Many people go to the dark web to buy things they can’t find elsewhere, but what if what you’re buying is also trying to harm you? Scammers on darknet markets claim to offer legit tools or services, but instead provide you with malicious software that can infect your device. When it comes to cybercriminal enablement, markets like Kraken Market, the DNM Aggregator, and Exploit.in are go-to services, providing bad actors with tools to carry out ransomware attacks, hacks, and more. Kraken Market also captured the largest share of transfers potentially sent for the purpose of obfuscating funds, as well as buying illegal products. In addition to that activity, markets like these host vendors that advertise their own cashout or swapping services, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in laundered funds. More bogus credit card data, personal information, and documents were sold in 2021 compared to 2020, while products, like hacked cryptocurrency accounts and web services such as Uber, are more available.
Supporting Illegal Activities Unknowingly
All data analyzed were aggregated, public data, hence protected against the collection or processing of personal data or any identifiable information. The research was conducted while keeping a strict standard on data privacy to protect individual privacy throughout this study. While Hydra specified a category for each listing, we decided to further categorize all listings into 5 categories, aligning with the categorization offered by the Global Burden of Disease study. This adaptable approach ensures that our results can be harmonized for future comparison, providing a comprehensive understanding of the drug market dynamics. As technology continues to evolve, efforts to combat the dark web and its illicit activities must also adapt to ensure a safer and more secure online environment for all.
- When he’s not empowering PrivacySavvy’s readers to take control of their online security, Saheed enjoys distance running, playing chess, and exploring the latest open-source software advancements.
- Kraken Market also captured the largest share of transfers potentially sent for the purpose of obfuscating funds, as well as buying illegal products.
- Founded in early 2023, shortly after major law enforcement operations shut down several competing platforms, Abacus quickly filled the void by prioritizing reliability, advanced security, and user anonymity.
- The developed research method allows us to connect darknet drug sales data with official health, crime, and court information.
- The website has a great design and a clean and organized interface that is easy to use.
Number Of Active Dark Web Marketplaces
This visual representation highlights how the Dark Web remains hidden beneath the layers of the internet, reinforcing the necessity for cybersecurity for small businesses to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized exposure. Some dark web listings claim to offer services like hacking-for-hire or even hitmen. Payments are made with digital money, which helps protect the identity of both the buyer and the seller. This use of cryptocurrency makes transactions fast and secure, and it supports the overall goal of privacy on the dark web.
How The Internet Is Used To Buy Drugs Online
Experienced users typically prefer marketplaces with robust vendor rating systems, detailed feedback options, and transparent dispute resolution processes. Platforms known for consistently resolving issues and eliminating fraudulent vendors quickly gain credibility and user loyalty. Due to its extensive inventory and reputation for reliability, Brian’s Club has maintained a significant presence on the dark web.
Why Is It Critical To Monitor Dark Web Marketplaces?
Based on a report by Intelliagg, the following types are found on the Dark Web. In Example 2, the seller has put on a festive sale—201 American Express credit cards—with a special deal just in time for the holidays. All joking aside, cyber criminals will generate buzz and additional traffic by offering discounts like traditional advertising. Since 2020, 2easy has sold massive stealer logs with sensitive data like passwords, bank cards, and initial access credentials. It supports operations in multiple languages and operates on both clearnet and Tor. As a user or cybersecurity professional, approaching these marketplaces demands utmost caution, thorough knowledge of operational security, and constant awareness of legal boundaries.
The Marketplace As An Arsenal
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. With Bitcoin’s value shooting up, and other cryptocurrencies following suit, verified crypto accounts are more in demand than ever on the dark web. Due to the value that these hacked accounts hold, most prices start at around $100. We’ve taken a look at each category in more depth, to examine how much certain products sell for.
Top-10 Dark-Web Marketplaces In 2025: Overviews, Use-Cases, And Risks
They even have a Telegram channel to provide their clients with live updates. Like most of the markets, STYX supports Bitcoin (BTC), Monero (XMR), and other crypto tokens to keep everyone’s identity hidden on this marketplace. These marketplaces are full of risks (security, legal, ethical issues – all of them). But if you still decide to access these websites, for education or research purposes, make sure you stay cautious. In one particularly devastating case, a man lost his entire $80,000 pension.
Its commitment to privacy, diverse product offerings, and robust security measures make it a preferred choice for users seeking discreet transactions within the darknet. 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. However, you can trace its roots to the development of technologies like the Tor network or Freenet. In March 2000, an Irish grad student named Ian Clarke created the software application, Freenet.
Dark web markets have exploded in scale and reach in 2025, becoming the most dangerous hubs for trading drugs, stolen data, and hacking tools. These anonymous marketplaces—operating mainly on the Tor network—are now a primary threat vector for businesses and cybersecurity professionals. Our team searched the dark web and put together a list of the most active dark web marketplaces in order to assist you in monitoring illegal trade of products, cybercrime activity, and dark web trends in the dark web space. Cybercriminals go on dark web marketplaces to buy and sell illicit goods and services.
However, the platform lacks an advanced search option and a wallet-free payment option. The ASAP is a moderate design marketplace on the dark web that offers helpful tools like mandatory PGP encryption and two-factor authentication for a safe browsing experience. Like other marketplaces, ASAP Market also requires you to register for an account. However, in April 2022, this site went offline after American and German federal government law enforcement agencies seized the website servers.
Dive Into Dark Web Markets To See What Data Is For Sale On The Dark Web
It ensures the buyer’s identity is kept hidden and accepts payments through cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Monero. World Market is another largest dark web shops that deals with various goods and services. Its impressive anti-DDoS protection feature and easy-to-use interface make this marketplace stand out among the others. However, the website has some security risks, and users experience glitches. Another dark net marketplace that has grabbed a lot of attention is the Hydra market. It accepts payments through Bitcoin and the Escrow system and ensures that your identity remains anonymous during your purchases.
Looking closer at ASAP Market inflows, it won some share of revenue across all drug purchase types, receiving 37.1% of social supply, 35.7% of large retail, 16.5% of small retail, and 13.5% of wholesale purchases. Those with a taste for entertainment can buy access to paid online subscription services. A hacked Netflix 1-year subscription retails at $25; an HBO account is $4, a Bet365 account is $40, and a hacked Uber account will set a cybercriminal back $15. To protect oneself from identity theft, it is recommended to use the best VPNs to encrypt communications, practice safe ATM habits, maintain account and password hygiene, and avoid public or unsecured Wi-Fi. Social networks and fake online casinos are two common and attractive ways of installing malware onto websites. It’s a good idea not to download anything from sites or sources you don’t know and trust.
