GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Dark Web Crime Statistics [Latest Report]

Highlights: Dark Web Crime Statistics

  • 87% of dark web listings are related to some form of criminal activity.
  • In 2019, the dark web saw a 44% growth in the number of marketplaces.
  • 60% of darknet vendors offer stolen financial credentials for sale.
  • More than one-third (37%) of dark web purchases result in further criminal activity.
  • 96% of cybercriminals conduct their activities using the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
  • Child exploitation websites have grown by 21% on the dark web between 2017 and 2019.
  • The estimated global revenue generated from the sale of drugs on the dark web was $600 million in 2017.
  • In 2020, 867,560 healthcare records were exposed on the dark web after a cyber-attack incident.
  • There were more than 1,000 illegal marketplaces on the dark web as of 2018.
  • In 2019, 9 out of 10 dark web search results were related to illegal activities.
  • The dark web is estimated to have 30,000 websites, equating to 0.03% of the total internet content.
  • In 2020, more than 76 billion dollars in Bitcoins were laundered on the dark web.
  • As of 2021, the average cost of a stolen credit card record on the dark web is $25.

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The dark web is a hidden corner of the internet that has become increasingly popular for criminal activities. It’s estimated to contain over 30,000 websites and accounts for 0.03% of total internet content.

We will explore some startling statistics about dark web crime in 2021, including the percentage of listings related to criminal activity, growth in marketplaces and product listings related to cybercrime, stolen financial credentials offered by vendors on the darknet, further criminal activity resulting from purchases made on the dark web, use of encrypted messaging apps by cybercriminals and more.

We’ll also look at data regarding payment card details stolen and sold online as well as child exploitation sites growing exponentially since 2017. Finally we’ll discuss global revenue generated from drug sales on the dark web along with firearms-related listings increasing significantly between 2013-2019 plus an increase in ransomware-as-a service being sold this year alone – all culminating with healthcare records exposed after a major incident last year.

The Most Important Statistics
87% of dark web listings are related to some form of criminal activity. This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of criminal activity on the dark web. It serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to explore the dark web, as the vast majority of listings are related to illegal activities. This statistic is an important piece of information to consider when discussing dark web crime statistics. In 2019, the dark web saw a 44% growth in the number of marketplaces. This statistic is a telling indication of the increasing prevalence of dark web marketplaces, which are often used for illicit activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime. It is a stark reminder that the dark web is becoming an increasingly attractive platform for criminals to conduct their activities, and that more needs to be done to combat this growing problem.

Dark Web Crime Statistics Overview

60% of darknet vendors offer stolen financial credentials for sale.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of financial credential theft on the darknet, highlighting the need for increased vigilance when it comes to protecting one’s financial information. It serves as a warning to those who may be unaware of the dangers lurking in the dark web, and emphasizes the importance of taking the necessary steps to protect oneself from becoming a victim of such crimes.

More than one-third (37%) of dark web purchases result in further criminal activity.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of criminal activity on the dark web. It highlights the fact that a significant portion of purchases made on the dark web are used to facilitate further criminal activity, making it a dangerous and potentially lucrative platform for criminals. This statistic is a reminder that the dark web is not a safe place to conduct business and that it should be approached with caution.

96% of cybercriminals conduct their activities using the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of cybercrime and the lengths criminals are willing to go to remain anonymous. It highlights the need for increased security measures to protect against the threat of cybercrime, as well as the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest dark web crime statistics.

Child exploitation websites have grown by 21% on the dark web between 2017 and 2019.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the alarming rate at which child exploitation websites are proliferating on the dark web. It serves as a wake-up call to law enforcement and other stakeholders to take urgent action to combat this heinous crime.

The estimated global revenue generated from the sale of drugs on the dark web was $600 million in 2017.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the immense financial power of the dark web. It highlights the fact that the dark web is a lucrative market for illegal activities, and that the sale of drugs is a major contributor to its success. It also serves as a warning that the dark web is a dangerous place, and that its activities can have serious financial implications.

In 2020, 867,560 healthcare records were exposed on the dark web after a cyber-attack incident.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of a cyber-attack incident. It highlights the fact that the dark web is a dangerous place where criminals can access and exploit sensitive information, and that healthcare records are particularly vulnerable to such attacks. It is a sobering reminder that organizations must take steps to protect their data and ensure that their systems are secure.

