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The dark web is also not the same as the “darknet,” which is a network of private connections that exist within the internet. These connections are often used by organizations and individuals to communicate and share information in a secure and private way. Whistleblowers, activists, and political dissidents have good reason to conceal their online locations and posts, but anonymity on the darknet is also a level of secrecy sought by criminals.
With a particular interest in privacy, data, and security, Rosalyn has covered social media, AI, IoT, deepfakes, marketing tech, the cloud, enterprise tech, consumer tech, and digital transformation. And when not wrangling bits and bytes into words, Rosalyn enjoys low-fi hobbies like reading books, walking her Whippet Sketch, and having one too many coffees at her favourite café. There are a range of tools and services that scan the dark web looking for organizational threats and vulnerabilities but it’s a constantly moving target.
This time of year always brings the hackers out, and they make more of an effort to try and steal both personal and business data. With lots of new phishing trends happening all the time, it is really important to stay on top of the… Leave the Dark Web browsing to people surveying the internet underbelly and keeping us safe. It’s good to know about and a good tool for those who really need it but it’s also unfortunately used for some pretty horrible stuff.
Despite its menacing name, the Dark Web is not illegal per se, nor is it unlawful to access it. However, the undeniable fact is that most of the activities that happen on the Dark Web are related to criminal actions. Lots of criminal activity happens on the Dark Web because it offers the anonymity that enables hackers and scammers to go undetected — but only up to a certain point. Because this offering is so extensive and affordable, the Dark Web is the ideal breeding ground for criminals. Even more of a threat, hackers looking to make a lot of money and profit off people and companies around the world have found a way to do it — fast and at scale. This high barrier entry to the Dark Web exists to protect user identities, online activities and location, and maintain their anonymity.
Understanding the Dark Web
The term dark web refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. This hidden portion of the web requires specific software to access, the most common being Tor (The Onion Router).
The final relay decrypts the innermost layer and sends the original data to its destination without revealing or knowing the source IP address. Tor is free, open-source software designed for anonymous communication. The name Tor is derived from the original project’s name “The Onion Routing Project”. This allows users to talk, blog, transact and share files confidentially. Google engineers write software called a crawler that clicks on every link on a page, follows the link, and then clicks on all the links on the new page ad infinitum.
The Dark web is a subset of the Deep web; nonetheless, it is distinct from the Deep web. The deep web can generally be accessed using standard tools and software; however, this is not the case with the Dark web. The dark web is well-known for the various illegal and criminal activities that take place on it. Some of these activities include drug dealing, gambling, illegal pornography, and so on. It is also said to be a haven for various types of criminal activity.
Unlike the surface web, which is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, the dark web is often associated with illicit activities but also serves as a haven for privacy advocates, activists, and whistleblowers.
- Where access to popular social media or news sites is censored, dark web links of the same sites can help you stay informed.
- Below the surface of the internet — whose web pages are indexed by popular search engines — exists something called the deep web, and further below that, the dark web.
- Use it to get an idea of what sort of dark websites you may be interested in visiting.
- Lesser known darknets include ZeroNet, a peer-to-peer-based web hosting model developed in 2015 that doesn’t use IP addresses or domains for websites.
Accessing the Dark Web
Most Dark Web sites use the URL suffix .onion, but this isn’t necessarily the case. You can find some of the better ones here, and if you’re genuinely curious about exploring the bowels of the Dark Web, here is a list of some of the more infamous sites you can reach. However, surfing the Dark Web is not the same as surfing the Surface Web. There are no search engines to direct you to the pages where you can get the information you need; one of the defining characteristics of Dark Web websites is that they aren’t indexed by search engines. Financial profit is the main motivation for attackers to put data on the dark web. A study of Digital Shadow in July 2020 showed that administrator access to corporate domains was sold for around $3,000.
To explore the dark web, users typically utilize the following tools:
- Tor Browser: A modified version of the Firefox web browser that routes internet traffic through multiple servers to anonymize users.
- I2P (Invisible Internet Project): Designed for anonymous peer-to-peer communication, it’s another option for accessing hidden websites.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): While not required, VPNs can add an extra layer of privacy when navigating the dark web.
Sign up for our newsletter and learn how to protect your computer from threats. Yes, the police can still track you on the dark web if they need to, although it’s extremely hard to do so. The Tor browser you use to access the dark web can mask your identity and location.
New York Healthcare Provider Notified 600k Following Network Cyberattack
Common Misconceptions
Many myths surround the dark web, such as:
- All content is illegal: While many illicit activities do occur, legitimate websites exist as well, including forums for personal privacy and secure communication.
- It’s only for criminals: The dark web is also used by journalists, activists, and individuals looking for secure means of communication against oppressive regimes.
- Only tech-savvy individuals can access it: While some knowledge is beneficial, resources and guides are available for novices to navigate securely.
Risks of the Dark Web
While the dark web offers anonymity, it carries several risks:
- Exposure to illegal content: Users may unintentionally encounter illegal activities or materials.
- Scams and fraud: The dark web is rife with scams, including fake marketplaces and phishing attempts.
- Malware infection: Downloading files from untrusted sources can lead to malware or hacking attempts.
What’s Available on the Dark Web?
The dark web hosts various types of content:
- Marketplaces: Some sell illegal items like drugs, weapons, or stolen data.
- Forums and communities: Various forums allow for discussions on topics ranging from technology to personal privacy.
- Whistleblowing platforms: Websites where individuals can share sensitive information securely.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What is the difference between the surface web, deep web, and dark web?
The surface web consists of all sites indexed by search engines. The deep web includes content not indexed, such as databases and private networks. The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that requires specific tools to access.
Is it safe to browse the dark web?
While it is possible to use the dark web safely, caution is essential. Utilize reliable security tools, maintain anonymity, and avoid illegal activities.
Can law enforcement access the dark web?
Yes, law enforcement agencies have tools and methods to navigate the dark web. They often monitor illicit activities and apprehend criminals operating in this space.
Conclusion
Understanding what’s dark web requires a nuanced view that acknowledges both its risks and its potential for positive use. Whether for illicit purposes or safeguarding privacy, the dark web continues to be a complex and compelling part of internet culture.
