Top 8 Deep Web and Dark Web Forums
The deep web contains legitimate private data requiring authentication, while the dark web hosts anonymous forums where cybercriminals trade tools, credentials, and attack intelligence. Understanding these environments helps security teams anticipate threats before they impact operations.
Published November 3, 2025
The deep web and dark web represent distinct layers of the internet that most users never encounter, each serving fundamentally different purposes within the broader cyber ecosystem. While the surface web comprises only about 4% of all online content, the deep web contains the vast majority of internet data—everything from password-protected databases to private medical records—that simply isn't indexed by search engines.
The dark web, a deliberately hidden subset requiring specialized tools like Tor, has become notorious as a marketplace for illicit activities and cybercrime operations. In this blog, we'll examine the top deep web and dark web forums, their distinguishing characteristics, and what makes them valuable sources of threat intelligence. Most of these forums also have clearweb versions, offering limited access without the need for Tor.
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Deep Web vs. Dark Web: Key Differences
Before discussing the specific forums, it's essential to understand how these two environments differ in their fundamental structure, accessibility, and operational purpose.
| Characteristic | Deep web | Dark web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Standard browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) with proper authentication credentials like passwords or institutional access | Requires specialized software (Tor Browser, I2P, Freenet) and knowledge of .onion or .i2p addresses |
| Indexing | Content exists but is not indexed by search engines due to paywalls, authentication requirements, or robots.txt exclusions | Intentionally hidden from standard search engines through encryption and requires specific network protocols to access |
| Size | Comprises approximately 96% of internet content, estimated at 500x larger than surface web | Represents less than 0.01% of total internet, with approximately 60,000 active .onion sites at any given time |
| Primary purpose | Legitimate private data storage including academic databases, corporate intranets, medical records, financial systems, and subscription services | Anonymous communication, privacy protection, circumventing censorship, but frequently facilitates illicit marketplaces and cybercrime forums |
| Security level | Standard HTTPS encryption, password authentication, two-factor authentication, and institutional access controls | Multiple layers of encryption (end-to-end + network-level), onion routing, cryptocurrency transactions, and advanced operational security protocols |
| Legal status | Entirely legal when accessed with proper authorization | Legal to access and use anonymization tools, but hosts significant illegal content including stolen data markets, hacking services, and illicit goods |
» Find out if darknet markets are going out of business, and what will happen next
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Essential Features of Credible Deep and Dark Web Forums
- Vetting and reputation systems: Forums establish credibility through rigorous member vetting and reputation scoring. Reputation systems track transaction history, information quality, and community engagement over time. These mechanisms create trust hierarchies where established members access exclusive subforums with high-value intelligence.
- Escrow and transaction security: Trusted forums implement escrow services holding funds until transaction completion, significantly reducing fraud. Neutral moderators verify delivery before releasing payment. Advanced platforms offer dispute resolution, transaction insurance, and automated releases based on predefined conditions or cryptocurrency smart contracts.
- Operational knowledge and TTP sharing: Forums facilitate exchange of guides and hacking methods, valuable to both threat actors and security researchers. Discussions include tutorials, demonstrations, and troubleshooting that lower barriers for less sophisticated actors.
- Data quality and verification processes: Credible forums implement verification to ensure information is accurate, current, and actionable. Moderators and senior members challenge claims, request proof-of-concept demonstrations, and flag suspicious posts.
» Read more: Inside the threat intelligence market
Top 8 Deep Web and Dark Web Forums
1
Brief overview
XSS is a Russian-speaking cybercriminal forum that has been operating since 2013 and boasts over 50,000 registered users. It focuses on serious, high-value cybercrime activities including trading on network accesses, delivering malware, and managing data leaks.
The audience is mostly experienced Russian-speaking threat actors, and the platform maintains a high level of operational security. XSS has instilled trust in the criminal underworld by rigorously vetting its members.
Primary objective
To serve as a trusted, high-security platform for experienced Russian-speaking threat actors to trade in high-value cybercrime assets.
What analysts need to know
XSS provides proximity to sophisticated Russian cybercriminal networks, offers early intelligence on access-broker activity, and was temporarily disrupted in July 2025 but continues to operate.
2
Brief overview
LeakBase is a platform, launched in 2021, which focuses specifically on the discussion and trading of data leakages. It quickly gained speed by concentrating on corporate data breaches, credential dumps, and the sharing of sensitive information. Among its users are data brokers, breach analysts, and cybercriminals looking for stolen data, making it a key decision point for data sourcing.
The platform’s rapid growth indicates strong community involvement, and its specificity offers concentrated intelligence on breaches and data trafficking.
Primary objective
To act as a central, specialized platform for the sharing and trading of intelligence related to data leakages and breaches.
What analysts need to know
LeakBase gives early access to corporate data leaks and leaked databases. Intelligence on breaches and data trafficking is highly concentrated. Its specialization may deter general cybercrime intelligence gathering.
Telegram access offers avenues for additional intelligence collection. Data authenticity requires complete verification due to quality variation.
3
Brief overview
Exploit.in is a long-running Russian cybercrime forum, created in 2005, serving as a gathering place for initial access brokers, malware distributors, and vulnerability researchers. For the past 20 years, it has operated with unmatched stability and credibility in the Russian cybercrime ecosystem.
