Prerequisites and Requirements

Before you begin, gather the following tools and information. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more secure.

Required Software

🌐
Tor Browser
Anonymous web access
torproject.org
🔑
GPG/Kleopatra
PGP key management
gnupg.org
💵
Monero Wallet
XMR storage
getmonero.org
🔐
Password Manager
Credential storage
keepassxc.org

Security Checklist Before Starting

🛡️
Malware-Free System
Computer free from malware. Run a complete antivirus scan before proceeding.
Critical
📡
Secure Connection
Use secure internet connection. Avoid public WiFi networks.
Critical
🔒
Privacy Check
Private location for setup with no shoulder surfing or surveillance.
Important
Time Allocation
Allocate 30-60 minutes to complete setup without rushing.
Recommended

Important Security Warning

Never download software from unofficial sources. Verify download links through official websites. Malicious software disguised as Tor or GPG can steal your credentials and funds.

Step 1: Tor Browser Setup

Tor Browser is required to access BlackOps Market. It routes your connection through multiple relays, hiding your IP address and location.

1.1 Download Tor Browser

  1. Visit torproject.org using your regular browser
  2. Click "Download Tor Browser"
  3. Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  4. Download the installer file
  5. Verify the download signature (optional but recommended)

1.2 Install Tor Browser

  • Windows: Run the .exe installer, choose installation location
  • macOS: Open the .dmg file, drag Tor Browser to Applications
  • Linux: Extract the .tar.xz archive, run start-tor-browser script

1.3 Configure Security Settings

  1. Launch Tor Browser
  2. Click the shield icon in the toolbar
  3. Select "Settings" or "Change"
  4. Set Security Level to "Safest"
Security Level JavaScript Recommendation
Standard Enabled Not recommended
Safer Partial Acceptable
Safest Disabled Recommended

BlackOps Market functions fully without JavaScript, so "Safest" mode provides maximum protection.

1.4 Connect to Tor Network

  1. Click "Connect" on the Tor Browser start page
  2. Wait for connection establishment (15-60 seconds)
  3. Verify connection by visiting check.torproject.org
  4. You should see "Congratulations. This browser is configured to use Tor."

Step 2: PGP Key Generation

PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption is mandatory for BlackOps Market. You need to generate a key pair before registration.

Understanding PGP Keys

Public Key

  • Share with others
  • Used to encrypt messages TO you
  • Submit during registration
  • Safe to post publicly

Private Key

  • NEVER share with anyone
  • Used to decrypt messages
  • Store securely offline
  • Loss = permanent account loss

2.1 Using Kleopatra (Windows/Linux GUI)

  1. Download and install Gpg4win from gpg4win.org
  2. Launch Kleopatra application
  3. Click "New Key Pair" or "File > New OpenPGP Key Pair"
  4. Enter a name (can be pseudonym)
  5. Enter email (can be fake, used only for identification)
  6. Click "Advanced Settings"
  7. Set key type to RSA and size to 4096 bits
  8. Set reasonable expiration date (1-2 years)
  9. Click "Create"
  10. Enter a strong passphrase (protect your private key)
  11. Backup your key immediately

2.2 Using Command Line (GPG)

# Generate new key pair
gpg --full-generate-key

# Select: (1) RSA and RSA
# Key size: 4096
# Validity: 1y (or your preference)
# Enter name and email
# Set passphrase

# Export public key
gpg --armor --export your@email.com > public_key.asc

# Backup private key (store securely!)
gpg --armor --export-secret-keys your@email.com > private_key.asc

2.3 Export Your Public Key

You need to export your public key in ASCII armor format for BlackOps Market registration:

  • Kleopatra: Right-click key > Export > Save as .asc file
  • GPG: gpg --armor --export your@email.com

The public key will look like this:

-----BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----

mQINBF... (long string of characters) ...
-----END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK-----

Critical: Backup Your Private Key

  • Create encrypted backup on USB drive
  • Store backup in physically secure location
  • Consider paper backup for passphrase
  • Test backup by importing to clean system
  • If lost, your BlackOps Market account is gone forever

Step 3: Obtaining Monero (XMR)

BlackOps Market exclusively accepts Monero. You need XMR in a personal wallet before making purchases.

