unexpectedly, leading to a potential loss of invested money.
How do law enforcement agencies track darknet markets?
Agencies use various methods, including monitoring transactions, infiltrating markets, and leveraging intelligence from informants.
Conclusion
The question of why are all the darknet markets down highlights the precarious nature of these platforms. Users must navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty and risks. Awareness and vigilance remain essential for users both to protect themselves and to understand the complexities of the darknet economy.
