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Understanding the Dark Web
Darren Guccione is the CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, the world’s most popular password manager and secure digital vault. Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC. Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide. Law enforcement agencies keep an ear to the ground on the dark web looking for stolen data from recent security breaches that might lead to a trail to the perpetrators.
In March of this year, ANDERSON pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, Operating as a Major Trafficker, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and Money Laundering in the First Degree. While using the dark web may seem suspect on the surface, it is perfectly legal, and there are many legitimate uses of Tor and anonymous browsing. For example, in countries where government surveillance may be used to spy on and oppress political dissidents, the dark web is often a place for communication that avoids government censorship and scrutiny.
Another type of “browser” those looking for darknet markets use is called I2P. It primarily bypasses censorship but is also used to access the general dark web. Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers. While the surface web may represent most of what the average user sees, there are many more layers of hidden content to be found on the dark web. Using a special browser known as The Onion Router (Tor), users can explore these hidden sites and engage in both legal and illicit activities under the cover of an anonymous IP address.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It is home to various illicit activities, including the buying and selling of drugs. Before exploring how to buy drugs on the dark web, it’s essential to understand the risks and precautions involved.
Risks Involved
Engaging in drug transactions on the dark web can come with significant risks such as:
- Legal Consequences: Purchasing illegal substances can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Scams: Many sellers may not deliver the product or may provide counterfeit goods.
- Security Risks: There is a constant threat of being hacked or having your personal information exposed.
- Quality Issues: The potency and safety of the drugs cannot be guaranteed.
Tor estimates that only about 4 percent of traffic over its network is for hidden services (or dark web content); the rest is people accessing regular internet sites with greater anonymity. The currency of choice here is Bitcoin, the digital cryptocurrency, which can be exchanged easily enough for real world currency, and offers its users a high degree of anonymity. To help keep buyers anonymous, other developers have created “tumbling” services, which are a sort of micro-laundering system that obscures who is sending Bitcoins to whom. Then, in April 2014 “Grams”, a search engine for these drugs sites, was launched and included “trending” searches and advertising space. It’s known to host a flourishing network of marketplaces selling drugs, weapons, pornography, and other generally illegal products – including people’s personal data. Silk Road was the first dark market of its kind, and it’s best known for the buying and selling of illegal drugs online.
It’s an astonishing, preposterous end to what was an astonishing, preposterous site, though the papers show that while the crime might have been hi-tech, cracking it was a matter of old-fashioned, painstaking detective work. Bernardo Pulido admitted selling pills containing fentanyl to an informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Dylan McMikle admitted selling fentanyl to a 25-year-old Sikeston man who died later that day. Verbowski admitted using cryptocurrency and cash from October 2019 to August 30, 2021 to buy bulk quantities of counterfeit generic alprazolam, an anti-anxiety drug, and other prescription pills and resell them. Verbowski’s source bought drug ingredients from China and used a pill press and stamps to mimic the pill markings used by manufacturers licensed and approved by the U.S.
Earlier this year, a study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found illegal websites have sales that average $300,000 to $500,000 a day. The study found marijuana accounted for about one-quarter of sales, followed by Ecstasy and stimulants. These websites also sell significant amounts of psychedelic drugs, opioids and other prescription medications. Building trust with an anonymous online source can be hard but a conversation is a good starting point.
Drug users, doctors, harm reduction advocates, and even Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, have all called for safer alternatives to unregulated and highly toxic street drugs. The illicit drugs were purchased on the dark web by Jeremy Kalicum and Eris Nyx. Together, they founded the Drug User Liberation Front, or DULF as it’s more commonly known.
Related Internet Links
Steps on How to Buy Drugs on the Dark Web
For those who still wish to proceed, the following steps outline how to buy drugs on the dark web safely:
1. Use a VPN
Before accessing the dark web, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help mask your IP address, providing an additional layer of anonymity.
2. Download Tor Browser
The Tor browser is essential for accessing dark web sites. It allows users to browse anonymously by routing their traffic through multiple servers.
3. Find Reliable Marketplaces
Various dark web marketplaces exist. Some of the more reputable platforms include:
- Hydra
- Empire Market
- DarkNet Market
Research and read user reviews to find reliable sellers before making any purchases.
4. Create a Secure Account
After selecting a marketplace, create an account using a secure email and strong password. Avoid using personal information that can be traced back to you.
- For anyone addicted to drugs, waiting for supplies to arrive in the post – if they are not intercepted en route – can be challenging when there is a delay.
- You’ll actually have to find the dark websites that you want to search on your own.
- Today, there are more varieties of darknet markets — these new dark web markets are more likely to specialize in specific goods or a unique transaction system.
- The ever-changing nature of dark web marketplaces makes it vital to stay on top of the main sites worth monitoring.
- Technically speaking, Silk Road 2.0 is an anonymous market for anything (with some exceptions, such as child pornography), which means there are also sections for alcohol, art, counterfeit, even books.
5. Use Cryptocurrency
Most dark web transactions require the use of cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin being the most common. Acquire some before attempting to make a purchase.
6. Browse and Select Products
Browse through listings and select the drugs you wish to purchase. Examine vendor ratings and reviews to ensure reliability.
7. Make the Purchase
Once you’ve made your selection, follow the marketplace’s instructions for completing the purchase. Always communicate through secure channels on the platform.
8. Wait for Delivery
After the transaction, the seller will dispatch the product. Monitor your account for updates and prepare for the arrival.
FAQs
Is it safe to buy drugs on the dark web?
No, it is not safe. There are numerous risks, including legal repercussions and scams.
What should I do if I get scammed?
Contact the marketplace’s support, but remember that recovery chances are slim. Be cautious when choosing vendors.
How can I ensure my identity stays hidden?
Utilize a VPN, never reveal personal information, and use secure payment methods like cryptocurrency.
Are there legitimate uses for the dark web?
While it is often associated with illegal activities, the dark web can also provide a platform for privacy-focused communication and whistleblower platforms.
Ultimately, understanding the risks and following appropriate safety measures is crucial for anyone considering how to buy drugs on the dark web.
