Latest news with #Tor
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
IPinfo Launches IPinfo Core: City-Level Precision and Privacy Clarity
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IPinfo, the internet data company, today announced the launch of IPinfo Core, a new product that delivers enhanced IP context at an entry-level price. IPinfo Core combines city-level geolocation with five new privacy and connection-type signals, enabling users to make smarter, faster decisions about how much they can trust an IP's reported location. IPinfo Core includes flags — such as is_mobile (mobile carrier IP detection) and is_anonymous (VPN, proxy, Tor, or relay detection) — that provide greater visibility into how IP addresses behave and what they represent. This level of context was previously only available in IPinfo's enterprise plans. 'Geolocation is useful, but it's only part of the picture,' said Ben Dowling, CEO of IPinfo. 'An IP might show London, but if it's actually a VPN server, that location data becomes misleading for fraud prevention or compliance decisions. Our entry-level plan previously only included basic geolocation and ASN data. IPinfo Core provides a deeper level of context so users know how to make decisions considering IP geolocation data. This gives developers more IP context than ever.' With 16 enriched IP attributes, IPinfo Core transforms raw IPs into actionable data that power use cases including content localization, fraud/risk intelligence, network optimization, and regulatory compliance. Key Features of IPinfo Core: Precise, accurate city-level data backed by IPinfo's global Probe Network Privacy detection for VPNs, proxies, Tor nodes, and relays Connection-context flags to identify mobile, satellite, hosting, and anycast IPs ASN information about ownership, operation location, and type of network Three delivery options: API access, downloadable database, or Snowflake Marketplace IPinfo Core Use Cases Include: Fraud and account takeover defense: Detect risky activity by combining location mismatches with privacy and network-type signals Ad targeting and attribution: Use precise city and ASN data to refine audience segmentation and measure campaign effectiveness Geo-fencing and rights compliance: Enforce access rules based on location and privacy flags to comply with content licensing Learn More IPinfo Core is available starting at $49/month for 150,000 API requests, with flexible tiers up to 1 million requests on monthly or annual plans. Developers can sign up today to get started with the API at or start a 30-day free trial with $400 usage credit on Snowflake Marketplace. Full documentation is available to get started in minutes. IPinfo is the internet data company, providing the world's most accurate IP data that delivers highly contextual metadata on each IP address, from geolocation and mobile carrier to privacy detection and proxies. IPinfo is trusted by more than 500,000 users, from developers to Fortune 500 companies, who use IP data to make smarter decisions, mitigate security risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive better customer experiences. IPinfo's robust and secure API processes more than 1 billion requests daily, with data also available through direct download and leading cloud platforms, all backed by a team of data experts who are committed to precision. Discover the power of better IP data at
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time Business News
Passports, Drugs, and Weapons Easier to Buy Than Ever: Italy Shocked by Darknet Marketplace
A scandal is erupting in Italy: politicians are demanding immediate action from law enforcement due to a darknet marketplace where anyone can purchase counterfeit EU passports, drugs, weapons, and other prohibited goods. The platform operates on the anonymous Tor network, accepts cryptocurrency payments, and resembles a standard online store—with a product catalog, filters, reviews, and even 'quality guarantees.' This makes purchasing illegal goods alarmingly simple and convenient. The marketplace offers, in particular, passports from Italy, Spain (depending on media sources), and other EU countries, narcotic substances, and military-grade weapons. All of this can be ordered in just a few steps and without a trace. Politicians have sent an official demand to the police to identify the platform's organizers and shut it down immediately. They claim such services pose a direct threat to national security and undermine public trust in the state. While cybersecurity services remain silent, the platform continues to operate. The ability to buy counterfeit documents or weapons in two clicks has become a reality that must be addressed. And as politicians debate how to combat it, thousands of users are placing orders. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Utah man accused of buying child porn used cryptocurrency. Authorities say it's the first known case
The office of the Utah Attorney General at the Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A Utah man has been arrested in what the attorney general's office says is the state's first known case where cryptocurrency was used to purchase child sex abuse material. Christopher Merritt, 39, was charged in Salt Lake County's 3rd District Court last week with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, all felonies. The case was investigated by the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, stemming from a tip from the electronic trading platform Robinhood. According to Robinhood, cryptocurrency — specifically Bitcoin and Ethereum — had been transferred to a wallet linked to child sexual abuse material, commonly known as child pornography. A wallet is how cryptocurrency investors store their keys, which are essentially passwords giving the owner access to their investments, and allowing them to send and receive cryptocurrency. The attorney general's office said the transaction took place on the dark web, a corner of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, like Chrome or Safari, and can be accessed through specialized software. Though not illegal, the dark web is often associated with criminal activities, since it's easier to remain anonymous. An agent with the task force traced Merritt's cryptocurrency transactions and found that his cryptocurrency wallet had sent funds to another wallet that the Internet Watch Foundation had associated with child pornography, according to court documents. According to a probable cause statement, Merritt sent $321 to sites associated with child pornography. When officers served a warrant on Merritt's home, they searched his phone and found 'hundreds of videos and images of children' being sexually assaulted, according to court documents. Officers also found a Tor browser on his phone and computer, which is used to access the dark web. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Valid Market Review: Is This the Most Reliable Carding Forum?
