Dark Web Take Downs Partially Effective (Stephen E Arnold)

Stephen E Arnold’s new book, “Dark Web Notebook,” points out that usage of the Dark Web is likely to increase as censorship, law enforcement actions, and banning of virtual private networks increase.

In the course of the two years’ research for the book, the study team formulated two other conclusions about the Dark Web, a part of the Internet accessible with special software.

First, making sense of Dark Web traffic, products, services, and messages requires sophisticated software tools and systems. Companies like Digital Shadows and more than 15 other firms provide tools to shine a light on Dark Web activity.

Second, closer work between law enforcement and intelligence agencies and commercial vendors will be a standard practice. Due to the need for specialized expertise plus time and budget realities, third parties will work closely on investigations requiring specialized knowledge and capabilities becoming a “member” of LE and intel teams.

Arnold said:

The Dark Web is one way for those who want to evade oversight and law enforcement to conduct business. The positive uses are being outstripped by those who want to evade online filters, bans on certain types of security software, and commercial companies refusing to index certain content. Practical, easy-to-understand information is difficult to find. The “Dark Web Notebook” fills this gap for those engaged in law enforcement, intelligence analysis, and security research.

One feature of the book, written for law enforcement, security and intelligence professionals, is a Dark Web FAQ which answers the most frequently asked questions at my presentations and webinars. The book included is a “quick tour” of Dark Web sites offering a range of products and services such as weapons, false passports, malware, counterfeit currency, and stolen credit card accounts, among others.

The 250-page book provides an overview of the type of information one can find on the Dark Web. The reader learns how to conduct an investigation on the Dark Web using techniques designed to protect the “actual” identity of the person joining forums and engaging in dialogues with vendors of contraband.

The book costs $49. A table of content is available at https://www.xenky.com/darkwebnotebook. The book is available for immediate purchase and download at https://gum.co/darkweb.

About ArnoldIT

Arnold Information Technology conducts research into online information and services. Founded by Stephen E Arnold in 1991, the company has provided technology services to organizations worldwide.