As per the news floating around the internet, it claims that Versus is among the most famous English-speaking illegal darknet markets, has been shut down after a major exploit was discovered that may have given access to its database and revealed its servers IP addresses. Dark web marketplaces must maintain their physical assets concealed when performing criminal activities online; otherwise, their operators risk being identified and arrested. The same is true for consumers and vendors who must maintain their anonymity while using these unlawful sites. Anything that affects people’s trust in the platform’s ability to protect their data makes it highly dangerous.
Furthermore, when the flaw was discovered, we came to know that Versus’ operators have opted to pull the plug, deeming it too dangerous to continue. Versus is a cybercrime organization that offers drugs, coin mixing, hacking services, stolen payment cards, and exfiltrated datasets. It was founded three years ago and has a large following in the cybercrime scene.
Shutting Down the System
We found from the sources that a hacker revealed the marketplace’s inadequate security last week by publishing a proof-of-concept on how to reach the site’s server’s file system on Dread, a darknet social media space. Versus went offline for a security audit, something the site claims it has done twice before in response to concerns of serious problems or even real hacking.
Users were frightened that the Versus was executing an exit fraud, that the FBI had taken control of the site, and other common beliefs that follow such abrupt changes. The platform’s operators reappeared soon after to declare that the marketplace will be shut down.
About the Darknet Market Versus
As per the sources, In March 2020, Versus was revealed for IP breaches, then in July 2020, a large Bitcoin heist from user wallets occurred. In both cases, the platform took responsibility for the errors and was extremely open about what happened.
Moreover, Versus was able to continue and grow into a huge marketplace in terms of user numbers and transaction volumes as a result of this. The operators, on the other hand, most likely concluded the risk of exposure was too great to continue. It will be interesting to observe if law enforcement has already used the current weakness in the next weeks and months.
