Dark Web Marketplaces 2026: Emerging Cybercrime Trends and Threats for CISOs

Introduction

Dark web marketplaces are on the rise, evolving rapidly in both scale and sophistication. As CYJAX explained in our recent post on the difference between the Deep Web and the Dark Web, not all hidden parts of the internet pose the same level of risk.

The Dark Web is a purposely concealed subset of the Deep Web. It is accessible only via specialised tools such as The Onion Router (Tor) and is commonly associated with anonymity, encrypted communications, and illicit activity. While it represents a small fraction of the overall internet, its impact on cyber risk is disproportionately high.

For CISOs and security leaders, the Dark Web goes beyond “what you cannot see.” It is what must be actively monitored, where threat actors buy, sell, and exploit stolen data, credentials, zero-day access, malware, and other cybercriminal services that directly enable attacks.

In this blog, we explore how dark web marketplaces are changing in 2026, the latest trends in cybercriminal activity, and why understanding this ecosystem is critical for anticipating threats.

How Dark Web Activity Escalated in 2025

By 2025, dark web enabled cybercrime reached new levels of scale and impact, driven by the increasing accessibility of criminal services and marketplaces.

Key trends observed in 2025 include:

• Reported internet crime losses in the U.S. increased by over 20% year on year, with more than $12.5 billion lost across hundreds of thousands of complaints.

• The volume of stolen credentials circulating on dark web marketplaces surged, with billions of compromised usernames and passwords actively traded.

• Illicit activity dominated the ecosystem, with around 60% of dark web domains linked to cybercrime and underground market services.

These trends did not slow as the year progressed. Instead, they reshaped how marketplaces operate, how threat actors collaborate, and how criminal services are distributed.

What Will Dark Web Marketplaces Look Like in 2026?

In 2026, dark web marketplaces reflect the lessons learned from years of disruption, takedowns and increased scrutiny. Rather than disappearing, activity has consolidated around fewer, more resilient platforms, while new marketplaces emerge with stricter controls and specialised offerings.

Dark web marketplaces are now defined by volatility, consolidation and specialisation, with rapid migration becoming the norm whenever platforms are seized or shut down.

Key shifts shaping the ecosystem include:

Trust remains fragile

• Exit scams, fake vendors and phishing clone sites are still common

• Malware embedded in listings continues to target careless users

• Marketplaces respond with stricter vetting, escrow systems and invite only access

Data markets dominate

• Stolen credentials, stealer logs and corporate access are the most traded assets

• Financial fraud services and payment data remain in high demand

• Cryptocurrency remains the primary payment method, with off platform communication via Telegram and Discord now standard

Marketplaces are increasingly specialised

• Multipurpose hubs offer a mix of drugs, compromised data and digital goods

• Niche platforms focus on financial fraud, carding, credentials or regional audiences

• When major markets are seized, listings and datasets rapidly resurface elsewhere

Why this matters for organisations

• Dark web activity directly enables ransomware, fraud and network intrusions

• One-time checks are no longer effective in a constantly shifting marketplace landscape

• Continuous dark web monitoring and threat intelligence are now essential for detecting early indicators of compromise

In 2026, tracking dark web marketplaces is not about “browsing the dark web”. It is about understanding where data moves, how threats evolve, and acting before exposure turns into impact.

At CYJAX, we specialise in uncovering hidden threats across the Deep and Dark Web, turning complex and often inaccessible data into actionable intelligence. Our solutions help organisations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, protecting your assets, people, and reputation.  

👉 Book a tailored demo today to see how CYJAX threat intelligence can strengthen your security posture and give you the visibility you need to respond before threats materialise. Explore CYJAX solutions here.

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