The darknet, also known as the dark web, is a concealed section of the internet that's inaccessible via standard search engines. You can only access it using special software, settings, or authorization. This area comprises websites and content that are purposely kept hidden from public view.
Accessing darknet requires using Tor Browser, a special web browser that routes your internet traffic through a global network of relays managed by volunteers. This way, it becomes very difficult to trace which websites you're visiting, and these sites won't know where you are located.
When visiting the dark web, use a secure browser like Tor, do not reveal any of your personal information, and don't open suspicious files or links to stay safe.
The Darknet is often utilized for secure communication, discreet information or file sharing, anonymous research without identity exposure, and occasionally for engaging in illicit activities. It is also recognized for hosting underground black markets(darknet markets), whistleblowing platforms, and discussion boards that champion freedom of speech.
While accessing Darknet Markets themselves is typically not against the law in most places, engaging with illicit goods within them is generally considered a crime. On the other hand, some people might visit Darknet Markets for lawful purposes such as research, journalistic work, or simply to explore online communities. It's essential to know the local laws regarding online activities, and be cautious when using these platforms to avoid any potential issues.
Step by step guide to using PGP with Gnu Privacy Assistant
The first thing you might ask yourself is isn't Gnu Privacy Assistant the same as GnuPG?
No, Gnu Privacy Assistant (GPA) and GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) are not the same but they are related.
GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is a powerful encryption and signing tool that implements the OpenPGP standard. It allows users to encrypt files and emails, create digital signatures and manage keys, you can check out our guide full guide on GnuPG here.
Gnu Privacy Assistant (GPA) on the other hand is a graphical user interface (GUI) that works as a front-end for GnuPG. It makes it easier for users to manage their keys and perform tasks like encryption and signing without needing to use command line commands.
In summary GnuPG handles the actual encryption and decryption tasks, while GPA provides a user friendly way to interact with GnuPG.
Here's what you'll learn from this step by step guide.
- Installing GPA
- Creating a basic key pair
- Backing up your secret key
- Exporting your public key to a backup file
- Copying your public key in clear text
- Importing a public key into your key ring
- Decrypting a message
- Verifying a PGP signed message
- Encrypting a message
- Signing a message
Installing Gnu Privacy Assistant on Windows
Open the command prompt (CMD) and type:
apt-get install gpa
Whonix user? GPA is already installed.
On first launch:
Click Edit > Preferences.
Check Use advanced mode.
Click Apply.
Creating a basic key pair
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Keyring Manager.
In the Key Manager window, click Keys > New key...
In the Generate key popup, select 3072 in the Key size (bits) field. If you don't see this field, check again part to enable the advanced mode.
enter your desired key name on the Name field. The Email and Comment fields are optional.
Click OK.
In the popup, enter a passphrase in the Passphrase line, repeat the passphrase in the Repeat line, and click OK.
A new key pair is now attached to your ring.
Backing up your secret key
Start GPA and.
Click Windows > Keyring Manager.
In the Key Manager window, right-click on your secret key and select Backup....
In the Backup key to file popup, select the folder where you want to save the key in.
Change the File name to something you will remember as your backup secret key.
Click Save.
In the Passphrase popup, enter the passphrase for your secret key, then click OK.
Under the confirmation message, click Close.
Your secret key is now saved as a file.
Exporting your public key to a backup file
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Keyring Manager.
In the Key Manager window, right-click on your secret key and select Export Keys...
In the Export public keys to file popup, select the folder where you want to save the key in.
Change the File name to something you will remember.
Click Save.
Under the conformation message, click Close.
Your public key is now saved as a file.
Copying your public key in cleartext
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Keyring Manager.
In the Key Manager window, right-click on your secret key and select Copy.
Under the confirmation message, click Close.
Your public key is now in your clipboard.
Importing a public key into your key ring
First, copy the key you want to import into the clipboard.
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Keyring Manager.
While displaying the Key Manager window, press CTRL+V.
Under the confirmation message, click Close.
In the Key Manager window, right-click on the key you just imported and select Set Owner Trust...
In the Change key ownertrust window, select the appropriate level of trust you have in the key.
Click OK.
The key is now imported in your key ring.
Decrypting a message
First, copy the message you want to decrypt into the clipboard.
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Clipboard.
In the Clipboard window main text area, paste the message to decrypt.
Still the same windows, click File > Decrypt.
In the Passphrase popup, enter the passphrase for your secret key, then click OK.
The decrypted message is displayed in the text area.
Verifying a PGP signed message
First, copy the message you want to verify into the clipboard.
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Clipboard.
In the Clipboard window main text area, paste the message to verify.
Still the same windows, click File > Verify.
The verification result is displayed in the Verify documents popup window.
Encrypting a message
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Clipboard.
In the Clipboard window main text area, paste the message to encrypt.
Still the same windows, click File > Encrypt.
In the Encrypt documents popup, under Public keys, select the recipients you want to encrypt the message to. Press CTRL to select multiple recipients.
Click OK. A popup Unknow key may appear. If so, click Yes.
The encrypted message is displayed in the text area.
Signing a message
Start GPA and:
Click Windows > Clipboard.
In the Clipboard window main text area, paste the message to sign.
Still the same windows, click File > Sign.
In the Sign documents popup, select your private key and click OK.
In the Passphrase popup, enter the passphrase for your secret key, then click OK.
The signed message is displayed in the text area.
And that's it! With this knowledge you can now keep your communications and yourself safe while exploring and chatting with people on the darknet. You can check out our other in depth step by step guides here.