In July 2025, several significant events showed how dangerous the dark web can be. Law enforcement fought back with decisive actions. Data breaches exposed millions of people. Child abuse networks were undone. This August month’s 2025 digest will discuss the impact of dark web attacks and explore how to stay safe against them in the future.
Justice Department shuts down dark web child abuse sites
On July 28, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department launched Operation Grayskull. This major operation targeted four dark websites sharing child abuse material. These sites had a combined 120,000 members. They hosted millions of illegal images and videos. The operation was a success. Authorities seized the sites’ servers. They arrested a key administrator, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The FBI led the effort. They worked with Europol and police from other countries. Advanced tracking technology helped find these hidden sites. Operation Grayskull sent a clear message: child exploitation will not be tolerated. The dark web makes these crimes hard to trace. But global cooperation is making a difference. Parents, teachers, and communities must stay alert. Signs like secretive behavior or fear in children could point to online grooming.
Leak Zone breach exposes 22 million user records
On July 18, 2025, cybersecurity firm UpGuard discovered a major breach at Leak Zone, a notorious dark web forum. An unprotected Elasticsearch database exposed 22 million web request records. About 95% of these were linked to leakzone[.]net, a platform for trading hacking tools and stolen accounts. The database included sensitive user data, such as IP addresses, geographic locations, and internet service provider details. This created a detailed map of user activity on the illegal site.
The breach covered three weeks of data, from June 25 to July 18, 2025. It logged about one million requests daily, with a median size of 2,862 bytes. The database revealed 185,000 unique IP addresses, far more than Leak Zone’s 109,000 registered users. This suggests users employed privacy tools like VPNs and proxies. About 5% of requests (1.37 million records) came through public proxies. Many others used VPN services, especially Cogent Communications. However, 39% of IPs appeared only once, likely unprotected users.
PayPal credentials leak sparks major security concerns
A massive data breach hit PayPal users on July 15, 2025. A hacker, known as Chucky_BF, claimed to sell 15.8 million PayPal credentials. The data included emails and plain-text passwords. It was listed for just $750 on a dark web forum. The leak likely came from infostealer malware. This software infects devices and steals sensitive information.
PayPal said its systems weren’t directly hacked. The data was linked to a 2022 breach. But the sale still poses a significant risk. Criminals can use these credentials to access accounts.
Abacus Market shuts down in suspected exit scam
On July 24, 2025, Abacus Market went offline. It was the largest Western dark web marketplace. The site sold illegal drugs, stolen data, and hacking tools. It used Bitcoin for secure payments. Experts believe the shutdown was an exit scam. This means the site’s owners likely stole users’ funds and disappeared. Vendors and buyers lost millions of dollars.
The abacus was known for its strong security. It used PGP encryption and two-factor authentication. But even these couldn’t protect users from the scam. Exit scams are common on the dark web. They show how risky these markets are, even for criminals. When Abacus closed, other sites like Russian Market gained users.
UK data breach exposes Afghan allies to Taliban threat
In July 2025, a UK Ministry of Defence breach exposed sensitive data. It involved 7,000 Afghans who worked with British forces. The leaked information included names, addresses, and photos. This data was offered for sale on the dark web. The breach put these individuals at serious risk. The Taliban could target them for revenge.
The UK government acted quickly. They launched a secret evacuation plan to protect those affected. However, many may not receive help or compensation. The breach happened due to a poorly secured server.
Qilin ransomware group escalates dark web attacks
The Qilin ransomware group stepped up attacks in July 2025. They targeted hospitals, media companies, and government agencies. They stole sensitive data and sold it on the dark web. Qilin also offered legal support to its affiliates. This helped them pressure victims to pay large ransoms. In April 2025, they hit 72 targets. In May, they attacked 55 more. Their activity grew in July.
Qilin took advantage of gaps left by other groups like LockBit. They used advanced malware bought on dark web markets. Their attacks caused chaos. For example, hospitals lost access to patient records. Businesses faced huge financial losses. For safety, companies need regular backups and strong security as well as Governments must track these groups closely.
Russian Market emerges as top cybercrime platform
On June 16, 2025, the Russian Market became a leading dark web platform. It specializes in selling stolen credentials. These come from social media, banking, and email accounts. The data is stolen by infostealer malware like RedLine and Vidar. Prices are very low. Credit card details sell for as little as $10. This makes the market popular among criminals.
The site organizes data by device and region. This helps buyers target specific victims. It fuels cybercrime across the globe. Police are monitoring the platform. But it’s hard to shut down.
Workday data breach linked to dark web sales
On July 15, 2025, Workday reported a data breach. Hackers accessed a third-party CRM system. They stole names, emails, and phone numbers. The data was put up for sale on the dark web. Workday provides HR services to many businesses.
Workday alerted its customers. They advised monitoring accounts for suspicious activity. The breach highlights the risks of third-party systems. These can be weak links in a company’s security. Regular audits and strong protections are needed. This incident shows how dark web sales can harm businesses. Companies must act fast to secure their networks and prevent data leaks.
These events prove the dark web is a significant threat. Law enforcement is fighting back with global cooperation. But individuals and organizations must take action too. Strong, unique passwords are essential. Two-factor authentication adds extra protection. Companies need robust cybersecurity, including regular backups and audits. Monitoring accounts and dark web forums can catch problems early.
