The web, however singular it may seem from behind an everyday user’s computer or smartphone screen, comprises three distinctive parts: the public net (or web), the deep net, and the dark net. Though the dark net contains some innocuous content and is used for legitimate purposes, it also operates as a platform for illegal marketplaces. These offer almost anything a criminal or cybercriminal might want to buy or sell like malware, exploits, hackers-for-hire, information lifted from data breaches, censored content, and goods like drugs, guns, and other contraband.

Observers report that the dark web is getting darker, meaning hardcore criminals make up a greater percentage of its user base. Exploits and other hacking tools and techniques used to disrupt business, critical infrastructure, and misappropriate confidential information are continually diversifying and becoming more complex. According to Cyber Defense Magazine, the annual cost of cybercrime damages to users, online businesses, and nations is expected to hit $5 trillion this year, with some estimates ranging as high as $10 trillion.

Join two highly experienced data security professionals – Mary T. Frantz of Enterprise Knowledge Partners and Frank Krahn of Burdock Consulting – as they discuss how cybercrime fighters must overcome a variety of challenges as they threat-hunt on the dark net: detecting, monitoring, and gathering intelligence on cybercrimes and the actors behind them. Frantz and Krahn will discuss how the cybersecurity community will address emerging threats, what changes the web may undergo as a result, and more. The session will be moderated by the head of international training at AccessData, Sarah Hargreaves, who brings her own experience in forensics to the discussion.