The Dark web is a valuable resource for investigators, but it can also be dangerous. To remain safe, investigators should use a secure browser and follow best practices.
Using open source investigation (OSINT) techniques, investigators can trace names and identifiers on the surface web, social media, or marketplace sites to build connections. This can reveal more about a threat actor and their networks.
Fee-for-service sites
Online investigation services can help stop the spread of defamatory statements, false allegations and other forms of online attacks. They can also expose internet perpetrators to the potential repercussions of a lawsuit, which may make them more likely to retaliate by withdrawing offensive content or even taking down their entire website. In addition, exposing an internet perpetrator to the possibility of a monetary judgment can encourage them to enter into a settlement agreement, publicly retract harmful comments or contractually limit their behavior in the future.
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. It is home to illegal marketplaces and forums where criminal activities, such as stolen credit card information, firearms, malware and sex trafficking are advertised and sold. It also offers cyber attack services, including access to botnets that can conduct distributed denial-of-service attacks on businesses.
Perpetrators of these types of attacks often use proxy servers or the TOR Network to conceal their identities. Nevertheless, experienced internet attorneys can file lawsuits that allow them to serve platforms and service providers with subpoenas. The subpoenas can compel the platforms to produce personally identifying information about an anonymous attacker, such as their name and IP data. This information can then be used to unmask the attacker’s location and obtain valuable subscriber data from the ISP that serves their address.
Social media sites
Whether investigating a potential employee or pursuing a cybercrime, social media can be a valuable tool for open source investigation (OSINT). This information can help investigators map networks, find links and uncover evidence. However, it’s important to remember that this is a sensitive subject and investigators must use extreme caution when accessing information from social media sites.
Investigation teams should not “friend” or otherwise connect with subjects on social media during an investigation. Doing so can violate the site’s terms of service and compromise an investigation or litigation matter. Additionally, it is important to stay neutral and collect only publicly available information. If the team needs to contact a person, they should do so in an official capacity and with appropriate authorization.
Social media investigations are a critical part of OSINT, but they can be challenging for in-house teams. These investigations require specialized technology to perform efficient searches and analyze data for relevance. In addition, they often require ongoing monitoring that a background check does not.
Companies can protect their brand image and customer loyalty by hiring a professional to conduct a social media investigation. These services can also reduce legal risks by identifying potential criminal activity, such as slander and libel. They can also assist with business development by assessing competitor activities. However, if done improperly, a social media investigation can damage a company’s reputation and hurt its bottom line.
Marketplaces
Whether you’re looking to start an eCommerce business or want to sell your products online, marketplaces can be your best bet. They are a great way to get your products in front of the right buyers, while also saving on marketing and payment processing fees. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a marketplace.
The marketplace model is growing rapidly in the ecommerce landscape, and with SaaS solutions like Shopery, it’s easier than ever to launch a marketplace. This means that new ventures can quickly scale their businesses, without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
There is a lot of activity on the dark web, including illegal goods and services, cybercrime, cryptocurrency, money laundering, and child exploitation. These activities can be difficult to investigate, but the right tools can make it much easier.
One of the most important tools for OSINT investigations is the surface web, which consists of publicly visible data that can help investigators trace connections between networks and events. For example, a search of the surface web can reveal that a person uses the same username on different websites and public forums. This can help investigators identify their targets and uncover other sources of intelligence. Another useful tool for OSINT is the Tor network, which allows users to communicate anonymously. This can be helpful for avoiding human error during long investigations.
Discussion forums
Discussion forums are online platforms where users post messages and replies to each other. These discussions are usually organized into categories based on different topics. Users can then view a list of discussion threads within each category. Discussion forums can be used to ask questions, seek advice, and connect with like-minded individuals. They can also be used to conduct market research and customer feedback. GSIs can use discussion forums to engage students in class-related activities and to help them review course material. In addition, discussion forums can be a great tool for building community and collaboration in the classroom.
The Deep Web is a large repository of information that doesn’t appear in a standard Internet search. This includes academic resources behind paywalls, private discussion forums, and government portals. It requires specialized tools to explore, including a browser with built-in anonymity and encryption. Using Tor can be helpful in this endeavor, as it provides enhanced privacy and security.
The Dark Web is home to a variety of illicit activities, including cybercrime, cryptocurrency, money laundering, and human trafficking. Many criminals in these communities rely on the deep and dark web to communicate, and exchange information. These forums and messaging services are often encrypted to prevent detection by law enforcement agencies. One popular example is Nulled, a forum that has become famous for their 2016 hack that exposed PayPal passwords. Another example is Crypt BB, which is an encrypted forum for hackers and threat actors.