Content
File-sharing services on the dark web may contain a wealth of data, including documents, reports, and archives. Some of these files may be of interest to researchers and investigators. They list websites and their categories, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Torum only gained popularity among the English-speaking audience in February 2019, when Kickass (an English-speaking platform for cybercriminals) went offline. Torum’s user base increased by 639% from February to October of that year.
Understanding the Dark Web Forum
Although the data may be publicly available on social media or in business directories, it’s scraped and reposted. “But it still exposes a vast number of individuals to phishing scams, corporate fraud, and social engineering,” he says. The number and variety of cybercrime services available on the dark web are growing, according to Ivan Shefrin, cybersecurity expert at Comcast Business. This includes botnets, easy-to-deploy commodities, stolen credentials, simple exploits and sophisticated exploits such as access to privileged systems like Active Directory and unpublished zero-day exploits. The users who engage in more extensive and varied conversations are more likely to leave the forum on the Dark Web.
While it’s not uncommon for data dumps to have different forms of information, the discovery of selfies among the records raises a more serious concern that may not be typically applicable with other forms of personal information. When a selfie of a user is combined with other more personally identifiable information (PII), cybercriminals can have the capacity to open bank accounts and access credit under the victim’s name. Some banks allow customers to open accounts using uploaded ID scans, such as a selfie, to complete an identity verification process.
The dark web forum is a unique aspect of the internet that exists beyond the reach of conventional search engines. This hidden part of the web is often associated with illicit activities, but it also serves as a communication platform for a variety of users.
The method uses various sites such as whois.com and some credit check websites. (That’s as much information as I can give without giving the tutorial myself.) Multiple users have a back-and-forth with one another, discussing the pros and cons of this method, as well as how to make it more efficient. When you attempt to register on the site, you’re met with a mission statement of sorts – a weird justification method for their own illegal activities. It seems pathological and ironic; these hackers who essentially get paid to make life more difficult for people try to justify it with a beguiling proclamation. Law enforcement organizations across the globe notched a series of wins over the past few weeks against online forums for cybercriminals. Examine cybercriminal dark web forum posts to intimately understand their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
For example, during the Russian-Ukraine conflict, citizens used dark web versions of social media to share information when traditional access was blocked. HackForums is one of the longest running hacking forums of the internet, and is notorious for housing a large number of amateur hackers. The forum covers several topics in information security such as hacking, programming, computer games, web design, and web development, as well as the sale of hacking tools and services. Hackforums was spotlighted this year after the MalwareHunterTeam noted a campaign that appeared to originate from here that used the ORCUS RAT. Krebsonsecurity published an additional article on the authors behind this malware as well. Exploit.in is a Russian language based hacking forum that resembles the operations of other hacking forums such as Leakforums and HackForums.
The Structure of Dark Web Forums
In many cases, when a dark web forum is removed or taken down by law enforcement, it resurges under a new name. Often, dark web forums are not owned by a singular entity and are incredibly resilient. They may be owned by individuals, crime groups, or nation-states who are seeking to cause harm. Specifically, the dark web includes all of the content that exists on darknets, overlay networks that use the internet but can only be accessed by specific browsing software, authorizations, and encryption. Most darknets are small peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, but there are also larger, well-known darknets like Tor, Freenet, and I2P. “Dread is an onion based free speech platform and forum, where you can post, comment and share among tonnes of different communities.
These forums typically operate on networks like Tor, enabling anonymity for their users. Key characteristics include:
- Anonymous Access: Users can interact without revealing their true identities.
- Encrypted Communications: Conversations and data shared on these forums are often encrypted.
- Specific Topics: Forums may focus on various subjects, from hacking to alternative political views.
Advanced Persistent Threat Predictions
Between January 2020 and April 2021, digital threat activity increased by 9% month over month. Fraud and scam incidents online increased by 60% and that increase has held steady into 2021. The dark web is a collective name for a variety of websites and marketplaces that bring together individuals willing to engage in illicit or shady activities.
Reasons People Visit Dark Web Forums
A variety of motivations drive users to engage with dark web forums. Here are some common reasons:
- Seeking Information: Users often look for guides and tutorials on specific topics, including cybersecurity and privacy tools.
- Engaging in Trade: Forums provide a marketplace for buying and selling goods and services that may not be available on the surface web.
- Community Support: Many individuals seek out like-minded communities for support, sharing experiences, or discussing niche interests.
Risks Associated with Dark Web Forums
While dark web forums can provide interesting content, they also come with significant risks. It’s crucial to be aware of these dangers:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal activities can lead to arrest and prosecution.
- Scams and Fraud: Many users fall victim to scams, losing money or personal information.
- Malware Exposure: Downloading files from unknown sources can lead to malware infections.
Safety Tips for Navigating Dark Web Forums
If individuals choose to explore these forums, they should take precautions to safeguard their privacy and security:
- Use a VPN: This adds an additional layer of anonymity.
- Employ Robust Security Software: Ensure that your device is protected from malware and viruses.
- Stay Informed: Knowledge about the dark web can help users recognize potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal implications of using dark web forums?
Engaging with dark web forums can have various legal implications, particularly if participating in illegal activities. Always research the laws in your jurisdiction.
Can I access dark web forums without being tracked?
- On one hand, dark web forums are not accessible through traditional search engines, meaning that only those who know how to access them can gain entry.
- “Hidden Answers” is a community in Darknet, where any user can ask about the use and the investment when buying BITCOIN.
- “Threat actors increasingly request and share data that fit specific categories, leading to a more structured landscape for illicit data trading,” Boutboul says.
While complete anonymity is hard to achieve, using a combination of Tor and a reliable VPN can significantly reduce tracking risks.
Are all dark web forums illegal?
No, not all forums are illegal. Some focus on privacy advocacy, political discourse, or IT security, providing legitimate information.
In conclusion, the dark web forum world is vast and complex, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Understanding its dynamics is essential for anyone contemplating its exploration.
