Major Threats and Trends to Look Out for in 2025

January 14, 2025

As we move into 2025, the ever-shifting landscape of cybercrime continues to evolve, with the darknet remaining a significant hub for illicit activities. From emerging technologies to shifting criminal tactics, understanding these trends is critical for cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the general public alike. Drawing on industry expertise, this post identifies seven major threats and trends expected to shape the darknet in the coming year. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to play an increasingly prominent role in cybercrime. Criminals are leveraging AI technologies to automate attacks, analyze vast amounts of data, and create more sophisticated phishing schemes. According to a 2023 report from the cybersecurity firm Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with AI-driven attacks contributing significantly to this figure. 

AI algorithms can craft convincing phishing emails and even generate deepfake content that can be used to impersonate individuals, making it harder for victims to detect fraud. As AI tools become more accessible, even amateur criminals can execute complex attacks, making the darknet a breeding ground for AI-driven illicit activities. 

Cryptocurrency has long been the payment method of choice on the darknet, and this trend is expected to continue. However, as more legitimate businesses adopt cryptocurrencies, criminal enterprises will likely turn to new forms of digital currency that offer enhanced anonymity, such as Monero and Zcash. A report by Chainalysis indicated that more than 40% of cryptocurrency transactions on the darknet involve privacy coins, highlighting their growing popularity among criminals. 

In 2025, we may also see the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms specifically tailored for darknet markets, providing criminals with new avenues for laundering money and conducting transactions anonymously. As regulatory scrutiny increases on mainstream cryptocurrencies, criminals will adapt and find ways to utilize less traceable options. 

Social engineering remains a significant threat in the cyber landscape, and we expect to see more sophisticated tactics in 2025. Criminals will increasingly exploit psychological manipulation to deceive victims, using advanced techniques that involve personalized and context-aware phishing schemes. 

For example, threat actors may employ AI tools to gather information about individuals from social media and other online sources, crafting highly targeted attacks that are harder to detect. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), losses from social engineering scams reached over $2.4 billion in 2022, and this figure is expected to rise as attackers refine their methods. 

Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, and the RaaS model is becoming increasingly popular on the darknet. This model allows even low-skilled cybercriminals to launch ransomware attacks by purchasing or renting malware from experienced developers. A report from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) indicates that ransomware attacks have increased by 150% since 2020. 

In 2025, we can anticipate a further proliferation of RaaS offerings, complete with customer support and user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible to a broader range of criminals. This trend could lead to more frequent and severe ransomware attacks, impacting businesses, governments, and individuals alike. 

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, so do the opportunities for cybercriminals. The increasing number of connected devices creates a larger attack surface, and many IoT devices are inadequately secured. According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), IoT vulnerabilities are expected to triple by 2025. 

Darknet markets will likely see a rise in the sale of exploits targeting IoT devices, including smart home systems and industrial IoT applications. Cybercriminals may leverage these vulnerabilities to launch attacks, steal personal data, or create botnets for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. 

The future of darknet markets may involve a shift towards decentralized platforms that utilize blockchain technology. These markets could offer enhanced privacy and security features, making them more resistant to law enforcement actions. According to a study by the University of Southern California, decentralized marketplaces could become a preferred choice for criminals seeking anonymity. 

In 2025, we may witness the rise of decentralized dark web marketplaces that operate on peer-to-peer networks, allowing users to trade goods and services without relying on centralized servers. This shift could complicate law enforcement efforts and make it more challenging to track illicit activities. 

As the threats associated with the darknet continue to evolve, so too will the efforts of law enforcement agencies. In 2025, we can expect increased collaboration among international law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime. Initiatives like the Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate are likely to expand their reach, focusing on dismantling organized crime groups operating on the darknet. 

Moreover, advancements in forensic technologies will enhance law enforcement’s ability to trace illicit activities, even within decentralized environments. This ongoing battle between criminals and law enforcement will shape the future of darknet activities. 

The darknet will remain a hotbed for illicit activities as we approach 2025, driven by technological advancements and evolving criminal tactics. Understanding these emerging threats is essential for anyone navigating the digital landscape, from cybersecurity professionals to everyday users. Staying informed and proactive is crucial in combating the ongoing challenges posed by the darknet and ensuring a safer online environment. 


DarkOwl can help with threats going into 2025. Contact us.

See why DarkOwl is the Leader in Darknet Data

Copyright © 2024 DarkOwl, LLC All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
DarkOwl is a Denver-based company that provides the world’s largest index of darknet content and the tools to efficiently find leaked or otherwise compromised sensitive data. We shorten the timeframe to detection of compromised data on the darknet, empowering organizations to swiftly detect security gaps and mitigate damage prior to misuse of their data.