Darknet

Darknet is a portion of the internet (overlay network) that is intentionally hidden and not accessible through standard browsers and engines. It operates on encrypted networks and requires specific software and configurations to access. Most well-known darknet network is Tor. The reciprocal term for darknet is clearnet, what we normies use, which refers to the content that is indexable by search engines.

Not to be confused with dark web, which refers to the websites and content that exists on the dark net.

Though Tor isn’t the only online tool that is used to access the darknet.

• Freenet: DHT file hosting darknet platform. Supports friend-to-friend and opennet modes
• I2P (invisible internet project): an overlay proxy network that features hidden services.
• Tribler: anonymous BitTorrent client with built in search engine.

Glossary+

Cyberarms markets: markets and associated events surrounding software exploits, zero-days, cyberweaponry (malware agents employed for cyber attacks), surveillance tech. Governments usually buy from here as well.

SecureDrop: free software platform for secure communication (e.g., journalists - sources). Designed and developed by Swartz and Kevin Poulsen. Only accessible as onion services in the Tor network.

Resources

Dread: Reddit-like dark web discussion forum featuring news and discussions around dnm.

The Hub: forum on Tor focused on dnm reviews, crypto and security.

/r/DarkNetMarkets: [Banned in 2018]

Tails: Portable OS that protects against surveillance and censorship.

Tor: Overview