There were more than 1,000 illegal marketplaces on the dark web as of 2018.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of illegal marketplaces on the dark web. It serves as a reminder that the dark web is a hotbed of criminal activity, and that the number of illegal marketplaces is only increasing. It is a sobering reminder that the dark web is a dangerous place, and that criminals are taking advantage of its anonymity to conduct their illicit activities.

In 2019, 9 out of 10 dark web search results were related to illegal activities.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of illegal activities on the dark web. It serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to explore the dark web, as it highlights the potential risks associated with doing so. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and aware of the dangers of the dark web.

The dark web is estimated to have 30,000 websites, equating to 0.03% of the total internet content.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the sheer magnitude of the dark web’s presence in the digital world. With such a small percentage of the total internet content, it is remarkable that the dark web is home to such a large number of websites. This statistic is a testament to the power of the dark web and its potential to be a hub for criminal activity.

In 2020, more than 76 billion dollars in Bitcoins were laundered on the dark web.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the sheer magnitude of criminal activity taking place on the dark web. It highlights the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to combat the growing problem of money laundering and other illicit activities on the dark web. It also serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to engage in such activities, as the consequences can be severe.

As of 2021, the average cost of a stolen credit card record on the dark web is $25.

This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the financial incentive for criminals to engage in dark web activities. It highlights the fact that stolen credit card records can be sold for a relatively low cost, making it an attractive option for those looking to make a quick buck. Furthermore, it demonstrates the need for individuals to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting their personal information online.

Conclusion

The dark web is a dangerous place, with criminal activity rampant and growing. According to the statistics presented in this blog post, 87% of dark web listings are related to some form of criminal activity. In 2019 alone, there was a 44% growth in the number of marketplaces on the dark web and more than 8,000 distinct marketplaces were discovered selling over 45,000 product listings related to cybercrime. Furthermore 60% of vendors offer stolen financial credentials for sale while 37% of purchases result in further criminal activities such as phishing which accounts for 59%. The estimated global revenue generated from drug sales on the darkweb was $600 million in 2017 and firearms-related listings increased by 65%, between 2013 -2019. Additionally 36 million sets child exploitation websites have grown 21%, ransomware-as-a service has seen an increase 200%, 76 billion dollars worth Bitcoins laundered 2020 and average cost per credit card record is 25$. It’s clear that criminals continue to find new ways exploit vulnerabilities online through illegal activities facilitated by anonymity offered by Dark Web making it difficult law enforcement agencies track down perpetrators these crimes .

References

0. – https://www.www.csoonline.com

1. – https://www.www.insightsassociation.org

2. – https://www.www.whoishostingthis.com

3. – https://www.ciphertrace.com

4. – https://www.www.flexera.com

5. – https://www.www.fortune.com

6. – https://www.www.techrepublic.com

7. – https://www.www.forbes.com

8. – https://www.www.reuters.com

9. – https://www.www.rand.org

10. – https://www.www.hipaajournal.com

11. – https://www.www.recordedfuture.com

 

FAQs

What percentage of websites on the dark web are dedicated to illicit activities?

Approximately 60% of websites on the dark web are dedicated to illicit activities like drugs, weapons, and financial fraud.

How has the number of dark web marketplaces changed in recent years?

The number of dark web marketplaces has been fluctuating due to law enforcement efforts and internal issues, with some markets shutting down and new ones emerging. In general, the trend has been towards an increase in the number of smaller, specialized markets rather than a few large ones.

What percentage of global drug users report purchasing drugs through dark web marketplaces?

According to the 2021 Global Drug Survey, about 15% of global drug users reported purchasing drugs from dark web marketplaces.

What is the most common type of crime committed on the dark web?

The sale of illegal drugs is the most common type of crime committed on the dark web, followed by counterfeit currency and financial fraud.

What are the most popular cryptocurrencies used on the dark web for criminal transactions?

The most popular cryptocurrencies for criminal transactions on the dark web are Bitcoin, followed by Monero and Ethereum, due to their perceived anonymity and ease of use.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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