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.
The Darknet World of Illegal Markets
Darknet markets are the underground hubs of online crime. They offer everything from illegal drugs to counterfeit IDs. These hidden marketplaces operate away from traditional search engines. If you know the right tools and where to look, you can buy anything.
While the rest of the world enjoys the holiday sales season, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday offering discounts and deals, a darker world thrives. Darknet markets offer a different kind of bargain. They sell everything from exotic animal parts to stolen identities. Accessing these illicit platforms requires specific tools and knowledge. Navigating the darknet itself demands some expertise.
To access darknet markets, users need the TOR browser, a secure tool that ensures anonymity, but discovering the actual marketplaces involves knowing where to find the addresses, which are constantly changing to avoid detection. Unlike mainstream platforms like Amazon, darknet marketplaces don't advertise. But, websites such as ours can guide those in the know. They track these marketplaces and their shifting "onion" addresses.
Bitdefender’s cybercrime unit has kept track the prices of illegal goods and services available on the darknet. Some of the cheapest products include compromised streaming accounts, sold for as little as $5 to $15. Fake IDs, which include photos and personalized details, can range from $25 to $150. If you're looking to boost your online presence, you can buy fake followers and likes for anywhere between $4 and $400. Counterfeit money is also available, with fake bills being sold at a 10% exchange rate—$95 will get you €1,000 in fake euros.
But the darker side of the darknet doesn’t stop there. If you're looking to enter the world of organized crime, bulk quantities of methamphetamine are available for $34,000 per kilogram, and weapons like rocket launchers and explosives can be bought for anywhere from $500 to $35,000.
Transactions on these darknet markets typically use cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin and Monero being the most popular choices. Monero, in particular, is favored for its heightened level of privacy and untraceability. Similar to legitimate online marketplaces, darknet platforms often feature user rating systems, allowing buyers to assess the reliability of sellers based on past transactions.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer exciting deals in the mainstream world, exploring the darknet comes with significant risks. "Curiosity, especially when it comes to cybercrime, is highly dangerous, and getting caught purchasing illegal goods could lead to severe legal consequences."