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)

• 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