3.1 Set Up a Monero Wallet

Choose a wallet that suits your needs:

Wallet Type Best For
Monero GUI Desktop (full node) Maximum security
Feather Wallet Desktop (light) Balance of security/convenience
Cake Wallet Mobile On-the-go access
Monero CLI Command line Advanced users

3.2 Acquire Monero

Options for obtaining XMR without identity verification:

Atomic Swaps: Exchange BTC for XMR trustlessly
TradeOgre: No-KYC cryptocurrency exchange
LocalMonero: Peer-to-peer trades (cash, gift cards, etc.)
Bisq: Decentralized exchange
Mining: Generate your own XMR

Privacy Warning

Never send Monero directly from KYC exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance) to market wallets. Always use an intermediate personal wallet:

KYC Exchange → Personal Wallet → BlackOps Market

This breaks the direct link between your identity and marketplace transactions.

For detailed Monero instructions, see our complete Monero guide.

Step 4: Accessing BlackOps Market

With Tor Browser configured, you can now access BlackOps Market using verified onion links.

4.1 Find Official Links

Always verify BlackOps Market links through multiple trusted sources:

PGP Canary: Check official PGP-signed announcements
Dread Forum: Official BlackOps subdread
Trusted Directories: Darknet market link aggregators

4.2 Access the Market

  1. Open Tor Browser
  2. Copy the verified .onion link
  3. Paste into Tor Browser address bar
  4. Press Enter and wait for page to load
  5. Verify you see the anti-phishing verification page

4.3 Complete Anti-Phishing Check

BlackOps Market displays a visual verification on every access:

  1. You will see a grid of similar images
  2. One image is slightly different from the others
  3. Click the different image to proceed
  4. This confirms you are on the genuine site

Phishing sites cannot replicate this because they lack access to the image database.

Phishing Warning

Never trust links from:

  • Direct messages from strangers
  • Email or clearnet websites claiming to be BlackOps
  • Search engine results for ".onion" links
  • Social media posts

When in doubt, verify through PGP-signed official announcements.

Step 5: Account Registration

With Tor running and PGP key ready, you can now create your BlackOps Market account.

5.1 Start Registration

  1. Click "Register" or "Create Account" on the homepage
  2. Complete the anti-phishing verification
  3. You will see the registration form

5.2 Fill Registration Form

Field Guidelines
Username 3-20 characters, no personal info, cannot be changed
Display Name How others see you, can contain spaces
PIN 6 digits, required for withdrawals, CANNOT be recovered
Password 12+ characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols
PGP Public Key Paste entire key including header/footer lines
CAPTCHA Enter the characters shown in the image

5.3 Submit and Verify

  1. Double-check all information
  2. Click "Register" or "Create Account"
  3. You will receive a PGP-encrypted verification message
  4. Copy the encrypted message
  5. Decrypt using your PGP software and private key
  6. Enter the verification code to complete registration

Store Your Credentials Securely

Immediately save the following in your password manager:

  • Username
  • Password
  • PIN (separate secure location recommended)
  • Recovery information if provided

BlackOps Market cannot recover lost credentials.

Step 6: Depositing Funds

Before you can make purchases, deposit Monero to your BlackOps Market wallet.

6.1 Get Your Deposit Address

  1. Log in to BlackOps Market
  2. Navigate to "Wallet" or "Account Balance"
  3. Find "Deposit" section
  4. Copy your unique Monero deposit address

Each user has a unique deposit address. Never share this address publicly.

6.2 Send Monero

  1. Open your personal Monero wallet (Feather, GUI, etc.)
  2. Click "Send" or "Transfer"
  3. Paste the BlackOps Market deposit address
  4. Enter the amount to send
  5. Double-check the address (first and last 6 characters)
  6. Confirm and send the transaction

6.3 Wait for Confirmation

BlackOps Market requires 10 confirmations
Typical wait time: 10-20 minutes
Balance appears automatically once confirmed
Check transaction status on Monero block explorer if needed

Transaction Tips

  • Start with a small test deposit
  • Never rush when entering addresses
  • Wrong address = permanent loss
  • Keep transaction ID for support inquiries

Step 7: Placing an Order

With funds in your wallet, you can browse listings and make purchases.

