Matthew Venturi

Matthew Venturi is a senior writer for DarkWebMarket.net. He covers topics related to privacy, cybersecurity, and hacker culture. Prior to working for DarkWebMarket.net, he was a junior editor for The Washington Post. Matthew received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in communications and a master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State where he was also a graduate assistant.

A Historian’s Look at Darknet Markets: From Silk Road to the Modern Fragmented Era

A Historian’s Look at Darknet Markets: From Silk Road to the Modern Fragmented Era How did darknet markets evolve from a single pioneering platform into today’s fragmented ecosystem of dozens of competing services? The history of darknet markets spans just over a decade, yet it encompasses revolutionary innovation, spectacular failures, law enforcement operations, and continuous […]

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PGP, Escrow, and Tumbling: The Non-Negotiable Security Checklist for Any Dark Web Market

PGP, Escrow, and Tumbling: The Non-Negotiable Security Checklist for Any Dark Web Market What separates a secure dark web marketplace transaction from one that leads to loss, compromise, or worse? Three core security practices—PGP encryption, proper escrow usage, and cryptocurrency tumbling—form the foundation of safe marketplace participation. Yet research indicates that over 60% of marketplace

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The Anatomy of an Exit Scam: How to Spot a Failing Darknet Market Before It’s Too Late

The Anatomy of an Exit Scam: How to Spot a Failing Darknet Market Before It’s Too Late What warning signs precede a darknet marketplace’s sudden disappearance with millions in user funds? Exit scams—when marketplace operators deliberately shut down while holding user cryptocurrency—have cost victims over $200 million since 2015. These aren’t random events; they follow

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How Successful People Stay Anonymous on Dark Web Markets

Operating on dark web marketplaces requires more than just technical knowledge—it demands discipline and an unwavering commitment to anonymity. Successful participants understand that one careless mistake can expose their identity, so they build habits that prioritize security above all else. The first step is separating real-world identity from online activity. This means using encrypted communication

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The Most Dangerous Threat to Dark Web Marketplaces Today

For years, dark web marketplaces have thrived as underground hubs where anonymity and secrecy fuel illicit trade. Yet, despite layers of encryption, cryptocurrency payments, and community-driven reputation systems, these markets face constant turbulence. The biggest threat looming over them today is not just law enforcement crackdowns, but the complex web of trust erosion and infiltration

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The Rise and Fall of Dark Web Markets in 2025: What’s Next?

  The year 2025 has been another turbulent chapter in the history of dark web markets—a digital battleground where anonymity, commerce, and crime collide. Once again, the cycle of rapid growth, unexpected collapses, and aggressive law enforcement has reshaped the landscape. As familiar names vanish and new platforms emerge from the shadows, users and authorities

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