The so-called darknet is no longer a mysterious place that only tech nerds and conspiracy theorists talk about. By 2025 at the latest, it will have become a fully developed parallel market where cyber criminals trade, sell or target tools, information and access - often against companies. In this article, we show how exactly attacks are prepared, what role special browsers and search engines play in this, and why those responsible in companies should keep an eye on developments.
The darknet is part of the so-called deep web and cannot be accessed via traditional search engines such as Google. It is accessed via special software - the best known of which is the Tor browser. This is based on an onion routing principle that disguises the IP address and enables anonymity. Anyone asking: "Which is the real Tor browser?" should only use the official website of the Tor project (torproject.org).
Is the Tor browser legal? Yes - in many countries its use alone is not prohibited. The decisive factor is how you use it. This also applies to the question "Is the Tor Browser useful?": It can be a valuable tool for journalists, activists or security experts. For cybercriminals, however, it is a gateway to the darknet - for example, to collect information about potential targets or to obtain malware.
Darknet browsers such as the Tor browser open the door to .onion websites that are only accessible within the network. While many people ask "How do you get into the darknet?" or "How does the darknet work?", security managers should rather ask themselves: "How do criminals get our data?"
The answer often lies in so-called darknet search engines. They work in a similar way to Google - with the difference that they specifically search .onion addresses. Well-known examples such as "Ahmia" or "Kilos" make it easier than ever for attackers to find stolen access data, exploits or entire databases. "How do I get into the darknet?" becomes a trivial entry hurdle - much more dangerous is the ease with which tools for cyber attacks can be obtained there.
In addition to forums for drug trafficking or arms sales, the darknet is increasingly home to marketplaces for stolen company data, ransomware-as-a-service offers or access data for VPNs and IT systems. Darknet access enables cyber criminals to network with other attackers or to specifically search for vulnerabilities in certain companies. Anyone who wants to buy a compromised email database from a Swiss SME today no longer needs any special knowledge - just a working Tor browser and a few clicks.
Attacks via the darknet are no longer random. Many hacker groups specifically analyze the IT infrastructure of certain companies. They use darknet search engines to identify vulnerabilities, leaked access data or unpatched systems. In some cases, service providers on the darknet offer to spy on or attack specific targets on request - including success rates and references.
A common approach in 2025 is to launch personalized campaigns via phishing kits traded on the darknet. Once initial access has been gained, further steps are often automated: Escalation of privileges, lateral movement in the network, and finally encryption with ransomware.
Social engineeringis an important component of such attacks . Cyber criminals deliberately manipulate employees in order to obtain sensitive information or access data. It is therefore essential to regularly raise awareness among the workforce and recognize attack patterns at an early stage.
This question concerns both users and security authorities. The fact is that data traffic on the Tor network is encrypted, but not completely anonymous. Countries with strong cyber defenses analyze suspicious traffic - and anyone who sells sensitive company data via the Tor network risks being targeted. Nevertheless, in many cases the attackers' protection remains sufficient for their activities to go largely undetected.
The darknet is developing rapidly. With the increasing professionalization of offers, it is becoming more and more important for companies to act proactively themselves. This includes
Monitoring darknet sources: Many security solutions now offer modules for monitoring forums and marketplaces.
Awareness training: Employees need to know what phishing looks like and what they can do in the event of suspicion.
Zero trust strategies: No one is trusted by default - every identity, every device must be checked.
Involve external partners: IT security integrators help to identify threat situations from the darknet at an early stage and implement protective measures.
In addition, companies should regularly analyze their entire security situation and mitigate risks in a targeted manner. This is the only way to close gaps at an early stage before they are exploited by attackers.
An external cybersecurity reviewis a proven approach for gaining a holistic overview . This systematically examines technical weaknesses, organizational deficits and potential gateways - from an attacker's perspective. This perspective helps to set the right priorities and initiate targeted measures.
In 2025, the darknet has become a real marketplace for digital attacks. The question is no longer how to get onto the darknet, but how well prepared you are for what is circulating there about your company. Cyber criminals use specialized browsers, search engines and networks to network and misuse information in a targeted manner. Companies need to respond to this - with technology, knowledge and partners who see the darknet not as uncharted territory, but as a serious threat.
Tip: If you want to know whether information about your own company is circulating on the darknet, you should use professional threat intelligence services - and not go on your own "research trips". The risk of becoming a target yourself is real.