7.1 Browse and Search

Use categories to browse by product type
Use search for specific items or vendors
Filter by price, shipping location, vendor rating
Read product descriptions carefully

7.2 Evaluate Vendors

Before purchasing, check vendor credentials:

Factor What to Look For
Rating 4.5+ stars recommended for first orders
Sales Count Higher numbers indicate established vendors
Recent Reviews Check last 30 days for current performance
Response Time Quick replies indicate active vendor
Ship From Domestic shipping is faster and safer

7.3 Complete Purchase

  1. Click "Add to Cart" or "Buy Now"
  2. Review your cart
  3. Enter shipping address (encrypt with vendor's PGP key)
  4. Select shipping option if multiple available
  5. Review total including fees
  6. Confirm purchase
  7. Funds move to escrow

PGP Encrypt Your Address

Always encrypt your shipping address using the vendor's PGP public key:

  1. Copy vendor's public key from their profile
  2. Import into your PGP software
  3. Write your address in plain text
  4. Encrypt using vendor's public key
  5. Paste encrypted message into address field

This ensures only the vendor can read your address.

Step 8: Receiving and Finalizing

After ordering, monitor your shipment and finalize once satisfied.

8.1 Track Your Order

Check order status in your account
Vendor marks as shipped with optional tracking
Estimated delivery based on shipping method
Communicate with vendor through encrypted messages if needed

8.2 Receive and Verify

  1. Collect package normally (do not sign for it if possible)
  2. Open privately
  3. Verify contents match order
  4. Check quality if applicable
  5. Document any issues with photos

8.3 Finalize Order

  1. Log in to BlackOps Market
  2. Navigate to your orders
  3. Click "Finalize" on the completed order
  4. Leave an honest review for the vendor
  5. Funds are released from escrow to vendor

Escrow Timeline

  • Standard: 14 days to finalize or dispute
  • Express: 7 days for trusted vendors
  • Extensions: Can extend escrow if shipping delayed
  • Auto-finalize: Orders finalize automatically if no action taken

Do not finalize until you have received and verified your order. Open a dispute if there are problems.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

Operational Security

  • Use dedicated device or Tails OS
  • Never access from work or school networks
  • Do not discuss purchases with anyone
  • Vary access times and patterns
  • Clear Tor Browser data after sessions

Account Security

  • Use unique, strong password
  • Never reuse credentials from other sites
  • Backup PGP keys securely offline
  • Log out after every session
  • Monitor account for unauthorized activity

Transaction Security

  • Start with small orders
  • Use escrow, avoid FE with new vendors
  • Always encrypt shipping addresses
  • Do not include return address
  • Use intermediate Monero wallet

Physical Security

  • Use drop address if possible
  • Receive packages normally
  • Do not sign for deliveries
  • Open packages privately
  • Dispose of packaging securely

Golden Rules

  1. Never share your private key, PIN, or password
  2. Always verify links through multiple sources
  3. Never finalize before receiving your order
  4. Always encrypt sensitive communications with PGP
  5. Never trust anyone who contacts you first

Common Mistakes to Avoid on BlackOps

New users on BlackOps Market often make preventable errors. Avoid these common mistakes to protect yourself and ensure smooth transactions.

Critical Errors

  • Losing PGP key: Without your private key, BlackOps cannot recover your account. Always maintain offline backups.
  • Trusting phishing links: Always verify BlackOps Market addresses through official channels before logging in.
  • Finalizing early with unknown vendors: Use escrow protection until you have established trust through multiple successful orders.
  • Reusing passwords: Create unique credentials specifically for BlackOps. Never use passwords from other accounts.
  • Skipping address encryption: Always PGP encrypt shipping addresses. Unencrypted addresses create permanent security risks.
  • Direct exchange deposits: Never send funds directly from KYC exchanges to BlackOps. Use an intermediate wallet for privacy.

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