ZeroFox Intelligence Flash Report – Fate of Genesis Market Uncertain as Rumors of FBI Seizure Remain Unconfirmed

Product Serial: F-2023-04-05a

TLP:CLEAR

In this flash report, ZeroFox Intelligence provides updates around a recent announcement that the FBI had seized the site of longtime botnet marketplace Genesis Market.

Standing Intelligence Requirements

Deep Dark Web and Criminal Underground DDW

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https://cloud.zerofox.com/intelligence/advisories/14956

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Scope Note

ZeroFox Intelligence is derived from a variety of sources, including—but not limited to—curated open-source accesses, vetted social media, proprietary data sources, and direct access to threat actors and groups through covert communication channels. Information relied upon to complete any report cannot always be independently verified. As such, ZeroFox applies rigorous analytic standards and tradecraft in accordance with best practices and includes caveat language and source citations to clearly identify the veracity of our Intelligence reporting and substantiate our assessments and recommendations. All sources used in this particular Intelligence product were identified prior to 8:00 AM (EST) on April 5, 2023; per cyber hygiene best practices, caution is advised when clicking on any third-party links.

Key Findings

As of this writing, longtime botnet marketplace Genesis Market forum admins have neither confirmed nor denied an alleged FBI seizure of their site but have announced forthcoming new domains in reputable dark web channels.
Although accessing the deep web version of Genesis Market displays an alleged FBI seizure announcement, the site remains accessible, stable, and functional via the TOR address.
ZeroFox assesses it is likely that the site admins will pivot to new domains and increase scrutiny of their users regardless of alleged law enforcement actions taken against the site.