Drughub Market Security Guide

PGP Authentication Complete Guide

Drughub Market requires mandatory PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) authentication for all account access. This passwordless login system eliminates traditional password vulnerabilities including phishing, credential theft, and database breaches that compromise other marketplaces.

Understanding PGP Authentication

PGP authentication uses asymmetric cryptography where you generate a keypair consisting of public and private keys. The public key is shared with Drughub during registration, while your private key remains exclusively on your device. During login, Drughub sends an encrypted challenge that only your private key can decrypt, proving key ownership without transmitting the private key itself.

This cryptographic proof-of-possession makes phishing attacks ineffective because attackers cannot replicate your private key even if they create perfect marketplace replicas. Traditional password-based systems are fundamentally vulnerable to phishing; PGP authentication is mathematically immune.

Generating Your PGP Keypair

Windows Users: Download Gpg4win from gpg4win.org. Install Kleopatra component and launch. Select "New Key Pair" → choose RSA with 4096-bit key size → enter strong passphrase protecting your private key → generate keypair. Export public key for Drughub registration and securely backup private key to encrypted USB drive.

macOS Users: Install GPG Suite from gpgtools.org. Open GPG Keychain and create new keypair selecting 4096-bit RSA encryption. Set expiration date 2-3 years future to require periodic key rotation. Export public key and backup private key to secure external storage. Never store private keys in iCloud or Time Machine backups.

Linux Users: Use GnuPG command-line tools (pre-installed on most distributions). Generate keypair with: gpg --full-generate-key → select RSA and RSA (default) → choose 4096-bit key size → set expiration → enter user information → create strong passphrase. Export public key: gpg --armor --export your@email.com

PGP Key Management Best Practices

Treat your PGP private key with same security as cryptocurrency private keys - loss means permanent account lockout. Store private key on encrypted USB drives in multiple physical locations. Never email private keys or store in cloud services. Use strong passphrases containing 20+ random characters mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

For maximum security, generate PGP keypairs on air-gapped computers never connected to internet. Transfer public key to online device via QR code or read-only USB. This extreme approach prevents malware from stealing private keys during generation or storage. Advanced users employ hardware security modules (YubiKeys) for PGP key storage providing physical security against software attacks.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Setup

Beyond PGP authentication, Drughub Market requires mandatory time-based one-time password (TOTP) two-factor authentication. This additional security layer prevents unauthorized access even if your PGP private key is somehow compromised.

2FA App Installation

Install authenticator app on dedicated device separate from your primary computer. Recommended apps include Authy (cross-platform), FreeOTP (open-source), or andOTP (Android). Never use SMS-based 2FA as phone numbers can be hijacked through SIM swapping attacks.

During Drughub account setup, scan displayed QR code with your authenticator app. The app generates rotating 6-digit codes changing every 30 seconds. Save backup codes provided during setup in encrypted password manager or secure physical location. Backup codes enable account access if authenticator device is lost.

2FA Best Practices

Use separate mobile device for 2FA rather than same computer accessing Drughub Market. This device separation provides true two-factor security - attackers must compromise both devices to access your account. Factory-reset old smartphones make excellent dedicated 2FA devices disconnected from cellular networks.

Enable device encryption on phones storing 2FA secrets. Use strong unlock PIN/password rather than biometrics that can be compelled by law enforcement. Regularly backup authenticator app data to encrypted external storage in case device fails. Test backup codes periodically to ensure they work before emergency situations.

Monero Privacy & Payment Security

Drughub Market exclusively accepts Monero (XMR) because it provides superior privacy compared to Bitcoin and other transparent blockchains. Understanding Monero's privacy features and implementing proper payment practices ensures your financial transactions remain untraceable.

Why Monero for Drughub Market

Bitcoin's transparent blockchain records all transactions publicly, enabling blockchain analysis firms to trace fund flows and link transactions to identities. Monero employs ring signatures, stealth addresses, and RingCT technology making every transaction indistinguishable and unlinkable. Even advanced forensic analysis cannot determine transaction amounts, senders, or receivers.

Ring signatures mix your transaction with 15 other transactions, making it cryptographically impossible to determine which participant sent funds. Stealth addresses generate unique one-time addresses for each transaction, preventing address reuse tracking. RingCT hides transaction amounts using cryptographic commitments, preventing amount-based correlation attacks.

