Guides & Handbook

Handbook chapters match the topics on leading market desks — rewritten for DarknetMarketsWiki.

Getting Started

Operating Systems

PGP Encryption

Cryptocurrency

Dark Markets

Physical Security

KeePassXC

KeePassXC

More

All guide pages

Guide	Summary
Anti-phishing checklist	Five checks before any password field.
Mirror hygiene for Tor weeks	Rotation order that survives DDoS noise.
Tor Browser without shady bundles	Official download path and first-session habits.
How to read market status notes	Online does not mean safe to trust a random link.
Getting Started	Start your privacy journey with the DarknetMarketsWiki. Learn prerequisites, tools, and the step-by-step roadmap for secure browsing, encryption, and operational security.
Before You Start	Essential prerequisites before using privacy tools: hardware, time commitment, risk awareness, and mindset. Read this before Tails, Tor, PGP, or cryptocurrency setup.
Operating Systems	Compare and choose privacy-focused operating systems. Complete guide to Tails and Whonix for anonymous browsing, secure workflows, and maximum digital anonymity in 2026.
Tails	Complete Tails OS guide: what it is, how it works, Tor integration, persistence, and why it is the gold standard for portable anonymous computing.
Installing Tails	Install Tails OS from scratch: download the ISO, verify PGP signatures, create a bootable USB, and boot securely. Full installation tutorial with safety checks.
Tails Settings	Configure critical Tails security settings: Tor bridges, MAC address spoofing, unsafe browser, keyboard layout, and persistence options for maximum protection.
Tails Persistence	Set up encrypted persistence on Tails to save PGP keys, bookmarks, and settings across sessions while keeping amnesiac security when needed.
Upgrading Tails	Upgrade Tails safely to the latest version: automatic updates, manual ISO refresh, verifying signatures, and preserving persistence data without compromising security.
Backing Up Tails	Back up your Tails persistence volume and critical data securely. Learn backup strategies, encryption, and recovery without exposing sensitive information.
Whonix	Whonix splits Tor routing across Gateway and Workstation VMs for strong anonymity. Learn architecture, benefits, use cases, and how Whonix compares to Tails.
Installing Whonix	Install Whonix step by step on VirtualBox or KVM: import OVA images, configure networking, verify downloads, and start Gateway and Workstation VMs securely.
Whonix Usage	Learn the correct Whonix startup and shutdown sequence, daily workflow, updating over Tor, and safe habits to maintain anonymity on Whonix Workstation.
Whonix Performance	Improve Whonix performance without sacrificing security: RAM allocation, CPU settings, snapshot management, and Tor circuit optimization tips.
PGP Encryption	Master PGP encryption with GnuPG: create key pairs, encrypt and decrypt messages, verify signatures, and protect communications with industry-standard cryptography.
Creating a PGP Key Pair	Generate a secure PGP key pair with GnuPG: choose algorithms, set expiry, create a strong passphrase, and export your public key for sharing.
Importing a Public Key	Import and verify PGP public keys safely: check fingerprints, confirm key ownership, and add trusted keys to your GnuPG keyring before encrypting messages.
Encrypting a Message	Encrypt text and files with PGP using GnuPG. Step-by-step guide for command line and GUI tools to send confidential messages only the recipient can read.
Verifying a Signature	Verify PGP signatures to confirm message authenticity and detect tampering. Learn signature verification with GnuPG for secure communications.
Decrypting a Message	Decrypt PGP-encrypted messages and files with your private key. Complete GnuPG decryption tutorial including passphrase handling and common errors.
Cryptocurrency	Use cryptocurrency privately and safely. Overview of Monero (XMR) and Bitcoin (BTC) privacy techniques, wallets, mixing, and operational security for payments.
Monero (XMR)	Complete Monero (XMR) guide: wallets, subaddresses, ring signatures, stealth addresses, and best practices for private untraceable cryptocurrency transactions.
Bitcoin (BTC)	Improve Bitcoin privacy with CoinJoin, fresh addresses, Tor wallets, and operational security. Learn limits of BTC privacy and when to use Monero instead.
Converting Coins	Convert between Monero and Bitcoin privately using decentralized exchanges, atomic swaps, and no-KYC services. Minimize traceability during coin conversion.
Dark Markets	Darknet market desk notes for 2026: verified onion hubs, phishing habits, and safety checklists on DarknetMarketsWiki.
Verify .onion Links	Verify .onion links with PGP signatures to avoid phishing and scams. Step-by-step guide to checking official URLs, mirrors, and signed link lists.
Choosing a Vendor	How to evaluate vendor reputation: review analysis, PGP verification, transaction history, red flags, and safe strategies for first-time orders.
Types of Scams	Identify and avoid common scams: phishing sites, fake vendors, exit scams, FE fraud, and social engineering. Complete scam prevention checklist for 2026.
Making a Purchase	Secure purchase workflow: encrypted shipping address, Monero payment, order finalization, and post-order security. Complete step-by-step operational guide.
IRL OpSec	Real-world operational security: physical surveillance awareness, evidence disposal, secure locations, social engineering defense, and linking digital to physical identity.
Physical Security	Physical security fundamentals: stealth packaging, controlled delivery risks, seizure notices, and protecting yourself when digital privacy meets the real world.
Stealth	Stealth and packaging best practices for minimizing detection risk. Learn what vendors mean by stealth, decoy methods, and realistic expectations.
Controlled Delivery	Understand controlled delivery: how law enforcement uses it, warning signs, legal implications, and operational security steps if a package is intercepted.
Love Letter	What is a love letter seizure notice? Learn what it means, legal context, how to respond, and operational security steps after receiving a customs or postal seizure letter.
Communication	Secure communication tools and practices: encrypted email, XMPP with OMEMO, Signal alternatives, metadata protection, and anonymous messaging over Tor.
Harm Reduction	Harm reduction resources, crisis support hotlines, substance safety information, and mental health resources. Educational safety guide from the DarknetMarketsWiki.
KeePassXC	Set up KeePassXC for secure password management: create encrypted databases, generate strong passwords, integrate with browsers, and backup your vault safely.
Resources	Curated directory of official privacy resources: Tor Project, Tails, Whonix, GnuPG, Monero, KeePassXC, EFF, Privacy Guides, and trusted community links.
Glossary	Comprehensive glossary of privacy, cryptography, and operational security terms: Tor, PGP, OpSec, XMR, escrow, onion, and 50+ definitions explained simply.