Dark Web Links 2023

When something is hidden from the public eye, there is always room for speculations. Darknet is not an exception. Even as the time goes by, and it gets more accessible than ever, dark web is still surrounded by plenty of misconceptions or stereotypes. So, is it the last stronghold of privacy on the Internet or a safe house for criminals? Let’s find out.

What Is the Dark Web?

Generally, complete anonymity and invisibility to the search engines are the two essential features that define the darknet. Despite the common assumption, its use is not limited to buying and selling illicit products. After all, the purpose of protecting privacy initially meant avoiding censorship, political prosecution, and proclaiming the highest value of free speech. Thus, as the regulations of online presence have become stricter over the years, the darknet evolved into a place where the Internet exists in its most unfiltered state.

Dark web or Deep Web?

First, let’s get the definitions and conceptual framework that we operate in straight. The structure of the Internet is commonly portrait as an iceberg, where only 4% of all the websites are indexed by the search engines, or, metaphorically speaking, displayed on the surface (“surface net” or “clearnet”). This category includes the platforms that we all know, such as YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, Reddit, Google, etc. This layer of the Internet is simple, visible, and accessible, there is nothing here that needs further explanation.

Yet, the remaining 96% known as “the deep web” indeed calls for a thorough research. Plainly, this term incorporates all the web pages that don’t appear in the search results. Actually, it is a large section comprised of:

• corporate portals,
• financial records,
• databases for the particular audience,
• subscription only sites, etc.

Evidently, most of this content isn’t even remotely connected to any criminal activity. On the contrary, major part of these websites uses encryption and other security measures to protect the privacy of their users. Still, 6% of these domains promote a complete anonymity among their visitors. For that reason, you can gain access to these resources only via special anonymizing software, such as Tor browser. This subcategory of the deep web is what we commonly refer to as the “dark web” or dark web links 2023

The surface, deep, and dark web structure explained in an iceberg diagram.

Here you can find almost everything that is banned on the clearnet, including books, films, news, information leakages, etc. You can even join the Dark Web Social Network (DWSN) to make friends, like and comment on posts or chat on forums. However, you’ll have to stay completely anonymous, but this requirement is understandable for a darknet social media platform. In addition, even the Facebook joined the dark side and created a hidden version of its website to bend some legal boundaries.

However, the dark web is a place where naive and idealistic beliefs should be put aside. Indeed, people created this space with the noble intentions in mind. But with almost complete absence of punishment and personal responsibility, there is always a room for fraud, scamming, stealing, cheating, or something even worse. Therefore, if you decided to join the darknet community, you should proceed with caution. Otherwise, you’re jeopardizing your security and risk encountering some rather unpleasant things, like:

• cyberattacks,
• terrorism,
• child pornography,
• information disclosure,
• ransomware,
• weapons,
• human trafficking,
• money laundering, etc.

Important Conclusions Deep web = no public visibility Dark web = no search engines results + access through specific anonymizing software Darknet always means going “deep”, but the deep web doesn’t necessarily mean going “dark” Usually, deep web is mainly comprised of completely legal websites, and darknet doesn’t automatically imply something malicious Yet, the dark web is a dangerous place, and users should not forget about it under any circumstances.

Dark web content according to the study of Gareth Owen of Portsmouth University. Retrieved from the Information Security Squad portal.

How Do the Darknet Markets Operate?

Of course, it is impossible to cover every type of the websites published in the dark web. Hence, let’s focus on the main subject of the article, the darknet markets. Obviously, special places to trade illicit goods or render illegal services have existed since the beginning of times. But with the help from technological progress now you can do that comfortably in your chair instead of going to some suspicious alley in the back of the street.

Commonly, this kind of marketplaces is no different from any other online shopping platforms. Darknet markets exist with the purpose to provide vendors and buyers with a platform to find each other and strike a mutually beneficial deal. The onion link used for Tor browser might look a little confusing, but all the other elements of the interface are the same as on Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress. Sure, the lists of item don’t match, plus, some additional preparations in terms of security and payment are in order, but the ordering procedure follows all the basic steps:

1. Select the category you are looking for
2. Choose the product or service you like
3. Read the information on the vendor, delivery process, price, additional costs, etc.
4. Check the reviews (pay attention to the ones that sound reasonable and scrupulous because those that bear no significant information might be forged too)
5. Add the product to your card
6. Fill in the order form (usually, it’s up to the buyer to decide whether to use his/her real name or come up with a fake one)
7. Pick up the most suitable delivery option
8. Pay for your order
9. Wait for the package to arrive
10. Mark the goods as received and enjoy your new purchase.

Of course, such marketplaces were designed to present a whole range of illegal or semi-legal products and services. Here are some of the most popular categories the dark web can present.

Drugs

Obviously, drugs are the largest segment of any darknet markets. Vendors sell illegal, recreational, and prescription drugs, such as Cannabis, Ecstasy, and Steroids. They offer pills, edibles, powder, seeds, or any other shape/form to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers.

Fraud

Traditionally, this section incorporates items related to the financial and business matters. You go there if you want to buy credit/debit card, login, or bank account details.

Software

This unit includes pieces of code or software dedicated to cyberattacks, such as Botnets, Malware, Exploits, and many others.

Forgeries

This segment is for those who strive to find luxurious items that would look just like genuine brand products, but cost less due to their counterfeit origin.

Services

This category is very vague and may contain almost anything. For instance, providers can freely render such services as fake documents or accounts, carding, and hacking.