The Dark Net: Self-Regulation Dynamics of Illegal Online Markets for Identities and Related Services
Frank Wehinger · 2011
Identity data, e.g. data to gain online access to computers, bank accounts, and credit card data, are traded in online marketplaces. This paper investigates the functioning of illegal online markets. These markets lack state regulation and the means to enforce agreements and the paper shows that they use alternative mechanisms to create trust among market participants. The sales outlets of illegal online markets are able to self-regulate the market and should be considered as a major device that makes cyber crime profitable.