Topsite is a term used by the warez community, now more commonly referred to simply as "sites". They are FTP servers used by groups of illegal software and media piracy groups and couriers for distribution and storage. The fastest of these sites have fiber optic Internet connections, but more normally have between 100mbit and 1000mbit copper or fiber links, capable of sending a full DVD image in minutes. The larger storage networks can contain tens of terabytes of data (although not always readily accessible at once). Topsites comprise the main distribution chain for the warez community.

Topsites employ elaborate protection schemes to hide their identity and the data that they transfer from those who have no authorization to access the server. One common method is the use of bouncers, which hide the true IP address of the computer. Another is the implementation of SSL, which is used, at the minimum, to encrypt the logon information sent by authorized users of the system. While these are technologically advanced protection schemes, law enforcement operations such as Operation Buccaneer and Operation Fastlink have been able to gain access and hence shut down these sites by infiltrating the pirate groups that operate on the sites.

External links

Wired article about the phenomenon: The shadow internet