In the past, cybercrime was often perpetrated by individual actors or small groups with personal connections, conducting all stages of criminal activity themselves. However, today’s landscape is vastly different. Criminal activity spans multiple countries, with various actors collaborating online, often without direct contact. This decentralized model makes it difficult to trace and stop criminal operations through traditional means.
Our paper illustrates this evolution with a hypothetical scenario of modern financial cybercrime, demonstrating how different individuals across the globe contribute to various stages of the criminal process. From identifying vulnerabilities to executing fraudulent bank transfers, each participant plays a specific role, spreading the risk and reward across the criminal ecosystem.
Moreover, it discusses the transformation of criminal forums from private, anonymous spaces on the dark web to openly accessible platforms like Telegram and Discord. Criminals now operate in plain sight, advertising their products and services alongside legitimate activities, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement efforts.
Overall, this paper emphasizes the dynamic nature of modern cybercrime and the need for innovative strategies to combat it effectively. It calls for international cooperation and proactive measures to address the multifaceted aspects of cybercriminal activity in today’s interconnected world.
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It's Not Just the Dark Web Anymore: Private and secure communication has brought the dark web into the light
