SECURITY LEVEL: MANDATORY

Operational Security Protocols

The architecture of Mars Market Link relies on strict adherence to cryptographic standards. This guide outlines the mandatory OpSec procedures required to maintain data integrity and identity isolation within the network.

Research & Educational Use Only

These protocols are documented for educational purposes. Failure to adhere to these standards in a live environment typically results in catastrophic loss of anonymity or funds. We do not encourage illegal activity.

Identity Isolation

The fundamental barrier between your physical location and your digital persona.

Compartmentalization Strategy

  • Zero-Knowledge Personas: Never utilize usernames, passwords, or handles that have been used on the "clearnet" (regular internet). Your MarsMarket identity must be completely unique and unrelated to your real life.
  • Exif Data Scrubbing: Never upload images containing Exif metadata. While Mars Market Link architecture automatically strips metadata, relying on server-side sanitation is a critical failure point. Scrub files locally first.
  • Contact Isolation: Never provide personal email addresses, phone numbers, or social media handles in encrypted communications.

PGP Encryption

The "Golden Rule" of darknet communication. If you do not encrypt, you are compromised.

Client-Side Encryption Mandate

Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is the only mechanism that ensures only the intended recipient can read your message.

NEVER Use "Auto-Encrypt"

Marketplaces often offer a checkbox to "Encrypt message with vendor's key". Do not use this. This requires trusting the market server with your plaintext message. Always encrypt the message on your own device using software like Kleopatra or GPG4Win, then paste the ciphertext block.

2FA Login (Two-Factor Authentication)

Always enable PGP 2FA. When enabled, the site presents an encrypted challenge string that only you can decrypt with your private key. This prevents access even if your password is stolen via phishing.

Phishing Defense

Mitigating Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks through cryptographic verification.

Verification Protocols

Phishing sites look identical to the real Mars Market Link but are controlled by attackers who steal credentials.

  • The Attack Vector: Attackers buy ads on search engines or post fake links on Reddit/Wikis. These links proxy the real site, capturing your login details in real-time.
  • The Solution: PGP Verification: The only way to verify a mirror is to check its PGP signature. Mars Market signs its current mirrors with a private key. You must import the market's public key into your keychain and verify the signed message found on the homepage.
  • Source Hygiene: Never trust a "Hidden Wiki" or random link directory. Only trust links verified by your own PGP software or obtained from a primary trusted source like Dread.

Browser Hardening

Configuring the Tor Browser Bundle for maximum resistance against fingerprinting.

Configuration Checklist

Security Level

Set Security Level to "Safer" or "Safest". This disables JavaScript on non-HTTPS sites and prevents many exploit vectors.

Window Size

Never resize the Tor Browser window manually. Leave it at the default size to blend in with other users (preventing screen resolution fingerprinting).

NoScript

Ensure NoScript is active. Malicious JavaScript is the primary vector for de-anonymization attacks.

Clear Identity

Restart the browser completely between sessions. Use the "New Identity" button (sparkling broom icon) frequently.

Financial Hygiene

Preventing blockchain analysis from linking your real-world identity to market activity.

Transaction Flow

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are pseudonymous, not anonymous. Public ledgers are permanently traceable.

  1. NEVER send funds directly from an exchange (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken) to a market wallet. Exchanges perform Chain Analysis and will freeze accounts.
  2. Always move funds to a personal, non-custodial wallet first (e.g., Electrum, Monero GUI, Cake Wallet).
  3. Prioritize Monero (XMR). Unlike Bitcoin, Monero obscures sender, receiver, and amount. It is the industry standard for privacy.
  4. If using Bitcoin, utilize CoinJoins or Mixers, though these are becoming less effective against advanced heuristics. XMR is superior.