The Dark Web and Cybercrime: A Closer Look at the Underbelly of the Internet
Introduction
The dark web is often associated with illegal activities and
cybercrime, a part of the internet that exists beyond the reach of traditional
search engines and requires special tools to access. While its reputation as a
hub for criminal activities is not unfounded, it also has its positive aspects.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the relationship between
cybercrime and the dark web, explore its positive uses, and discuss how this
darker side of the internet has influenced the way cybercriminals operate. To
support our analysis, we will identify relevant articles and provide references
as appropriate.
The Dark Web and Cybercrime
The dark web is a decentralized network of websites that are
not indexed by traditional search engines, making them difficult to find
without specialized tools like the Tor browser[1]. This anonymity has made the
dark web a breeding ground for various illegal activities, including the sale
of stolen data, hacking services, and illicit goods.
Some of the most common cybercrimes associated with the dark
web include:
Stolen data: Cybercriminals often use the dark web to sell
stolen data, such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal
information[2].
Hacking services: The dark web is also a marketplace for
hacking services, where individuals can hire hackers to target specific
organizations or individuals[3].
Malware: Cybercriminals can purchase malware, such as
ransomware or keyloggers, on the dark web to facilitate their attacks[4].
Exploits: The dark web is a source of information on
software and hardware vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals can use to exploit
systems and gain unauthorized access[5].
Illicit goods: Beyond cybercrime, the dark web is known for
the sale of illegal goods, such as drugs, firearms, and counterfeit currency.
The Positive Aspects of the Dark Web
While the dark web is often associated with illicit
activities, it also serves as a platform for legitimate purposes. I hate the
connotation that dark web is all evil, just because (a) it has the word dark
and (b) its used extensively by the bad guys(tm). Some positive uses of the
dark web include:
Privacy protection: The anonymity provided by the dark web
allows individuals to communicate and share information without fear of
surveillance or censorship[6].
Whistleblowing: The dark web can serve as a safe haven for
whistleblowers who want to expose corruption or wrongdoing without revealing
their identity[7].
Access to restricted information: In countries with strict
internet censorship, the dark web can provide access to news, social media, and
other content that may be blocked by the government[8].
Research: Researchers, academics, and journalists can use
the dark web to gather information and conduct investigations that may be
difficult or impossible to carry out on the open internet.
Advanced topics such as deep level coding. Some of the most
ground breaking code I have seen is often seen first at the dark web.
The Influence of the Dark Web on Cybercrime
The dark web has significantly influenced the way
cybercriminals operate in several ways:
Increased specialization: The dark web has allowed for a
greater degree of specialization among cybercriminals, who can now offer their
services to others in the criminal ecosystem[3]. This has led to the emergence
of "crime-as-a-service" models, where individuals can purchase
specific cybercrime tools or services on demand.
Enhanced collaboration: The anonymity provided by the dark
web enables cybercriminals to collaborate more easily and securely, sharing
information, tactics, and resources with one another[4].
Lower barriers to entry: The availability of hacking tools,
malware, and other cybercrime resources on the dark web has lowered the
barriers to entry for aspiring cybercriminals, making it easier for individuals
with limited technical expertise to engage in cybercrime[5]. Hacking tools are
not just available on dark web but also "surface web", but dark web
has HTAaS - Hacking Tools As a Service.
Faster innovation: The dark web has facilitated faster
innovation in cybercrime, as criminals can easily share information about new
vulnerabilities,tactics, and techniques, allowing them to stay ahead of law
enforcement and security professionals[9]. It's a thriving business for the bad
guy vendors as much as the bad guys themselves. Think of it as Acme Inc (bad
guy vendor) and Wile E Coyoto (bad guy)
No alt text provided for this image
Wile E Coyote & Acme Inc product
Expanded reach: The dark web has enabled cybercriminals to target victims across the globe more easily, thanks to its decentralized nature and anonymity. This has led to a significant increase in the scale and scope of cybercrime operations[10].
Mitigating the Threats Posed by the Dark Web
In order to combat the threats posed by the dark web,
organizations and individuals must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Some key strategies to consider include:
Education and awareness: Ensuring that employees and users
are educated about the benefits and risks associated with the dark web and how
to identify potential threats can help reduce the likelihood of falling victim
to cybercrime[11].
Monitoring: Regularly monitoring dark web forums and
marketplaces for stolen data, hacking tools, and other malicious content can
help organizations stay informed about emerging threats and take action to mitigate
them[12]. This will require specialized skillset to be part of the hidden
forums. Alternatively dark web monitoring services are also commercially
available.
Network security: Implementing strong network security
measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular
vulnerability/compromise assessments, can help organizations protect their
systems from cybercriminals who may be using the dark web to plan and execute
attacks[13]. Fervent monitoring of ingress and egress traffic will ensure no
backdoor to dark web is available.
Incident response: Establishing a robust incident response
plan can help organizations quickly detect, contain, and remediate cyber
threats, minimizing the potential damage caused by cybercriminals operating on
the dark web[14]. Plans are only as good as plans if its not tested regularly.
Conclusion
While the dark web has become synonymous with cybercrime, it
also offers legitimate uses that provide privacy, freedom, and access to
information. The relationship between the dark web and cybercrime has shaped
the way cybercriminals operate, leading to increased specialization, enhanced
collaboration, lower barriers to entry, faster innovation, and expanded reach.
By understanding the risks associated with the dark web and implementing
appropriate security measures, organizations can mitigate the threats posed by
cybercriminals and protect their digital assets.
References
[1]
https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/the-dark-web-explained/
[2] https://cisa.gov/stopransomware/dark-web-and-cyber-crime
[3]
https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/darknet-the-shady-underbelly-of-the-iceberg/
[4]
https://documents.trendmicro.com/assets/wp/wp-cybercrime-and-the-deep-web.pdf
[5] https://www.unodc.org/roseap/uploads/archive/documents/darknet/index.html
[6] https://www.aura.com/learn/dark-web
[7]
https://www.peraton.com/news/five-things-to-know-about-the-dark-web/
[8] https://www.makeuseof.com/dark-web-legitimate-uses/
[9] https://www.cybersecurityintelligence.com/blog/the-dark-web-and-cybercrime--4260.html
[10]
https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/cyber-security/dark-web-impacts-cybersecurity/
[11]
https://www.darkreading.com/risk/how-to-protect-your-organization-from-digital-and-cyber-threats-in-2023/a/d-id/1360684
[12]
https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/how-to-monitor-the-dark-web/
[13]
https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/95182-keys-to-securing-your-network-from-dark-web-threats
[14]
https://www.csoonline.com/article/3232905/how-to-respond-to-a-cyber-attack-following-a-cyber-incident-response-plan.html
This article is originally published at
https://drsuresh.net/articles/darkweb1
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