Tor is an anonymous network used for both positive and malicious purposes by its users. Activists in oppressive regimes use it for communication while whistleblowers, hackers and illicit marketplaces utilize Tor to bypass censorship and protect their privacy.

Tor is an open source program which encrypts and redirects browsing traffic through a series of servers before arriving at its intended destination, an act known as “onionizing.”

ProPublica

ProPublica is a non-profit newsroom dedicated to investigating abuses of power. Their reporters, designers and developers work tirelessly to uncover any wrongdoing that occurs and work towards correcting it. With headquarters in Manhattan since October 2007, ProPublica provides its investigative journalism from around the globe. Paul Steiger, former managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, and Stephen Engelberg, an Oregonian editor and investigative reporter for The New York Times are its co-founders. The group includes representatives of both Public Insight Network and reporting team of The New York Times. Employees at ProPublica must disclose all material information that could impede impartial reporting on subjects they cover, such as membership in groups advocating a political solution to issues within their areas of coverage. They also should refrain from engaging in activities which conflict with or detract from their responsibilities at work.

Proton Mail

Proton Mail is an email service dedicated to protecting privacy that offers robust encryption and an array of security tools. Unlike many email providers, Proton Mail doesn’t scan emails for marketing or government mandate compliance due to end-to-end and zero-access encryption which ensures only you can read your messages; and includes anti-phishing and spam protection features as well.

Proton’s encrypted attachments and messages can only be accessed with an authenticated user account and password, protecting your data from hackers, spying agencies and governments alike. Furthermore, Proton guarantees not to sell or give away your information in any form.

Proton has recently updated their Android and iOS apps in order to enhance user experience, including adding features like offline access and advanced search. Furthermore, Proton plans on making more improvements to its Pass, Drive, and VPN services during the spring and summer of this year. These modifications should become visible soon.

The Hidden Wiki

The Hidden Wiki is an updated directory of sites on the dark web that can be accessed using Tor. It provides access to information and resources related to anonymizing services, domain services, BitCoin tools, essay collections and whistleblowing resources – such as anonymizers. While many users utilize it simply to maintain privacy or circumvent censorship restrictions, criminals and cybercriminals use it for illegal activities such as drug sales or hosting illicit marketplaces.

However, this unregulated realm also houses whistleblowing platforms and services that promote digital freedom, making the dark web an insecure space that requires careful observance of OpSec to remain private and secure. Therefore, maintaining privacy requires constant vigilance when on this realm; making any mistake could compromise your identity and compromise its users. Hidden Wiki provides a safe gateway into deep web with its safe gateway system.

The Dark Web

The Internet consists of many layers. Most people interact only with what’s visible to them – known as the surface web – while much of its information resides on deeper or darker networks that cybercriminals, hackers, or government operatives use to conceal their activities.

To gain access to the dark web, users must first install Tor. This special software program reroutes internet traffic through volunteer-run servers in order to conceal your identity – making it possible to reach hidden websites, forums and marketplaces that cannot be found with traditional search engines.

Illicit marketplaces leverage the dark web’s anonymity to conduct illegal business deals for drugs, weaponry, counterfeit products, stolen credit cards and fraudulent documents – but law enforcement can close them down at any time. Furthermore, social media and anonymous banking services also exist within its realms.