What Types Of Services Can Cybercriminals Access On The Dark Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
- Consumers who find their information on the Dark Web should take appropriate action, such as changing passwords, checking credit reports, and contacting banks.
- Early on, the public learned of HopSkipDrive’s event, which impacted 155k student guardians.
- The dark web may be the Wild West of the internet — a place without rules, gatekeepers, or censorship — but there are still reasons to visit.
- “A lot of people use it in countries where there’s eavesdropping or where internet access is criminalized,” Tiquet said.
It includes web pages and data that regular search engines cannot find or that require passwords or subscriptions to access. Examples of deep web content include online banking sites, private databases and academic journals. Just because the IP addresses of those sites are kept hidden, however, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily secret. It’s also a great tool in hostile countries where freedom of speech isn’t possible. Citizens in these countries will use it to speak freely, without fear of their government.
The dark web is a segment of the internet that is often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery.
In 2023 the dark web has over 2.5 million daily visitors, and it’s estimated that more than half of those visitors have participated in illegal activities. What’s even more alarming is that in April 2023, daily dark web visitors rose by 200,000 to reach 2.7 million. Unfortunately, the dark web received a lot of media attention around 2014–15 when the founder of online black market Silk Road was convicted of various crimes, including several attempted murders-for-hire. Lately, hackers have been in the news due to attempts to sell stolen data on the dark web.
Unlike the surface web, which is easily accessible through standard search engines, the dark web requires specific software and configurations to access.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Access requires special software such as Tor or I2P.
- It comprises websites that use anonymization technologies to make it difficult to trace users.
- It is home to both legal and illegal activities, making its reputation complicated.
By accessing the normal internet, your device is accessing central servers which will then display the website. You need a special browser that’s specifically programmed to access certain parts of the Dark Web. There are several systems, but a very popular one is Tor, or “The onion router.” Using the Tor browser gives you access to all domain names ending with “.onion”, also called the onion network.
This was intended to protect military personnel, while also giving them access to the full internet, even when serving from countries where the internet is heavily vetted by the local government. The Dark Web is used frequently by good actors for legitimate reasons. Encryption, security, and privacy are championed by news organizations, tech companies, universities, and activists in repressive regimes. The U.S. State Department helps fund the Tor project, and according to the United Nations, encryption is a fundamental human right.
The ability to access only known contacts provides a higher degree of trust than other software. It would be a site that’s possibly reasonably designed, but they didn’t bother to register it with any of the search engines. Also, as more people access the dark web, the more of a talking point it becomes. As it becomes a popular topic, the interest rises, especially for children. In 2001, they estimated the deep web to be around 400 to 550 times as big as the surface web which contains 4.5 billion sites. The deep web is the 99% of the internet that you can’t search on a search engine.
However, cybersecurity organizations could benefit from indirect participation in discussions regarding hacking and exploit trading that regularly takes place on the dark web. This would give them insights into yet-unknown vulnerabilities and allow them to gain knowledge of exploits before they can turn into widespread cyber threats. There are a number of dangers present on the dark web from child pornography and drug trafficking to illegal arms dealings and cryptocurrency scams. Install and run strong, trusted security software on your computer and devices to help ensure the privacy and security of your data. You might also have questions about accessing the dark web, as well as questions about safety.
How Does the Dark Web Work?
To understand how the dark web operates, it’s essential to recognize its infrastructure:
- Anonymity: The dark web primarily uses Tor (The Onion Router), which anonymizes users’ locations and usage.
- Encryption: Websites on the dark web often use end-to-end encryption to protect the identities of users.
- Hidden Services: Sites ending in .onion are not accessible through standard browsers and are designed to be accessed via Tor.
The Dual Nature of the Dark Web
The dark web has become synonymous with illicit activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes:
- Criminal Activity: Drug trafficking, weapon sales, and illegal pornography are prevalent.
- Whistleblowing: Encrypted platforms allow whistleblowers to share information anonymously (e.g., WikiLeaks).
- Freedom of Speech: In oppressive regimes, the dark web offers a space for open political discourse.
Risks of the Dark Web
Engaging with the dark web carries substantial risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Accessing illegal content can lead to criminal charges.
- Scams and Fraud: Many transactions on the dark web are scams, with no legal recourse.
- Safety and Security: Users may expose their personal information during transactions.
FAQs about the Dark Web
1. Is the Dark Web illegal?
Not all of the dark web is illegal. While there is a significant amount of illicit activity, many users access it for legitimate reasons, such as privacy concerns.
2. How do people access the Dark Web?
Access requires specialized software like Tor, which allows users to browse anonymously.
3. What can be found on the Dark Web?
The dark web hosts a variety of content, from marketplaces selling illegal goods to forums discussing political activism and privacy-focused services.
4. Can I be tracked on the Dark Web?
While the dark web provides a level of anonymity, law enforcement agencies do have methods to track illegal activities, and users are not completely immune from being identified.
Conclusion
The dark web continues to be a contentious topic, representing both danger and opportunity.
Understanding the intricacies of this hidden segment of the internet is essential for anyone interested in navigating it safely.