The platform allows the unauthorized selling of network access, transactions for databases, and detailed discussions on security vulnerabilities. Its audience includes career-minded cybercriminals and ransomware-as-a-service affiliates.
Primary objective
To be a long-standing, credible gathering place for Russian cybercriminals to trade network access, databases, and discuss security vulnerabilities.
What analysts need to know
Exploit.in has unmatched stability and credibility in the Russian cybercrime ecosystem. Access requires a fee or an established reputation.
4
Brief overview
BHF is a Russian-speaking forum for cybercrime that has been running from 2012, and is available on both surface web and Tor networks. This forum offers coverage on everything from software cracking and social engineering to access sales and vulnerability exploitation as well as tutorials on hacking.
Participants range from newcomers to seasoned cybercriminals and have organized categories under which they specialize.
Primary objective
To provide a comprehensive resource for Russian-speaking cybercriminal activities, from tutorials for newcomers to advanced exploitation.
What analysts need to know
BHF has a long history that provides stability in intelligence generation and collection. It offers comprehensive coverage with diverse types of cybercriminal intelligence, and its dual surface web and Tor access make monitoring more effective.
5
Brief overview
DarkForums sprang up as a successful offshoot of BreachForums, experiencing a phenomenal growth of 600% between April and June 2025 as former users flocked to it. It has reached over 12,700 attendees, mainly data brokers, malware distributors, and credential sellers.
The forum delves into leaked databases, stealer logs, malware, and hacking distributions, and its rapid rise makes it a good source for drawing emerging threat actors and trends in data-leak incidents. The platform connects to the Indian-based DarkArmy hacking group.
Primary objective
To fill the void left by previous forums by rapidly aggregating and trading leaked databases, stealer logs, and malware.
What analysts need to know
DarkForums offers a unique early source of newly leaked databases. However, current operators lack sophistication and run poorly scheduled operations. The site also presents a consolidated view of former BreachForums user activity.
6
Brief overview
RAMP is a multilingual cybercriminal forum accommodating Russian, Chinese, and English speakers, with more than 14,000 registered members. Entry is a significant barrier, requiring either a $500 registration fee or an established reputation on other platforms like XSS and Exploit. Its area of specialization comprises ransomware-as-a-service operations, malware dissemination, and trade in stolen data, with participants often being ransomware affiliates and cybercriminal entrepreneurs.
Its emphasis on business-oriented cybercrime makes it an attractive strategic intelligence source.
Primary objective
To serve as an exclusive, business-oriented platform for high-level cybercrime with a focus on ransomware-as-a-service operations.
What analysts need to know
RAMP provides unique intelligence on ransomware-as-a-service operations. Its high registration fees or reputation requirements restrict access, but it offers intelligence coverage that goes beyond single-language platforms.
7
Brief overview
With 1.3 million users, Altenen is an established, specialized forum for financial crime. Its community consists of carders, fraudsters, and vendors who trade tools and guides for bypassing payment security.
Its vendor licensing and disputes processes give indication of trusted persons and provide an early warning on carding campaigns which might be undertaken on a larger scale.
Primary objective
To serve as a high-traffic, specialized marketplace and knowledge-sharing platform for all aspects of financial crime.
What analysts need to know
Altenen’s specialized focus provides a treasure trove of intelligence on carding and payment systems. High law enforcement pressure has led to ownership and platform changes. Its financially oriented focus makes it a crucial barometer of payment fraud trends.
8
Brief overview
Niflheim is an obscure, vacancy forum that has a penchant for advanced hacking, malware research, and various darker aspects of cybercrime, operating in both English and other languages. It attracts a higher caliber of malware authors, researchers, and penetration testers, fostering a technical community with an exclusive reputation.
When active, it provides early exposure to advanced malware techniques, proof-of-concept exploits, and ransomware R&D, all through highly technical discussions.
Primary objective
To cultivate an exclusive, high-caliber technical community for advanced malware authors to share sophisticated hacking and malware R&D.
What analysts need to know
Niflheim features advanced, technical discussions that provide early exposure to sophisticated malware techniques.
» Not convinced? Here are more reasons you need cyber threat intelligence
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This proactive approach transforms security operations from firefighting mode to strategic defense, enabling you to remediate vulnerabilities before adversaries exploit them.
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FAQs
What is the main difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web consists of legitimate password-protected content not indexed by search engines, including academic databases and corporate intranets.
The dark web is a deliberately hidden network requiring specialized software like Tor, often hosting cybercrime forums and illicit marketplaces.
Why do cybercriminals prefer dark web forums over surface web platforms?
Dark web forums provide multiple layers of encryption, anonymity through onion routing, and protection from law enforcement monitoring.
These platforms enable cybercriminals to trade stolen data, coordinate attacks, and exchange tactics without revealing their identities.
Can security teams legally monitor dark web forums for threat intelligence?
Accessing and monitoring dark web forums is entirely legal for security research and threat intelligence purposes.
Organizations use this intelligence to identify exposed credentials, anticipate attacks, and understand threat actor capabilities.
