Investigating on the Dark Web
The Dark Web is a treasure trove of data and information when conducting fraud investigations -stolen customer accounts, fraudulent document templates, leaked business information, and detailed guides for bypassing your counter-fraud measures all circulate freely in hidden market places on the Dark Web.
Understanding how criminals operate on the Dark Web gives fraud prevention teams a critical advantage. However, navigating this space effectively requires specialised knowledge: how to access hidden networks safely, conduct investigations legally, and gather intelligence without compromising your organisation or yourself.
This practical fraud prevention training course teaches counter-fraud professionals how to operate on the Dark Web safely, ethically and legally using robust investigative methodologies. You will also gain foundational knowledge of cryptocurrency—the financial backbone of Dark Web criminal activity.
Cifas Members receive a 13% discount.
Module details
Who Should attend this Counter-Fraud training
This CIFAS Dark Web investigations course is designed for fraud prevention professionals requiring intelligence gathering capabilities in hidden online spaces:
- Fraud analysts investigating identity fraud and account takeovers
- Fraud investigators tracking stolen credentials and data breaches
- Counter-fraud intelligence officers monitoring criminal marketplaces
- Compliance officers assessing organisational exposure on the Dark Web
- Security professionals protecting against insider threats and data leaks
- Law enforcement and private investigators conducting online investigations
What you will learn
Understand the Dark Web
Build essential foundational knowledge before accessing the Dark Web
- Gain a foundation understanding of how the internet and Dark Web operate
- Understand what the Dark Web is and how criminals use it to maintain anonymity
- Learn the legal and operational issues surrounding Dark Web use, ensuring your investigations remain compliant.
- Recognise the types of fraudulent activity and criminal services available on hidden marketplaces
Explore the Dark Web
Develop practical skills for safe, anonymous investigation of Dark Web marketplaces
- Understand how to access and use the Dark Net safely and anonymously whilst protecting your identity and organisation
- Learn how to search Dark Net marketplaces for fraudulent items related to your business (such as stolen customer accounts for sale, or tutorials on how to bypass your counter-fraud measures)
- Gain an understanding of tools and methodologies that can be used to assist in Dark Web investigations.
- Navigate hidden forums and marketplaces where criminals discuss fraud techniques targeting your industry
Cryptocurrency Foundations
Understand what Cryptocurrency is and how to use it.
- Understand how cryptocurrencies work and their value to criminal operations
- Learn how to buy and use cryptocurrency safely and anonymously for investigative purposes
- Recognise cryptocurrency's role in payment fraud, ransomware, and money laundering schemes
Professional Intelligence Reporting
Transform your Dark Web findings into actionable intelligence:
- Explore how to use your findings in fraud investigations and threat assessments
- Put together a professional intelligence report of your findings for dissemination to non-technical stakeholders
Course Format
This hands-on online course combines theoretical foundations with practical Dark Web exercises. You will work through real-world investigation scenarios, access the Dark Web in a guided manner, and develop intelligence reports using actual Dark Web findings.
Please note, you will need to install the ‘Tor Browser’(https://www.torproject.org/download/) for this course which may require approval for a corporate device.
Certification
Upon successful completion, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion.