What Are Dead Drops?
A dead drop is a method of covert communication where parties exchange information without meeting directly. The concept originates from espionage but has digital equivalents for anonymous information sharing.
Types of Dead Drops
Physical
Hidden locations for physical items
TraditionalUSB Dead Drops
USB drives embedded in public walls
HybridDigital
Anonymous file sharing services
OnlineSteganographic
Hidden in images on public sites
CovertDigital Dead Drop Methods
Encrypted PastebinsPrivateBin, ZeroBin with passwords
Onion ServicesTemporary upload sites on Tor
SteganographyData hidden in images on forums
BlockchainMessages embedded in transactions
Security Principles
- Pre-arranged location or method
- Encrypt contents before dropping
- Time-limited access (auto-delete)
- No direct communication about drop
- Counter-surveillance awareness
- Plausible deniability for location
Modern Applications
Legitimate Uses: SecureDrop (news organizations) functions as a digital dead drop for whistleblowers. Sources upload documents anonymously; journalists retrieve without direct contact.