David Décary-Hétu, Chief Research Officer for Flare Systems, spoke with Boris Plantier about the dark web, blockchain’s evolution, and how 5G is going to affect cybersecurity.
What are dark web markets and how can they be fought?
Dark web markets look like and operate very much like eBay. Administrators run a platform that facilitates transactions between independent vendors and buyers. Administrators are tasked with enforcing the platform's rules and regulations and collect in return a commission on each transaction. Dark web markets offer a wide range of licit and illicit products and services. The latest statistics suggest that they generate over USD$700 million in sales per year.
Numerous dark web markets have been shut down by law enforcement agencies over the past seven years. In many cases, law enforcement used traditional police investigation techniques such as surveillance and confidential informants to identify and build cases against dark web market administrators. The main challenge to law enforcement is that running a dark web market can be a very profitable enterprise. There is therefore a steady supply of actors who are willing to take on the risk of launching and running dark web markets. As one is shut down, we usually see two or more open up to take its place.
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