Hacker forums have long been the core of communication on the dark web—spaces where hacking tools are shared, stolen data is exchanged, and illicit operations are coordinated under an almost impenetrable veil of anonymity. But these forums are neither permanent nor stable: they evolve, disappear, and reemerge under new names, as demonstrated by the transition from RaidForums to BreachForums, its subsequent shutdown, and the resurgence attempts that followed.
Far from the visible, everyday internet, there exists a hidden digital ecosystem: the deep web and its darkest corner, the dark web. Here, forums serve not only as discussion platforms but as true operational hubs for malicious actors, security researchers, and threat intelligence analysts. Understanding how these forums work and tracking their activity is key to anticipating new threats and grasping the dynamics of modern cybercrime.
In this article, we showcase the 10 most relevant and active forums on the dark web, exploring what makes them so influential, the types of content shared within them, and why they remain vital for both cybercriminals and cybersecurity experts.
What Happens on Dark Web Forums?
Dark web forums are like the beating heart of cybercrime. They’re not just places to share things like stolen credentials, hacked databases, hacking tools, or exploits. They’re also full of drama: user feuds, debates about which markets are trustworthy (or not), and even doxing attempts—where someone tries to expose another user’s identity.
Some users are looking to join ransomware groups, others brag about attacks they’ve pulled off, and some launch smear campaigns against rival forums. It’s shady business—but very active.
One interesting aspect is that the same data breach can show up on several forums at once, making it harder to determine where it originally came from, how serious it is, or how fast it’s spreading. That’s a critical detail for cybersecurity professionals.
Because understanding the dark web isn’t just about spotting what’s been leaked. You need to pay attention to who leaked it, where they posted it, and in what context. For security professionals, these forums are not only valuable sources of real-time information but also a direct window into how cybercriminals think and operate from the shadows
Read more: Top 10 Best Browsers for Surfing the Dark Web
Top 10 Most Relevant Forums on the Dark Web
1 – XSS
XSS is one of those forums that has been making waves for years. It was originally launched in 2013 and, although it didn’t start with that name, it reinvented itself in 2018 right after one of its administrators was arrested. Since then, it adopted the name XSS, referencing the well-known Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, and has established itself as a key meeting point for Russian-speaking hackers.
What makes XSS particularly interesting is that it's not limited to the dark web via TOR; it’s also accessible through the regular web, which is quite uncommon for these types of platforms. The forum hosts discussions on everything from illegal network access sales, malware, vulnerabilities, and stolen databases—essentially everything you’d expect from a high-profile cybercrime forum.
Notable ransomware groups such as LockBit, ALPHV/BlackCat, REvil, and DarkSide—the latter responsible for the infamous Colonial Pipeline attack in the U.S.—have passed through its pages. The forum also serves as a promotional and recruitment channel: ransomware groups and other malicious actors use it to gain visibility, exchange ideas, and bolster their reputations.
Following the shutdown of BreachForums, many users sought new places to continue their activities, and XSS quickly became one of the top alternatives. In fact, one of the close associates of the infamous IntelBroker group tried selling stolen information there shortly afterward. While IntelBroker itself did not migrate to XSS, the presence of one of its partners highlighted the forum's growing influence.
Another notable point: stolen credit card markets like BidenCash and BriansClub frequently advertise on XSS. According to its regular users, the forum’s longevity and ongoing popularity largely stem from its overseas management and the administrator’s strong handling of operational security (OPSEC). This gives users a sense of confidentiality and protection that’s hard to find elsewhere.
2 – Exploit.in
Exploit is one of the oldest and most respected forums in the Russian-speaking hacker world. Founded in 2005, it has managed—like XSS—to remain a cornerstone of the cybercrime ecosystem. It operates on both the dark web via TOR and the regular web, making it accessible from multiple fronts.
What’s its specialty? Connecting so-called initial access brokers—those who gain unauthorized entry into systems—with buyers interested in purchasing that access. There's also significant discussion about malware, software vulnerabilities, and leaked databases, whether for sale or freely shared.
Exploit isn’t just any forum: it has a highly organized structure and strict membership policies. This gives it a nearly “corporate” feel within the world of digital crime, almost like a private club for those who truly know what they’re doing. This controlled and professional environment has led many to view it as a reliable source within the threat landscape.
