When law enforcement announced the seizure of AlphaBay in July 2017, the United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions described the operation (Operation Bayonet) as: "one of the most important criminal investigations of the year...because of this operation, the American people are safer - safer from the threat of identity fraud and malware, and safer from deadly drugs."
Almost a year later, risks to businesses and consumers have not subsided. This report demonstrates that cybercriminals have taken to incorporating new processes, technologies and communication methods to continue their activities and explores how:
- AlphaBay left a gap
- Existing marketplaces have failed to capitalize on the gaps
- There are barriers to entry for new markets
- Blockchain experiences steady growth
- Cybercriminals have shifted towards peer-to-peer networks and chat channels
- Risks remain for organizations and consumers beyond the marketplace
