These Are the Key Dark Web Players and Hotspots Shaping Cyberthreats

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Beneath the surface of the internet lies the dark web, a hidden and thriving digital economy. What was once a shadowy corner of the internet has grown into a multi-billion-dollar marketplace, fueling cybercrime operations that threaten businesses of every size. To make the right defensive moves and shield businesses from trouble, defenders must familiarize themselves with the players that shape the dark web and the locations they frequent. 

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Mapping dark web users 

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The dark web is a hidden network attracting a range of users, from seasoned cybercriminals to opportunistic amateurs. The Onion Router (TOR), an open-source network that enables anonymous internet browsing, is the primary gateway users around the world use to access the dark web worldwide. This breakdown illustrates the top locations for daily dark web access via TOR.  

Top 10 countries with the highest daily dark web access via TOR 

Country	Mean daily users	% of total users
United States	458,986	19.70%
Germany	300,044	12.88%
Lithuania	98,186	4.21%
Finland	96,147	4.13%
India	91,105	3.91%
Netherlands	69,864	3.00%
Republic of Korea	68,534	2.94%
Indonesia	67,783	2.91%
United Kingdom	56,145	2.41%
France	53,777	2.31%

Source: TOR Metrics 

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Power brokers of the dark web 

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At the center of this hidden digital ecosystem are the individuals and groups who shape its operations, control its networks and profit from its secrecy. These power players range from sophisticated cybercriminal syndicates and hacktivist groups to opportunistic scammers and even nation-state actors. The dark web is a busy hub with a diverse population, and these are the major players:  

Cybercriminal gangs: These organized groups, either independent or state-sponsored, lead the cybercrime world, providing affiliates with resources like malware and intelligence to carry out attacks. 

Cybercrime affiliates: These small groups or individuals subcontract with major cybercriminal gangs to execute specific attacks, sharing a percentage of their profits for access to advanced tools, expertise and intelligence. 

Initial access brokers: An initial access broker (IAB) specializes in gaining unauthorized access to networks or systems. IABs then sell that access to other criminals for further exploitation, such as deploying ransomware or stealing data. 

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Specialists: These independent operators cover a range of cybercriminal needs, such as developing malware, providing data, laundering money or creating clever phishing messages. Many specialists provide only support services and do not actively engage in direct hacking or cyberattacks. 

Hacktivists: Activist individuals or groups may be motivated by a cause instead of profit. They often target high-profile organizations or governments. Hacktivists typically steal and expose sensitive data or mount DDoS attacks to cause disruption. 

Malicious insiders: Disgruntled employees or contractors may turn to the dark web to sell their access credentials or sensitive company information. It can be challenging for companies to detect a malicious insider at work.  

Nation-state actors: Often referred to as advanced persistent threats (APTs), these operatives are government-backed hackers who engage in cyberwarfare and espionage activities. They typically concentrate on strategic targets like critical infrastructure or defense assets. 

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Where are these players conducting business? 

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The bustling economic landscape of the dark web may be chaotic, but several elements remain consistent about how business is done. Digital currencies rule, primarily Bitcoin and Monero. These are the three most common types of venues where buyers and sellers negotiate deals: 

Dark web markets 

Dark web markets are central to the dark web economy, acting as e-commerce platforms for illicit goods like counterfeit documents, stolen data and hacking tools. They often include features such as search filters and seller reviews to build trust but are short-lived and frequently targeted by law enforcement. Auctions of data or other illicit goods are common.

Message boards and forums 

Message boards and forums on the dark web operate much as they do in other contexts. They serve as key business and social hubs where users exchange tips, sell tools, boast about their expertise and advertise gigs. Many are exclusive, requiring encryption or invitations, fostering secrecy in the dark web community. Some lean more towards serving as job boards for illegal services, enabling individuals or groups to find talent for tasks like custom malware development or corporate espionage.

Leak sites 

Leak sites, run by ransomware gangs, serve as extortion tools, pressuring victims to meet ransom demands by publishing stolen data or announcing attacks. These sites exacerbate the impact of cybercrime, damaging reputations and causing financial harm to targeted businesses and individuals. On some sites, bad actors also post ads to advertise illicit goods or services,

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Unexpected cybercrime locales

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In addition to the common locations of dark web cybercrime deals, there are additional platforms and mechanisms that you may not expect to be locales where bad actors sometimes communicate, network and transact business.

• Sometimes people bypass centralized markets and negotiate directly through encrypted communicationtools like secure email, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption or messaging platforms such as Signal. This private approach minimizes law enforcement risk but requires more trust between parties.  

• Platforms like Telegram and Discord aren’t just for gaming anymore. They’re also potential places for cybercriminal activity. Bad actors can create private channels to advertise illicit goods and services, enabling quick deals and real-time communication. Users should use caution on these platforms.

Each of these players and venues serves a distinct role in the broader dark web economy, creating a dynamic environment where cybercriminals and illicit traders can thrive. By understanding this ecosystem, cybersecurity professionals can better anticipate and mitigate potential threats from dark web sources.

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Protecting businesses from dark web danger has never been more affordable. 

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