darknets
Encrypted anonymous networks
Darknets are networks that operate on top of the internet but require special software or authorization to access, designed to provide anonymity and evade surveillance.
The most well-known is accessed through Tor (The Onion Router).
Darknets host legitimate privacy-focused activity alongside illegal marketplaces for drugs, weapons, and stolen data: The site was only accessible on the darknet.
Anonymous routing network
- pseudonymityState of using aliases
- untraceableImpossible to follow back
- privacyFreedom from observation
- obfuscationDeliberate concealment through confusion
VPN · dead drops · burner accounts · deniability · anonymizer · plausible deniability
Historic transcontinental trade network
- black marketIllicit trading system
- cryptomarketAnonymous online black market
- drug tradeCommerce in illegal substances
- contrabandProhibited trade goods
underground economy · illegal trade · escrow · carding · counterfeit · weapons trafficking · money laundering · exit scam
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
hacking · phishing · breach · cyberattack · intrusion · DDoS · vulnerability · APT
Exposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- dissidentOpposer of established systems
- free speechProtected verbal liberty
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- samizdatClandestine dissident publishing
Science of secure messaging
- end-to-endSpanning the full sequence
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- steganographyHiding data within media
- cipherHidden writing system
tunneling · encrypted channels · SSL · TLS · secure communication · digital signature
Tor
Anonymous routing network
- pseudonymityState of using aliases
- untraceableImpossible to follow back
- privacyFreedom from observation
obfuscation · VPN · dead drops · burner accounts · deniability · anonymizer · plausible deniability
Silk Road
Historic transcontinental trade network
- black marketIllicit trading system
- cryptomarketAnonymous online black market
- drug tradeCommerce in illegal substances
contraband · underground economy · illegal trade · escrow · carding · counterfeit · weapons trafficking · money laundering · exit scam · shadow economy
malware
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- zero-dayUnpatched security vulnerability
botnet · hacking · phishing · breach · cyberattack · intrusion · DDoS · vulnerability · APT · cybercrime
whistleblowing
Exposing hidden wrongdoing internally
- dissidentOpposer of established systems
- free speechProtected verbal liberty
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
cryptography
Science of secure messaging
- end-to-endSpanning the full sequence
- decryptionConverting ciphertext to plaintext
- steganographyHiding data within media
cipher · tunneling · encrypted channels · SSL · TLS · secure communication · digital signature
- in darknessLacking any illumination
- pitch darknessComplete absence of light
- light and darknessPresence and absence of illumination
- winter darknessCold season's extended night
- prince of darknessSupreme evil ruler
- Heart of DarknessNovella exploring imperialism's brutality