'Darknet' is the name given to virtual private networks -- usually anonymized, sometimes encrypted -- were people in the know can communicate without as much fear of eavesdropping, or outside interference. Due to their inherent nature, darknets are often used for trading files or information that is deemed illegal by the host countries' legal systems. For example, a darknet may be setup to by 'warez traffickers' to trade files; or perhaps, right now in Tehran their are darknets enabling communication between protesters after the government shutdown public access websites, such as Facebook, Twitter and shut down cellphones. 

Security researchers and network wizards Billy Hoffman and Matt Wood (both of HP Software) demonstrated how easy it was getting to set up your very own personal darknet, at a security conference in Las Vegas this month.

Because of new features being incorporated into web browsers, setting up a darknet, which once required a bit of network saavy, can now be accomplished with just a few mouse clicks, with the right tools.

The new tool of the moment is a program called Veiled. Veiled uses only PHP and Javascript to administer a darknet, enabling private communication (well, fairly private anyways) and acts as a sort of proxy server, enabling anonymous web surfing. Users don't even have to download Veiled as an app -- websites can act as a gateways to the darknets. 

Veiled is also set to be enhanced with encryption protocols. With these further enhancements, the darknets becomes even harder to access and discover.

The idea of an easy-access darknet does have the obvious downside of enabling criminals to further their own means. However, the researchers realize that all technologies have both positive and negative uses. It is hoped the positive will outweigh the negative. As Billy Hoffman put it on the website Dark Reading: "Students are getting reprimanded at school because of their Facebook postings -- they're being punished for free speech. Where can you freely express yourself without fear of consequences? This could be an interesting app."