How to use threat intelligence to monitor criminal activity on the dark web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is very different from the internet we normally use. The main purpose of the dark web is to provide anonymity and privacy, which makes it a breeding ground for all kinds of illegal activities. Hackers utilize this network to carry out attacks as well as various illegal activities in marketplaces, forums and communication channels.

In order to secure the internet, cyber security experts have started utilizing threat intelligence to monitor and prevent criminal activities on the dark web. In this article, we will delve into the application of threat intelligence detection and monitoring on the dark web.

Criminal activities on the dark web and the role of threat intelligence

The Internet has now become an integral part of everyday life, and its world is not as simple as we might think.

As a matter of fact, it consists of three parts, namely the surface, deep and dark web. Of these, the Dark Web is one of the most mysterious and difficult to access parts, equipped with a unique architecture that hosts a number of hidden sites and content.

These sites can only be found on networks that are accessed anonymously, which makes the Dark Web often seen as part of the secret web. While the emergence and growth of the dark web has facilitated some criminals, enabling them to conduct illegal activities and unauthorized transactions.

Various illegal activities on the dark web include online marketplaces, ransomware, cyber espionage, botnets, internet fraud and human trafficking. Attackers who want to profit from these activities use cryptocurrencies for their transactions. According to Forbes, one of the five reasons for the rise of the dark web and cybercrime activities is the anonymity of money flowing through cryptocurrencies.

In an annual report, information about the price of credit card data, forged documents and hacked information sold on the dark web was seen. Surprisingly, malware was actually the highest priced category, while social media was the least expensive.

This suggests that selling information on the dark web appeals to a large audience, as each user can find a price range that suits them. This finding is thought-provoking enough to hint at the widespread popularity of black markets for information.

Cyber Threat Intelligence is dedicated to the advance detection, data collection, analysis and interpretation of cyber threats to organizations. The Dark Web is a source of cyber threat intelligence used to monitor cyber criminal activity. Cyber Threat Intelligence tracks illegal activities, marketplaces and sharing of sensitive data on the Dark Web.

Analyzing data collected from multiple sources through threat intelligence makes the Dark Web ecosystem easier to understand and prevents potential threats before they become a major problem.



Challenges of dark web threat intelligence

The Dark Web is a challenging network that requires specialized skills, expertise and extensive source knowledge to gather threat intelligence. On the Dark Web, organizations can only collect individual intelligence in a limited way, as invitations are required to access certain areas or communities.

Due to the volume of intelligence on the dark web, the information obtained may contain fraudulent or deceptive content, making it difficult to determine the accuracy and precision of the information. Overcoming this challenge may require the use of advanced data analytics tools, machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. In addition, it requires the use of AI and machine learning algorithms to score the risks identified by risk scoring. In this way, organizations can prioritize risks.

The dark web continues to expand and new tactics, techniques, and tools continue to emerge. Organizations need to monitor trends regarding these threats and collect threat intelligence data on the dark web by providing real-time monitoring, risk scoring and automation.



Threat intelligence gathering techniques and Tools

Cybersecurity analysts use a variety of techniques when gathering intelligence on the dark web. Some of these techniques are listed below:

· Information gathering:

The information gathering phase is about collecting as much information as possible about the organization. During the information gathering phase, the keywords to be searched on the dark web should be researched and a list of keywords should be prepared. Create extensive lists of keywords about the organization by using publicly available sources (e.g., the name of the organization, its affiliated subsidiaries, and social media accounts). Google Dork, Ubersuggest, and Keyword Tool can be used for keyword research.

· Open source intelligence (OSINT):

One of the best ways to gather information. The most important part of gathering information using OSINT is identifying the source. These sources include dark web forums, social media platforms, marketplaces, or search engines designed for dark web searches.

· Identify potential threat actors and attack vectors:

Hacktivists, cybercriminals, or state-sponsored participants should be identified, along with vulnerabilities in networks or software that attackers can target. It is also important to identify potential attack vectors such as phishing and social engineering.

· Dark web marketplaces and forums:

Marketplaces typically sell services such as stolen data, malware, hacking tools, and phishing campaigns. Marketplaces should be identified first to gather intelligence. Each marketplace has its own search function and interface. Identify the data to be searched for in relation to malware, hacker organizations or cyberattack methods and collect the data. Forums are communities where cybercriminals can discuss and share information on a variety of topics.

They provide valuable information about threat intelligence as well as clues about how to conduct cyberattacks. When selecting a forum, you can choose between public and private forums. To access private forums, an invitation is required. DarkSearch or OnionSearch are dark web search engines that can be used to increase the number of forums. Selected forums should be monitored for certain periods of time. It is useful to gather intelligence by interacting with the community and maintaining contact with cybercriminals.

· Analyze the data collected:

Data should be analyzed to ensure the accuracy of the goals, objectives, methods, and information collected by attackers on the dark web. In data analysis, the collected data is categorized and analyzed. The analysis process varies depending on the type and source of data. Data mining and machine learning techniques can be used at this stage.

· Prioritize and report findings:

Prioritization is the categorization of the intelligence collected. This will make it easier for the organization to decide which threat to act on first. Reporting is used to inform the organization about cybersecurity issues and enable management to make the right decisions.

Navigating the complex dark web environment can be difficult. With the use of the Tor Browser, organizations can gain valuable information about the tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals on the Dark Web.

The Tor Browser is the most widely used web browser for dark web access and uses layers of encryption. Dark web forums, marketplaces, and other sites can be navigated using the Tor Browser.