The darknet is an anonymizing network used by those needing secure communication in an environment with high risk for eavesdropping. Tor is often utilized on this network.

Darknet marketplaces provide access to illegal goods and services such as personal data harvested from data breaches, hacking tools used in cyber attacks, hitmen for hire and more.

What is the Darknet?

The Darknet is an anonymous part of the Internet where cybercriminals can buy and sell illegal products and services, hack into devices to steal data, distribute phishing kits and malware kits, coordinate attacks and bypass network censorship, content filtering or restrictive firewall policies.

Darknet first gained currency during the 1970s as a means of distinguishing networks associated with ARPANET (a precursor of today’s Internet) from those that weren’t. After four Microsoft employees published a paper in 2002 arguing that darknet hindered digital rights management by making accessing copyright material difficult, its usage became more widely discussed.

The darknet is only accessible through special browsers like Tor, which encrypt data and route it through multiple servers to mask its source. Because of this level of anonymity, it has long been seen as a breeding ground for criminal activity such as selling illegal drugs or firearms to child pornography or extortion schemes; but its anonymity can also be harnessed for good: people living under authoritarian regimes can safely communicate and bypass oppressive government controls using it as well.

How do I get on the Darknet?

Tor is the go-to program for accessing the dark web, as it routes all online activity through a global network of proxy servers run by volunteers around the globe and protects you from potential tracking by making it hard for snoopers and provides encryption of online activities.

Tor isn’t perfect and may slow your browsing or make you vulnerable to attacks; therefore, using a VPN when accessing the dark web – particularly if searching for illegal content – is highly advised.

Other dark web tools include search engines that work only on the Tor network, encrypted email services like Protonmail and Guerrilla Mail, as well as sites offering disposable emails. You should always scan for malware before purchasing anything on the dark web as many transactions may turn out to be fraudulent and lead to financial loss or stolen information; Ross Ulbricht was recently charged with being behind one such transaction on Silk Road marketplace and is serving two life sentences due to their illegal operation.

What can I buy on the Darknet?

Utilizing Tor to connect to the Darknet allows users to access an assortment of marketplaces and services, including legal products as well as illegal ones such as drugs or hacking tools.

Silk Road marketplace was notoriously known for selling psychoactive substances and their paraphernalia; however, it also allowed whistleblowers to anonymously make political and social statements through it.

The Darknet is a hub for hackers and other cybercriminals, making its marketplaces susceptible to malware, ransomware and other cyber threats that could compromise your devices. Therefore, before browsing these marketplaces, ensure that all cybersecurity protections are activated and up-to-date.

Law enforcement, enterprises and MSSPs all benefit from using the Darknet as a resource to gain insights into marketplaces, ransomware actors and hacker forums. SOCRadar Labs’ free Dark Web Report combs leaked files, Darknet markets and forums for any mentions of your organization or assets – sign up today and start discovering risks!

What can I sell on the Darknet?

Darknet marketplaces not only sell illicit drugs and weapons, but also stolen data and other illicit items. To access such marketplaces safely, users typically require a privacy-centric browser like Tor and an anonymous address is typically required to gain entry.

Since 2011 and the Silk Road’s rise to notoriety and subsequent shutdown by law enforcement, numerous other markets have emerged following in its footsteps and offering illegal goods and services for virtual currencies like Bitcoin.

Genesis is one of the more popular markets for stolen credentials – user names, passwords and digital fingerprints used by cybercriminals to gain entry to accounts even when two-factor authentication has been implemented by victims.

Other darknet marketplaces, like Abacus Market and Russian Market, prioritize user experience and vendor support. Abacus features an easy 14-day escrow system and user-friendly interface; security-minded buyers will appreciate PGP encryption support, Two-Factor Authentication authentication methods and anti-phishing alerts as features to safeguard transactions and ensure safety for both buyers and vendors alike.