Latest news with #TheOnionRouter
Mint
02-07-2025
- Mint
Tired of being tracked online? Tor browser can hide you - here's how to set it up
Looking for a way to browse the internet without leaving a digital trail? Tor Browser is designed for just that, offering a level of privacy most mainstream browsers can't match. It's free, open-source, and routes your web traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers, making it extremely difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Tor, short for The Onion Router, works by passing your internet requests through at least three different servers, or nodes, before reaching their destination. Each node only knows its immediate predecessor and successor, so no single server ever knows both who you are and what you're accessing. The entry node sees your IP address but not your destination, the middle node only passes along the data, and the exit node knows where your request is going but not who sent it. This layered approach, much like the layers of an onion, helps keep your identity and browsing habits private from internet service providers, advertisers, and even government agencies. Download Tor Browser Head to the official Tor Project website and download the version suited for your device. Tor Browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. There's no official iOS version, but alternatives like Onion Browser exist for iPhone users. Install and Launch Installation is straightforward - just run the downloaded file and follow the prompts. Once installed, open Tor Browser. You'll be greeted with an option to connect to the Tor network, either automatically or manually. Automatic connection is the simplest option for most users. Browse Privately Once connected, you can browse the web much like you would with any other browser. Tor uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine, which doesn't track your searches or store your data. You'll notice that sites may load slower than usual, as your traffic is bouncing through multiple nodes worldwide. Some websites may block Tor users or require extra verification, so patience is key. Stick to HTTPS websites whenever possible, as traffic is only encrypted within the Tor network. The exit node decrypts your data before passing it to the destination site, so HTTPS adds another layer of protection. Avoid logging into personal accounts, like email or social media, as this can compromise your anonymity. Don't download files or open suspicious links, since Tor can't protect you from malware. Use the security settings in the browser, accessible via the shield icon, to adjust your protection level. Higher settings block risky features but may break some sites. Explore .onion sites for even more privacy, but be cautious - these hidden services aren't always safe or legal. Tor is a powerful privacy tool, but it isn't perfect. Browsing speeds are slower, and some sites may block access altogether. The network isn't immune to advanced threats, and using Tor can attract attention in some countries. Always keep the browser updated and avoid risky behaviour online. Tor Browser is a practical choice for anyone serious about privacy. With a few simple steps, you can make your browsing much harder to track, giving you more control over your digital footprint.
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Indian Express
Netherlands-based domain used to send hoax bomb threat to Dwarka court in April, probe reveals
The investigation into the hoax bomb threat received at Delhi's Dwarka court in April has revealed that a domain from the Netherlands was used to send the threatening email, sources with the police said Monday. The district cyber cell, which is probing the case, has found that the sender used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the Tor (The Onion Router) network to send the email which claimed that an RDX device had been planted on the court premises. According to official sources, 'The police had written to to obtain the domain information and the IP address details of the sender. However, the sender had used a VPN or the Tor network to send the email. The final node of this network was found to be located in the Netherlands.' The police will continue investigating the case and will soon write to authorities in the Netherlands through Interpol, requesting the sender's domain and IP address logs, an officer said. 'Since the sender used a VPN, there is very little chance of retrieving the logs. However, some VPN providers do maintain logs,' another police officer said. The e-mail was sent to the official mailbox of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) at 3.11 am on April 16 and was brought to her attention through her reader when the court opened in the morning. It stated that 'an RDX-based explosive device has been clandestinely planted at the Metropolitan Court, South West, Delhi.' The cyber police station in Dwarka soon registered a case under sections pertaining to cyber terrorism, threat, and criminal intimidation and launched a probe. Immediately after receiving the alert, the local police, along with senior officers and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), rushed to the court and inspected the premises after evacuating the people. The checking was conducted manually as well as using sophisticated equipment and dog squads, said an officer, adding that the message was later declared to be a hoax.