And if you don’t speak Russian or aren’t deeply involved in the world of digital threats, you probably won’t get very far here. It’s an exclusive space, designed to keep out the curious and the inexperienced. Precisely because of that, the information shared on Exploit is generally considered legitimate and highly valuable to those who are part of the scene.
3 – LeakBase
LeakBase has secured a prominent spot among the most active hacker forums on the dark web, largely due to its clear focus: data leaks. As its name suggests, this forum functions as a massive, ever-updating library of stolen databases, blending older leaks with freshly dumped data.
The forum is available in English and accessible via the regular web, making it more user-friendly than many similar platforms. Beyond simply exchanging leaked information, LeakBase also operates as a mini-market where users buy and sell compromised data. You’ll find countless combinations of email and password pairs, access lists, and credentials harvested by stealer-type malware.
LeakBase is fairly well-structured. It features separate sections for malware, tools, exploits, and of course, everything related to leaked databases. It operates on a credit-based system, and—as with many such environments—user reputation is crucial for navigating the forum and making transactions without appearing like a novice (or an easy target).
One curious rule: the sharing of data related to Russia is not allowed. This restriction is likely in place to avoid trouble with local authorities, hinting that some of the forum’s administrators or founding members may be Russian-speaking. It’s seen as a strategic move—an effort to avoid “drawing attention where it’s not wanted.”
4 – BHF (Best Hack Forum)
BHF, short for Best Hack Forum, is one of those long-standing Russian forums that has been circulating on the web for over a decade (believed to have been active since 2012). It is accessible both via the regular web and through TOR.
The forum covers virtually every aspect of illicit online activity. It has dedicated sections for software cracking, social engineering, the sale of access to compromised systems, exploitation of vulnerabilities, credential combos, identity theft, tools to bypass anti-spam filters, and even step-by-step hacking tutorials.
One noteworthy feature is that BHF offers an escrow service, which adds a layer of “trust” among users conducting transactions—much like a formal marketplace, but on the dark side. Thanks to its long history, technically skilled community, and organized structure, BHF has become a significant player in the Russian cyber underground.
5 – Dread
Dread is essentially the Reddit of the dark web. It was launched in 2018 by an administrator known as HugBunter, and since then, it has grown into one of the most popular forums for English-speaking users involved in this underground world.
The platform closely mirrors Reddit’s design, with subforums (called “subdreads”) where users discuss a wide range of topics: ransomware, market shutdowns, data breaches, privacy tools, digital security guides, and more. Many well-known dark web marketplaces like Abacus, Russian Market, BriansClub, and Exodus even have their own subdreads, where users and vendors post updates, scam alerts, product reviews, and internal news.
Dread’s strength lies in its decentralized community structure, solid moderation, and security measures that help it withstand DDoS attacks. It operates entirely within the Tor network, which enhances user anonymity. While there’s significant discussion about privacy and legitimate cybersecurity, it’s also undeniably a space where illicit commerce is promoted and organized.
Despite blocks, attacks, and constant pressure from authorities, Dread remains active. For cybersecurity professionals, it’s a critical source for spotting emerging threats, tracking criminal group activities, and understanding trends in the digital black market.
Read more: The 10 Best Telegram Chat Groups and Channels on the Dark Web
6 – DarkForums
When BreachForums shut down, many threat actors were left searching for a new place to carry on their operations. That’s where DarkForums comes in. This forum emerged in 2023, right after the original version run by pompompurin was taken offline. However, it wasn’t until 2025—especially following the final takedown of BreachForums in April—that it began to gain serious traction.
DarkForums operates much like any other underground digital forum: you’ll find leaked databases, lists of stolen credentials, malware, account hacking tools, auto-checkers, and other staples of the dark web “catalog.” It also features a premium sales section where more exclusive products are traded.
One standout feature is its tiered membership system, very similar to that of BreachForums. It includes three paid ranks: VIP, MVP, and GOD. Premium users gain access to private Telegram channels, including an exclusive leak channel not available to regular members.