Setting Up Secure Monero Wallet

Download official Monero GUI wallet from getmonero.org (verify PGP signature). Generate new wallet and securely backup 25-word seed phrase - this recovers wallet on any device. Never photograph or digitally store seed phrases; write on paper stored in fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

For maximum privacy, run your own Monero node rather than connecting to remote nodes. Remote node operators can observe your IP address and transaction queries, potentially correlating this metadata with marketplace activities. Running personal node requires downloading ~150GB blockchain but provides complete transaction privacy.

Monero Payment Best Practices

Never purchase Monero directly from KYC exchanges to Drughub payments. Use multi-hop mixing: Buy Bitcoin → Mix through Wasabi/Whirlpool → Convert to Monero via non-KYC exchange → Send to personal wallet → Wait 24+ hours → Send to Drughub. This breaks direct chain linking KYC identity to marketplace payments.

Use unique Monero subaddresses for each Drughub order, never reusing addresses. Subaddresses provide transaction privacy while remaining part of single wallet. Enable "advanced mode" in Monero wallet to view subaddress management. Generate new subaddress for every transaction preventing cross-transaction correlation.

Tor Browser Configuration & Network Security

Accessing Drughub Market requires Tor Browser providing network-level anonymity through onion routing. Proper Tor configuration and operational security practices prevent network surveillance and traffic analysis attacks.

Tor Browser Installation

Download Tor Browser exclusively from torproject.org - never use third-party sources or search engine results that may distribute compromised versions. Verify PGP signature on downloaded installer to detect tampering. Install to encrypted partition separate from operating system to prevent forensic recovery.

Configure Tor Browser security slider to "Safest" mode disabling JavaScript, video auto-play, and other attack vectors. While this breaks some websites, Drughub Market functions perfectly with maximum security settings. Never lower security level for convenience - every disabled security feature represents potential exploit vector.

Advanced Tor Configuration

Edit Tor configuration (torrc file) to enable additional security features. Add IsolateSOCKSAuth 1 to prevent different applications sharing Tor circuits. Configure NewCircuitPeriod 600 forcing circuit rotation every 10 minutes. Enable SafeSocks 1 rejecting unsafe connection attempts.

For users in countries blocking Tor, configure obfuscated bridges making Tor traffic appear as normal HTTPS. Request private bridges from torproject.org rather than using public bridges that may be monitored. Obfs4 bridges provide best censorship resistance combining traffic obfuscation with bridge unlisting.

Tor Network Best Practices

Never maximize Tor Browser window - unique window dimensions fingerprint your browser installation. Never install extensions or plugins beyond built-in NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere. Never adjust Tor Browser settings beyond security slider - custom configurations make your browser identifiable.

Access Drughub Market only through Tor Browser, never through VPN-over-Tor configurations unless you deeply understand the risks. VPNs introduce trust in VPN provider and can reduce anonymity if configured incorrectly. Tor alone provides sufficient anonymity when used properly.

Common Security Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Even security-conscious users make operational security mistakes that compromise anonymity. Understanding common failure modes prevents costly errors when accessing Drughub Market.

Identity Correlation Through Behavior

Reusing usernames, writing styles, or transaction patterns across different platforms enables correlation attacks linking your Drughub activity to other online identities. Use completely distinct username for Drughub never used elsewhere. Modify writing style avoiding distinctive phrases, technical jargon, or regional idioms unique to you.

Transaction timing patterns reveal information - always placing orders at same time daily creates identifiable pattern. Randomize marketplace access times across different hours and days. Avoid accessing immediately after discussing marketplace on clearnet forums - timing correlation links forum and marketplace identities.

Metadata Leakage

Uploaded images contain EXIF metadata including camera model, GPS coordinates, and creation timestamps revealing location and device information. Strip all metadata using ExifTool or MAT2 before uploading any images. Never photograph identifiable items in background - receipts, documents, unique objects enable identification.

Similarly, document metadata (PDF, Word files) contains author names, organization, software versions, and edit timestamps. Sanitize all documents before sharing using metadata removal tools. Convert documents to plain text when possible to eliminate metadata entirely.

Browser Fingerprinting

Even through Tor, unique browser configurations create fingerprints identifying your installation across sessions. Never change default Tor Browser settings, install extensions, or adjust fonts. Use Tor Browser in default state providing identical fingerprint to millions of other users.

