It uses the onion router to bounce your signal around other Tor users around the world, thereby pseudo-anonymizing you when you access the dark web. Operating since 2020, 2easy Market is a dark web marketplace known primarily for its focus on stolen data and cybercrime services, particularly targeting compromised accounts and personal information. This marketplace focuses on selling stolen financial data, such as BINs (Bank Identification Numbers), RDP/VDS access, and verified crypto accounts for money laundering. The darknet marketplace is home to a plethora of illegal and legal activities. It’s one of the largest darknet markets that launched in 2022 and trades sensitive financial credential transactions. Most darknet market administrators are now tightening access controls.

#1 Install A VPN
Others, called shadow directories, require you to access the dark web and enter a special URL. For example, ProPublica—a renowned investigative journalism non-profit— uses the dark web to communicate with whistleblowers and ensure readers can access content without facing retaliation. Of course, cybercriminals can also use them for nefarious purposes like discussing illegally shared interests, conspiring to commit crimes, or posting content deemed too unsavory for the clear web.
What Cybersecurity Surprises Does 2018 Hold?
Law enforcement agencies monitor many dangerous markets, and even anonymous browsing isn't foolproof. Even if you've never visited these markets, your personal and financial data might already be there, having been leaked through a data breach. Dark web markets work much like regular e-commerce websites but with extra layers of anonymity and encryption. It is always a good idea to exercise caution and do your research before making any purchases on a darknet market.

Minimize Or Rescale Your Tor Browsing Window

Put simply, the deep web is all the information stored online that isn’t indexed by search engines. If you plan to purchase on a dark net marketplace or dark web commerce sites, you’ll need to create a fake identity. A handful of dark web search engines that do index .onion sites include NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch. Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. Even when using security measures and your common sense, accessing deep web content still poses a risk.
Stolen Data And Identity Theft
Besides, your online activity on such browsers is visible to your ISP unless you connect to a VPN service. You won’t be able to search the dark web with a regular browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). Installing the Tor Browser is the best way to access the dark web. Second, shutting down or controlling access to the dark web would be a huge undertaking and could have unintended consequences.
Security Blogs

The dark web hosts a variety of illegal activities, many of which fuel cybercrime and real-world harm. For instance, buying fake documents may indirectly support larger operations involving trafficking, extortion, or organized crime. Many listings involve stolen personal information, including credit card data, Social Security details, and full identity profiles. But no matter how polished or professional these sites seem, the risk of getting scammed — or tracked — is always high.
Active Users
With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and marketing, Ben has held leadership roles at companies like Check Point, Cognyte, Cylus, and Ionix. Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a dangerous tool causing a stir on the dark web and within And beware—while many explore out of curiosity or for research purposes, it’s important to remember that engaging with these platforms, even as an observer, can lead to serious legal and ethical consequences. It blends illegal trade with extra features like gambling, all while maintaining a clear and accessible structure. In short, WTN continues to grow as a highly targeted and resilient marketplace within Canada’s dark web scene. The site is accessible via both Tor and the clear web, and its layout closely resembles that of Abacus Market, which makes navigation very user-friendly.Notable features include an automated carding shop, an escrow system for manual orders, and a dashboard that displays balances in both BTC and Canadian dollars (CAD).
Using mixing services or privacy-focused coins can add another layer of protection, but the key is to treat every transaction with caution. Even a small overlap, like reusing an old username or linking a payment source, can expose you. Always draw a strict line between your darknet activity and your real-world identity. This is especially important in regions where Tor is monitored or restricted. It encrypts your traffic through multiple relays, making it extremely difficult for anyone to trace your online activity.
- It specialized in narcotics fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, stolen financial data, fake documents, and even in house money laundering/mixing services.
- User access has been simplified through intuitive interface designs that prioritize ease of navigation without compromising operational security.
- All the websites and content that isn’t being shown on the “surface web” is generally referred to by many as the “deep web”, “dark web”, or “invisible web.”
- Opennet connections are easier to use, but darknet connections provide more security against attackers on the network.
The Dark Web refers specifically to websites and services hosted inside Darknets. There have been cases of users being identified even after using Tor. In other words, these markets ensure anonymous delivery and pickup. I did see 2 different markets offer built-in deadrop features.
Is Tor Browser Free?
It offers a wide range of illicit goods, including illegal drugs, counterfeit items, fake IDs, passports, and software keys. He wants to educate people about online privacy and how to take it back. Danish Shah worked for many years as a project manager in the IT industry and as a senior writer and editor at privacyradar. Radar Rundown Hiding your IP address is one of the best ways to protect your online activities from … Radar Rundown Private search engines use the metasearch or proxy search model and the proprietary cr…
Safer And More Private Darknet Purchases
While many dark marketplaces have been shut down by authorities, new ones soon appear in their place. The “Hidden Wiki” (which can be accessed in a normal browser) offers a large collection of dark web links, but be careful, as many of those links are to dangerous websites. We’ve also previously mentioned the “dark users” that use the dark web for illegal reasons, but the less said about them, the better.
No, black market websites operate illegally and pose high risks of scams, fraud, and law enforcement action. Here are some of the now-defunct dark web markets that were notorious for cybercrime. Apart from the dark web markets that are operating online today, some raided platforms influenced many markets. WeTheNorth is a Canadian market established in 2021 that also serves international users. With over 40,000 product listings and valued at around $15 million, it’s a sprawling marketplace and go-to destination for drugs, counterfeit items and cybercrime tools.
In this era, it takes one wrong click and all your sensitive data ends up in the wrong hands. Although the Silk Road was brought down, it formed a blueprint for several other dark web sites to follow. Unfortunately, the platform was shut down in 2013 after an extensive investigation that was spearheaded by US Senator Charles Schumer.