Time Business News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Carding Forums Explained
In today's digital age, cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated industry, with hidden online communities facilitating illicit activity across the globe. Among the most notorious elements of this ecosystem are carding forums—underground platforms where cybercriminals exchange stolen credit card information, hacking tools, and fraudulent services. While often concealed from the public eye, understanding what carding forums are and how they operate is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, financial institutions, and everyday internet users. Carding forums are online discussion platforms—typically hosted on the dark web or secured networks—where users trade, sell, and share information related to credit card fraud, commonly known as carding . The term 'carding' refers to the unauthorised use of credit or debit card data for fraudulent transactions, identity theft, or the purchase of goods and services. These forums are structured similarly to traditional online communities, often featuring: Discussion threads on topics like carding methods, cash-out strategies, and bank drops. Marketplaces for stolen credit card data, CVVs, fullz (full personal identity information), and login credentials. Tutorials and guides aimed at teaching users how to commit fraud. Review systems for sellers and service providers, similar to e-commerce sites. Access to carding forums is usually restricted, requiring invitations, registration fees, or proof of prior illicit activity to join. Carding forums operate like black markets. Members use aliases to hide their real identities and communicate using encrypted messages or private servers. Transactions within these forums typically involve cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Monero to maintain anonymity. Some common services and products offered on carding forums include: Stolen Credit Card Information : Often sold in batches with details like card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. : Often sold in batches with details like card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Fake IDs and Passports : Useful for identity theft or opening fraudulent accounts. : Useful for identity theft or opening fraudulent accounts. Bank Drops and Mule Accounts : Used to receive and launder stolen funds. : Used to receive and launder stolen funds. Carding Tools : Including BIN checkers, VPNs, SOCKS proxies, and credit card generators. : Including BIN checkers, VPNs, SOCKS proxies, and credit card generators. Tutorials and Support: Step-by-step guides for beginners, along with forums for troubleshooting carding attempts. The sophistication of these communities can range from amateur-level scams to advanced criminal networks with connections to organised crime. Many carding forums exist on the dark web, a portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and can only be accessed through tools like Tor (The Onion Router). The anonymity provided by the dark web makes it an attractive hub for illegal activities, including carding, drug sales, weapons trafficking, and more. However, not all carding forums are exclusive to the dark web. Some exist on the open internet (also called the clearnet) but use secure login systems and other obfuscation techniques to avoid detection. These are often short-lived as law enforcement agencies actively work to shut them down. Participating in carding forums is illegal in nearly every jurisdiction. Activities such as purchasing stolen data, using it for unauthorized transactions, or even accessing these forums can result in severe criminal charges, including: Fraud Identity Theft Money Laundering Conspiracy to Commit a Crime Governments around the world have intensified efforts to dismantle carding networks. Law enforcement agencies like the FBI, Europol, and INTERPOL regularly conduct international operations that lead to forum shutdowns and the arrest of key figures in cybercrime rings. For example, infamous forums like CarderPlanet, DarkMarket, and Joker's Stash were eventually taken down after years of investigations and coordinated global efforts. While the existence of carding forums may seem distant to the average internet user, the effects of their operations are widespread. Millions of people fall victim to credit card fraud every year, often as a result of data sold on these platforms. Here are some tips to protect yourself: Monitor your accounts regularly for unauthorised transactions. for unauthorised transactions. Use strong, unique passwords for financial services and enable two-factor authentication. for financial services and enable two-factor authentication. Avoid suspicious websites or apps that request payment information. that request payment information. Use credit instead of debit cards when possible for better fraud protection. when possible for better fraud protection. Report any suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer immediately. Businesses should invest in cybersecurity measures like intrusion detection systems, encryption, and employee training to minimise the risk of data breaches. Carding forums represent a dangerous and growing threat within the cybercrime landscape. While these hidden communities thrive on anonymity and technical knowledge, law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are constantly working to expose and dismantle their networks. Awareness and proactive protection are the best defences against credit card fraud. By understanding how carding forums operate, individuals and organisations can better safeguard themselves in an increasingly connected and vulnerable digital world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Indian Express
‘We will blast your stadium': GCA recieves bomb threat; Narendra Modi stadium searched, nothing found
The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) on Wednesday received a bomb threat through an email on their official ID that read: 'We will blast your stadium.' This came hours after the Indian armed forces carried out an air strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The Chandkheda police, along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), as well as the Dog Squad of Ahmedabad City Police, conducted a thorough inspection of the entire premises. Teams searched the stadium, dressing rooms, seating areas, galleries, VIP boxes, media centre and outer promenades, but did not find any explosive. The police are trying to find out who had sent the anonymous email. Zone-2 DCP Bharatkumar Rathod said that The Onion Router (TOR) browser and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) had been used to send the email. Thus, he said, it primarily appeared that the mail had been sent from Germany or Romania. DCP Rathod added that this could, however, be a hoax and that an investigation was underway.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Laurel County paramedic arrested, facing child pornography charges
A Laurel County paramedic was arrested last Wednesday, March 12, for his use of a dark web child sexual abuse material network. The affidavit pertaining to Bradley Callahan, 37, of London, states that the Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County paramedic had been a member of the 'target website' since about 2023 — having made at least 29 posts since September that year. He now faces charges for distributing and possessing child pornography. FBI Special Agent Kassandra L. McKenzie wrote the affidavit, which asserts that Callahan's ability to find the target website alone strongly indicated that he knowingly accessed the website with 'intent to view and/or receive child pornography,' as only users who have installed the appropriate Tor (The Onion Router) software on their computer can access the website. Furthermore, users have to find the 56-character web address of the website in order to access it, as hidden service websites are not indexed by search engines 'anywhere near the same degree as websites that operate on open internet.' 'I believe that it is extremely unlikely that anyone who visited its URL understood its purpose and content, and that it is extremely unlikely that any user could simply stumble upon the target website, much less register a user account, without understanding its purpose and content,' McKenzie wrote. The affidavit references several posts allegedly made by Callahan, the first of which was a post made in September 2023 that included five links — all of which contained graphic child pornography. It also states that Callahan 'commented favorably' on a link to a child pornography file around that time. Callahan is alleged to have made similar posts in February and May of 2024. Following an attempted login on June 19, 2024, the FBI traced the attempt to a specific IP address. Charter Spectrum then confirmed Callahan was using that IP at the time and provided his information, including his address where he solely resides. Although Callahan lives alone, the affidavit states that he has regular access to children through his job, as well as his girlfriend who has kids. Upon his arrest, Callahan reportedly admitted to accessing the aforementioned website and trading child pornography. At the time, Callahan informed the FBI that he had accessed child pornography 'approximately two days ago.' An FBI search team would go on to locate a laptop at Callahan's residence which they confirmed contained child pornography. A full forensic extraction of Callahan's laptop will be performed at a later date. During his initial appearance in U.S. District Court Friday, Callahan waived his right to a preliminary hearing, was appointed counsel and released from Laurel County Correctional Center.