Disable JavaScript on all sites except Drughub Market (when necessary). JavaScript enables sophisticated fingerprinting collecting screen resolution, installed fonts, hardware specs, and other identifying information. Tor Browser's "Safest" security level disables JavaScript by default providing maximum fingerprinting resistance.

Physical Security Failures

Digital security means nothing if physical security fails. Never access Drughub from devices that could be physically searched without warrant. Implement full-disk encryption on all devices accessing marketplace. Use strong encryption passwords different from login passwords.

Practice secure boot procedures never leaving devices unattended while unlocked. Physically destroy storage media when decommissioning devices rather than relying on software deletion. Law enforcement can recover "deleted" data from unencrypted drives using forensic tools.

Advanced OPSEC for High-Risk Users

Users facing sophisticated adversaries implement defense-in-depth operational security combining multiple protective layers. These advanced techniques provide maximum anonymity and security for high-risk situations.

Operating System Level Security

Use Tails OS (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) booting from USB, leaving zero traces on computer hard drives. Tails routes all traffic through Tor, includes pre-configured security tools, and wipes RAM on shutdown destroying all session evidence. Alternatively, use Whonix or Qubes OS providing VM-based isolation and compartmentalization.

Never use Windows or macOS for high-risk marketplace access - these operating systems contain telemetry, update mechanisms, and closed-source code creating potential backdoors. Linux distributions with full-disk encryption provide better security foundation, but dedicated security-focused operating systems like Tails offer maximum protection.

Hardware Security Measures

Use dedicated laptop purchased with cash for marketplace access exclusively. Never connect this device to home network or link to personal identity. Register laptop MAC address randomization preventing network tracking. Physically destroy devices when decommissioning rather than reselling or donating.

Cover webcams and microphones with electrical tape preventing remote surveillance. Disable Bluetooth and WiFi in BIOS when not needed. Use wired ethernet connections rather than WiFi to prevent wireless surveillance. These hardware precautions complement software security creating comprehensive protection.

Compartmentalization Strategy

Never use single identity for all marketplace activities. Create separate Drughub accounts for different vendor relationships, never linking accounts through transaction patterns or communication styles. Use different PGP keypairs, authenticator devices, and Monero wallets for each identity preventing correlation if one identity is compromised.

Similarly, compartmentalize information storage - never keep marketplace-related files on same device as personal data. Use separate encrypted USB drives for different activity categories. This information compartmentalization limits damage if single device is seized or compromised.

Security FAQ

Q: Can I use VPN with Tor when accessing Drughub Market?
A: VPN-over-Tor or Tor-over-VPN configurations can reduce anonymity if configured incorrectly. Tor alone provides sufficient anonymity - adding VPN introduces trust in VPN provider. Only use VPN with Tor if you have specific reason (hiding Tor usage from ISP) and understand the configuration properly.

Q: How often should I rotate my PGP keys?
A: Rotate PGP keys every 12-18 months as best practice. Set expiration dates when generating keys forcing periodic rotation. Key rotation limits damage if private key is somehow compromised and provides fresh cryptographic material reducing long-term correlation risks.

Q: Is it safe to access Drughub Market from my phone?
A: Mobile devices have limited security compared to desktop operating systems. iOS and Android include extensive telemetry, mandatory cloud backups, and closed-source components. If you must use mobile, use dedicated device with custom ROM (LineageOS), full-disk encryption, and no SIM card - essentially burner smartphone for Tor only.

Q: What happens if I lose my 2FA device?
A: Use backup codes saved during initial 2FA setup to disable and reconfigure 2FA. This is why securely storing backup codes is critical - they are your only recovery method if authenticator device is lost or destroyed. Test backup code recovery process periodically to ensure it works.

Q: Can law enforcement trace my Monero payments?
A: Monero's privacy technology makes blockchain analysis extremely difficult compared to Bitcoin. However, poor operational security can still enable tracing through metadata - IP addresses during transactions, exchange KYC records, or timing analysis. Proper OPSEC combining Tor, personal Monero node, and multi-hop acquisition makes tracing effectively impossible.

Q: Should I use Drughub Market's escrow or direct payment?
A: Always use multi-signature escrow for buyer protection. Direct payments to vendors bypass dispute resolution and provide zero recourse if vendor fails to deliver. Escrow fees are small price for transaction security protecting your funds until successful delivery confirmation.