How to use threat intelligence to monitor criminal activity on the dark web? (1)
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.