As of May 2025, DarkForums has over 12,700 registered users and continues to grow as former BreachForums members seek out a new home. It appears poised to become a long-term fixture in the dark web landscape.
7 – RAMP (Russian Anonymous Marketplace)
RAMP, short for Russian Anonymous Marketplace, launched in July 2021 and has since earned a spot among the most exclusive and selective forums on the dark web. What sets RAMP apart is that it’s not limited to Russian—it also operates in English and Chinese, giving it broader international reach within the underground community.
Getting in, however, is no small feat. RAMP enforces extremely strict access policies, with one key requirement being a solid reputation on other well-known forums like XSS or Exploit.in. In other words, if you don’t already have a credible track record, don’t even bother knocking.
RAMP rose in popularity after the infamous Colonial Pipeline attack in the U.S.—an incident that triggered major tension across the dark web. Many forums began banning any discussion of ransomware groups to avoid unwanted attention. But RAMP did the opposite. It capitalized on the void and created a dedicated space within its “partner program” where ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) groups could continue to operate, recruit new members, and sell initial access.
This openness and strategic focus are what make RAMP stand out. While other forums became more discreet, RAMP chose to double down and become a central meeting point for those deeply embedded in this type of cyber operation.
8 – Altenen
Altenen is one of those forums that have been around so long it’s practically a legend in the world of online fraud. Its primary focus is credit card fraud, although it also covers topics like cracking, hacking, and various aspects of IT and cyber scams.
Founded back in 2008, Altenen suffered a major blow in 2018 when its creator was arrested and the original forum was shut down. Still, the project didn’t die. A new version emerged and remains fairly active today.
One curious aspect of Altenen is its onboarding system for new members: to activate an account, users are required to promote the forum by sharing its domain links on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, or other social networks. It’s their way of ensuring consistent traffic and a steady influx of new members—though it also means the forum heavily relies on its community for survival.
9 – Cracked
Cracked.io is an English-language forum that operates directly on the surface web, making it far more accessible than many of its dark web counterparts. It boasts a massive, highly active community discussing credential lists, email and password combos, hacking tools, vulnerable software, and much more. The forum is multilingual, featuring 12 language-specific subforums—with the French section surprisingly being the most active.
However, Cracked.io hasn't had an easy ride. On January 29, 2025, it was a primary target of Operation Talent, a law enforcement initiative coordinated by the FBI in conjunction with international agencies. That same operation also took down Nulled.to, another well-known forum, and both of their domains were seized by authorities.
The outcome? Cracked.io lost its original domain—but it didn’t vanish. The forum simply moved to a new address and continued operations almost uninterrupted. Despite being under legal scrutiny, Cracked.io remains one of the key hubs for those involved in cybercrime activities.
10 – CryptBB
CryptBB is one of those low-profile forums that doesn’t make a lot of noise but has been operating consistently and discreetly for years. It was launched in 2017 on the Tor network by two users known as LongPig and Power, and it built a reputation around its focus on anonymity, offensive security, and a carefully curated community.
Initially, joining CryptBB was quite a challenge—you even had to go through interviews. While it's a bit more accessible today, it remains a reserved space, designed for experienced users who value privacy over flash.
The forum focuses on the exchange of stolen identity logs, advanced hacking tools, and exploitation techniques, all handled in a highly controlled manner. There’s no mass recruitment or flashy marketing. In fact, its onion link is hard to come by—it typically circulates only within trusted circles or private forums.
Its design is ultra-minimalist, with customizable privacy settings that set it apart from larger forums like Dread or XSS. In short, CryptBB is the go-to place for those who prefer to stay under the radar and operate quietly.
Conclusion
Dark web forums are far more than simple discussion spaces—they serve as true gathering points for malicious actors to share stolen data, attack techniques, and collaborate on digital crimes. Monitoring these environments not only helps uncover how threats evolve but also enables organizations to anticipate data breaches, fraud, and targeted campaigns.
At TecnetOne, we offer a specialized cyber-patrolling service for businesses, designed to continuously monitor these hidden spaces. We track forums, messaging channels, underground marketplaces, and covert social networks to detect real-time data leaks, brand impersonations, insider threats, digital fraud, and more. Our reports are clear, actionable, and tailored to each organization's unique needs.