In the ever-evolving world of underground forums and digital black markets, carding communities have continued to be a prominent fixture. These forums, while controversial and illicit by nature, serve as online meeting places for individuals involved in the trade of stolen credit card information, digital identities, and various financial tools. Among them, Valid Market has been drawing increasing attention from forum users worldwide. The big question remains—is Valid Market the most reliable carding forum today? This comprehensive review dives deep into the structure, features, and reputation of Valid Market. We'll analyze how it stacks up against other forums and whether it deserves its emerging title as the go-to platform in this underground niche. To understand the significance of Valid Market, one must first understand what carding forums are and why they exist. Carding forums are digital platforms used for buying and selling stolen credit card details, personal data, compromised credentials, gift card exploits, and hacking tools. Members may include hackers, data brokers, software developers, and buyers looking for illicit digital goods or services. Such forums often operate on the deep web and require anonymity protocols like Tor for access. However, not all carding forums are created equal. Some are riddled with scams and traps set by law enforcement, while others are tightly monitored, offer secure transactions, and function like well-run digital marketplaces. While many forums claim to be trustworthy, few achieve the recognition and sustained user loyalty that validmarket has garnered. Unlike rogue communities filled with opportunistic scammers, Valid Market has established itself as a structured and semi-regulated ecosystem that maintains a high level of operational security and user accountability. A key feature that differentiates Valid Market is its strict vendor verification process. Vendors must apply for access, submit proof of inventory, and undergo background checks within the community. This eliminates fly-by-night scammers and ensures that users interact with credible, experienced sellers. Access to the forum itself is not granted freely. Users must go through a sign-up process that includes CAPTCHA protections, invitation systems, and in some cases, referral codes or paid access—elements designed to discourage law enforcement and casual lurkers. Valid Market provides an in-house escrow service, acting as a mediator in transactions. This significantly reduces the risk of fraud and increases buyer confidence. In case of disputes, a moderation team intervenes, evaluates the transaction, and resolves the issue based on community guidelines. These systems aren't just about fairness—they're about sustaining long-term trust. In an underground market where anonymity reigns, trust is the only currency that truly matters. The layout of Valid Market is straightforward and clean. Categories are clearly defined—ranging from stolen card data and dumps to how-to guides, software tools, and fraud techniques. New users are greeted with sticky threads offering tutorials and community rules, helping them quickly understand how to navigate the platform without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk. A dedicated support section allows users to post questions, report issues, or seek advice. The moderators and senior members actively engage, fostering a sense of order and transparency within an otherwise opaque environment. Security is paramount in any underground operation, and Valid Market doesn't compromise here. The platform integrates: End-to-end encrypted messaging Two-factor authentication (2FA) PGP encryption for private communications DDoS protection Multi-layered admin access control Users are constantly reminded to protect their operational security (OpSec) through pinned threads and community best practices. The emphasis on anonymity—such as using Monero for payments, avoiding digital fingerprints, and masking IP addresses—is core to its culture. These advanced protocols not only protect users but also bolster the forum's reputation as a well-guarded, reliable platform. While carding forums are global, regional specialization can greatly affect their usefulness. Valid Market in USA is particularly active, offering region-specific databases, banking system exploits, and tools tailored to American financial institutions. U.S.-based card data fetches high prices due to the country's massive digital transaction volumes. Valid Market recognizes this demand and caters to it with highly curated listings, U.S.-centric tutorials, and localized seller profiles. This regional emphasis is one reason why American users are gravitating toward Valid Market over more generalized platforms. The U.S. relevance also extends to communication styles and forum content. English dominates the platform, and the community reflects a familiarity with U.S. financial laws, systems, and loopholes, providing a more targeted and useful experience for those operating in or focusing on the U.S. market. Search engine data shows a growing trend in location-based queries such as 'Valid Market near me.' While these forums are inherently digital, this phrasing reveals something deeper: users are looking for platforms that understand and cater to their local or regional context. 'Near me' in the case of Valid Market may refer to how well the forum's resources, vendors, and community members understand local banking structures, merchant protocols, or fraud prevention methods. In essence, users are looking for relatability and relevance—even in an anonymous online marketplace. By hosting content, guides, and listings that resonate with different localities, Valid Market creates the illusion of proximity in a virtual world. This perceived localization contributes to its appeal and drives regional trust. There are many carding forums in circulation, such as Altenen, Joker's Stash (now defunct), and UniCC. However, most of these either became saturated with scams or were shut down due to law enforcement intervention. Valid Market's commitment to security, user vetting, and platform maintenance gives it an edge. Where other forums offer chaos, Valid Market provides structure. Where others rely on mass registration, Valid Market implements exclusivity. These distinctions are critical in a space where one misstep can mean exposure, arrest, or loss of digital assets. Any online platform—especially one that operates outside the law—relies on trust to survive. validmarket near me has managed to cultivate and sustain this trust over a considerable period, even as many of its peers have fallen. Reputation systems allow users to rate vendors after transactions, and these scores are publicly visible. Scam reports are taken seriously, and verified users who repeatedly violate trust can be banned or blacklisted. Furthermore, the community continues to grow through word of mouth, not broad advertising. This organic growth speaks volumes about its perceived reliability and user satisfaction. As with all activities related to carding, involvement with Valid Market carries serious legal consequences. Governments and cybersecurity firms actively monitor such forums, and users could find themselves implicated in federal crimes ranging from wire fraud to identity theft. It is important to emphasize that this review is informational in nature and does not condone illegal activity. Valid Market's infrastructure and operations may appear efficient and reliable, but their use still resides firmly outside the bounds of the law. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Valid Market Forum – Insight into Carding and Carders Forums
In the world of cybercrime, certain websites serve as hubs for illegal activities. One such example is Valid Market, a notorious forum site that operates within the dark web and focuses on the exchange of stolen credit card information and other illicit digital goods. Although it functions like a typical online forum, its real purpose is far from legitimate. In this article, we will explore what Valid Market is, how it operates, and how it is connected to terms like carding forum and carders forum. Valid Market is an underground forum site where cybercriminals, known as carders, gather to buy, sell, and trade stolen financial data, particularly valid credit card details. The term 'valid' refers to the fact that the stolen cards or accounts being sold are still active and usable for fraudulent transactions. Like many other carding forums, Valid Market allows users to list and purchase items such as: Stolen credit card information (commonly called 'dumps' or 'fullz') Bank login credentials Hacked PayPal and e-wallet accounts Fake identification documents Tutorials on committing fraud Hacking and carding tools Despite being illegal, the site mimics the look and structure of legitimate online communities, offering features such as user profiles, private messaging, and rating systems. Valid Market typically operates on the dark web, accessible only through encrypted browsers like Tor. This ensures a high level of anonymity for its users. The site may also require registration, an invitation code, or even a fee to access certain sections. Transactions on Valid Market are conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Monero, which are harder to trace than traditional payment methods. Some forums also offer escrow services, where the platform holds the buyer's money until the seller delivers the promised data. Communication on Valid Market takes place through private messaging systems that may include additional layers of encryption, further protecting the identity of users. Valid Market is often categorized as a carding forum or carders forum. These terms are used interchangeably and refer to online platforms where carders (people involved in credit card fraud) operate. A carding forum is a general term for any online forum that facilitates the trade of stolen credit card data. is a general term for any online forum that facilitates the trade of stolen credit card data. A carders forum refers to the community of individuals who participate in carding activities and use these forums to share information, tools, and services. Valid Market fits both definitions, making it a central hub in the broader ecosystem of cybercrime. It is part of a network of sites where illegal activities are normalized and conducted openly among members who share similar goals. Engaging with a forum like Valid Market is highly illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest, imprisonment, and fines. Law enforcement agencies around the world, such as the FBI, Europol, and Interpol, actively monitor such platforms and frequently carry out operations to shut them down. Beyond the legal risks, there are ethical and financial dangers. Many users fall victim to scams even within these forums. Moreover, the sale and use of stolen data lead to widespread identity theft, financial fraud, and data breaches that impact individuals and organizations globally. Valid Market is a well-known forum site within the cybercrime world that serves as a marketplace for stolen credit card data and other illegal digital goods. Functioning like a carding forum or carders forum, it enables anonymous transactions between cybercriminals, making it a key player in the online black market. While it may seem like just another online forum, Valid Market represents a serious cybersecurity threat. Understanding how these platforms operate is essential in combating online fraud and raising awareness about the dangers lurking on the dark web. By staying informed, users and businesses can take better steps to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
