Cybr7001 Lit Review Structure

Suggested Structure for "Dark Web Markets – History, Trends, and Contemporary Practice in Detection and Disruption" #

1. Abstract (≈150 words) #

• A brief, standalone summary of:

  • The purpose and focus of the paper.
  • The key historical background.
  • Main trends or developments in dark web markets.
  • Highlight of detection/disruption practices.
  • A preview of conclusions or key findings.

2. Introduction (½–¾ page) #

• Define dark web and dark web markets.
• Explain relevance to cybersecurity.
• Identify the challenges posed (illicit trade, anonymity, law enforcement difficulty).
• State the objective: provide an overview of historical evolution, current trends, and detection/disruption strategies.
• Justify your focus (e.g., a specific type of market, tool, or geographic angle if narrowing scope).

3. Literature Review / Related Work (1–1.5 pages) #

• History:

  • Brief timeline (e.g., Silk Road to Hydra).
  • Evolution in technology (Tor, cryptocurrencies).

• Trends:

  • Market size and scale (cite scholarly estimates).
  • Shifts in products/services offered (drugs, malware, data).
  • Changes in vendor-buyer trust mechanisms (escrow, reviews, etc.).

• Use scholarly papers and academic sources only (no blogs or general websites).

4. Detection and Disruption Practices (1–1.5 pages) #

• Detection:

  • Techniques used (OSINT, honeypots, AI/ML).
  • Challenges in detection (anonymity, encryption, market resilience).

• Disruption:

  • Case studies (e.g., Operation Disruptor, AlphaBay takedown).
  • Role of international law enforcement collaboration.
  • Legal and ethical issues.

• Analyze effectiveness and limitations.

5. Analysis and Conclusions (½–¾ page) #

• Summarize major findings.
• Discuss implications for cyber defenders and policymakers.
• Identify gaps in current detection/disruption capabilities.
• Propose future research directions (e.g., use of blockchain analytics, improved cross-border cooperation).

6. References #

• Use IEEE referencing style.
• Ensure all sources are scholarly (e.g., journals, conference papers, government or legal documents).