They measured the response times in AlphaBay, and highlighted that the average response time for I2P was 5.6 s, which is faster than the 9.1 s for Tor. In 13, other researchers have shown that although I2P generally features better latency results than Tor, the latter seems to offer, in general, better throughput and download times than I2P. For example, Tor got to an average speed of 51 kB/s while I2P only got to approximately 13 kB/s. This research was published more than a decade ago (2011) and can easily no longer hold true, which would be in agreement with what we observed during our work. In addition, and regarding congestions, Tor uses circuit switching, whereas I2P uses packet switching.
- French, Dutch, and select EU passports all cost $3,000 apiece, Polish passports went for $2,500 each, US passports sold for $2,000, while Lithuanian passports cost $1,800 each.
- These measures are essential for safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and mitigating risks effectively.
- Whereas in I2P, the packet switching leads to some implicit load balancing and helps to avoid congestion and service interruptions.
- A subscription-based dashboard by Expert Market Research, offering all-encompassing market intelligence.
- Unique threads discussing drainers on dark web forums increased from 55 in 2022 to 129 in 2024, with Telegram channels serving as prominent hubs for these activities.
- This makes it difficult to detect and mitigate potential threats before they impact the business.
Applying A Structured, Holistic Cybersecurity Practice In Your Organization
The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report highlights a dramatic increase in the percentage of breaches involving internal actors, jumping from 20% to 35% this year. The number of data breaches shared on underground forums also rose significantly (+43%), as did endpoint logs for sale (+13%) and compromised credentials (+34%). Hacktivism was prevalent, hundreds of unique varieties of malware were sold on underground forums, and some of the worst vulnerabilities were found in information security products themselves. As a hidden part of the Internet, the dark web is an ideal base for many cybercrime networks, hosting illegal marketplaces, anonymous forums, unethical software, and more. BriansClub is also one of the largest dark web marketplaces that is also available on the clear web.
Explore How Dark Web Marketplaces Are Reshaping Cybercrime With Advanced Tech And Untraceable Coins
We selected twelve existing mainstream dark web markets when we started our research in May 2023. Market selection was based on observations of the Dread forum (a dark web forum), searches on the clear web using keywords such as “dark web market”, and manual verification of markets that were active at the time. Over a span of four months (until August 2023), we collected data pertinent to these markets, paying close attention to any security mechanisms they have in place.
From Cyber Security News – Dark Web Market & Threat Predictions For 2025
By mid-2025, several high-profile marketplaces were either hacked, exit scammed, or seized. Others were taken down in joint operations by cybercrime units across Europe and North America, continuing the trend of global coordination seen in past takedowns like Operation Disruptor. Governments have become more efficient, using AI tools and blockchain analysis to deanonymize users, track crypto flows, and target market infrastructure. “Over the years some markets … developed a robust catalog of illicit services like money laundering, fiat offramping, and products that enable cyber-criminal activities like ransomware and malware attacks.
Ransomware Threat Actors
Known for its publicity stunt releasing millions of stolen card details for free, BidenCash specializes in credit card fraud and identity theft. The digital identity trade—fueled by infostealer malware like RedLine, LummaC2, Vidar, and Raccoon—has evolved into one of the most dynamic sectors of the cybercriminal world. Platforms like Russian Market and STYX Market specialize in selling massive volumes of stealer logs. In just two years, Russian Market experienced a 670% surge in stolen log inventory, reaching over five million by early 2023.
What Is Covered Under Threat Intelligence Market?
This way, Tor makes it much more difficult to trace the traffic back to the original user. Additionally, Tor enables users to access darknet sites hosted on .onion domains, something most common browsers can’t do. We’ve heard a lot about the Dark Web in recent years — but how much do we really know about this mysterious part of the internet? In this overview of recent Dark Web statistics, we’ll start by examining the darknet in the context of the World Wide Web.
Dark Web Marketplaces In 2025
Freshtools is a unique marketplace in that it does not only provide the stolen data, but it allows criminals to purchase MaaS which can cause further damage to the victims. It is one of the most active and up to date markets and always provides new and updated malware and data. Established in 2019, Russian Market is a well-known and highly regarded data store on the dark web, specializing in the sale of PII and various forms of stolen data. Despite its name, the marketplace operates primarily in English and serves a global audience. It has gained a reputation for being a reliable source of high-quality data for cybercriminals.
The dark web continues to pose a significant risk to businesses, facilitating cybercriminal activities that exploit sensitive data and security weaknesses. Without proactive defenses, companies face financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory consequences. Conducting a cybersecurity assessment and implementing dark web monitoring are essential steps in mitigating these threats. Cybernod provides cutting-edge security solutions, helping businesses detect exposed credentials, security vulnerabilities, and cyber threats before they escalate. Protect your organization today—schedule a dark web risk assessment with Cybernod.
Australia’s Approach To Drug Regulation
Some individuals and groups also leverage I2P, a peer-to-peer network designed for continuous routing within a decentralized environment. Beyond these specialized networks, users often connect through VPN services and proxy chains to further mask their physical locations. The Darknet is in constant flux, shaped by technological innovations, shifting user behaviors, and law enforcement crackdowns. To understand how these hidden marketplaces operate and why they continue to flourish, it’s useful to examine the primary trends that define today’s underground economy.
2025 has already seen several high-profile breaches where Australians’ financial data ended up for sale on dark web marketplaces. From credit card details to superannuation account logins, personal information is a hot commodity. Recent data from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) shows a 22% year-on-year increase in reported identity theft incidents, much of it traced back to dark web activity. Among the various illicit digital markets, the drug trade is one of the most prominent. In 2024, darknet marketplaces generated over US$1.7 billion in cryptocurrency-enabled drug transactions, marking year-on-year growth of over 20%.
- Abacus Market quickly rose to prominence by attracting former AlphaBay users and providing a comprehensive platform for a wide range of illicit activities.
- Nexus Market emphasizes user-friendly navigation and community-driven content, offering detailed categories such as digital goods, personal data, and hacking services.
- Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks, damage, theft, or unauthorized access.
- Nevertheless, according to information from law enforcement agencies 31, the founder of the market was arrested a few months later.
- The Dark Web is home to numerous marketplaces where hundreds of thousands of users can buy and sell everything from stolen login credentials and hacking tools to drugs and firearms.
Such models ensure that the market remains community-controlled and resilient to outside interference. Litecoin, Zcash, and Dash also see usage, though Monero and Bitcoin dominate the dark web. Some marketplaces have even mandated Monero-only transactions, underscoring a strong preference for privacy-focused coins over traceable ones. As 2025 progresses, several trends are shaping the future of underground platforms. Focused on stealer logs—the troves of login credentials, session tokens, and system details captured by infostealer malware—Exodus has built a reputation for reliability and exclusivity. Operating via multiple Tor mirrors and an invite-only system, it offers bots harvested from over 190 countries, with prices reflecting data quality and utility.
Therefore, the growing need for cybersecurity is driving the growth of the dark web intelligence market. Exit scams occur when administrators abruptly shut down a platform, seizing escrowed funds and leaving buyers and vendors stranded. Additionally, some criminals create fake marketplaces or deploy phishing links to harvest login credentials. Database leaks are another concern; if a site’s security is compromised, user details—including transaction histories and wallet addresses—can end up in the hands of law enforcement or rival cybercriminals. Its listings include stolen credit cards, hacked bank accounts, and cryptocurrency laundering tools. In addition to hosting a wide range of illicit financial products, STYX links to Telegram channels for real-time updates and user support.
