The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It has been associated with a range of illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. In this article, we will explore the latest dark web news and what you need to know to stay safe.
Aadhaar Data Leak Personal Data Of 815 Crore Indians On Sale On Dark Web: Report
The Dark Web and Cybercrime
However, there are additional “levels” of the internet beyond that top level. The “dark web” refers to websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google and Bing. This might seem strange since most people want their websites to be found through specific searches.
The dark web is a hotbed of cybercrime, with many criminal groups using it to buy and sell stolen data, such as credit card information and personal identities. In recent dark web news, it was reported that a hacker group known as Shiny Hunters had stolen data from 18 companies and was selling it on the dark web. The data included sensitive information, such as customer names, email addresses, and passwords.
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Another common type of cybercrime on the dark web is ransomware attacks. These attacks involve hackers encrypting a victim’s data and demanding a ransom to restore access. In a recent high-profile case, the Colonial Pipeline Company was hit with a ransomware attack that caused it to shut down its pipeline, leading to fuel shortages and price increases on the East Coast of the United States.
The Dark Web and Drugs
The dark web is also known for its role in the illegal drug trade. Drug dealers use the dark web to sell a wide range of illegal substances, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. In a recent dark web news story, it was reported that a dark web drug marketplace known as “White House Market” had been shut down by law enforcement agencies. The marketplace had over 1.2 million user accounts and had facilitated the sale of millions of dollars worth of drugs.
The dark web is also a popular platform for the sale of counterfeit drugs. These drugs are often made with dangerous ingredients and can pose a serious risk to public health. In a recent case, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers about counterfeit versions of the antiviral drug remdesivir that were being sold on the dark web.
In politically repressive countries and regimes, the anonymity of the Dark Web enables free expression of political thoughts without the fear of governmental surveillance or censorship [76]. The use of a TOR-browser and the Dark Web is legal in most countries, but some countries such as China and Egypt have prohibited the use of the Dark Web [73]. This multi-functionality of the Dark Web is important to recognize since user motivations might also differ from privacy concerns to engaging in malicious and illegal activities. Online environments provide a fruitful context for disseminating alternative views concerning the pandemic, and to connect with others who share similar thoughts. During the time of social isolation and physical distancing, the role of the Internet as a source of social interaction becomes increasingly important.
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
How To Access The Dark Web
The dark web refers to sites that are not indexed and only accessible via specialized web browsers. Significantly smaller than the tiny surface web, the dark web is considered a part of the deep web. Using our ocean and iceberg visual, the dark web would be the bottom tip of the submerged iceberg. We continuously monitor activities or policy violations, as well as threat hunting SOC Services, and 24/7 eyes on glass threat management. “They are changing products and they are going after different products all of the time.
Given the risks associated with the dark web, it is important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe:
In a court case, 23andMe argued that the stolen data cannot cause financial harm as it did not include sensitive information like social security or financial details. Tech companies integrate AI technology, while hackers explore AI chatbots for illegal activities. Kaspersky’s report reveals nearly 3000 dark web posts discussing the use of ChatGPT and other LLMs for schemes like creating nefarious chatbots and jailbreaking the original. Hackers exploit legitimate tools for malicious purposes, including pentesting. Dark web markets sell stolen ChatGPT accounts and offer auto-registration services.
- As well as allowing users to visit normal websites anonymously, it can also be used as part of a process to host hidden sites, which use the .onion suffix.
- Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC.
- Security analysts can can conduct open source intelligence (OSINT) dark web monitoring to better understand threats.
- If we continue to visualize the entire web like an iceberg, the open web would be the top portion that’s above the water.
- An NCA spokesperson confirmed to CNN that a law enforcement operation against LockBit 3.0 was underway, adding that the agency will publicly disclose more details on Tuesday.
- DarkNetLive is an excellent news source for those who wish to stay up-to-date with everything dark web.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Use Tor: The Tor browser is designed to provide anonymity and is often used to access the dark web. However, it is important to note that Tor is not foolproof and can still be compromised by sophisticated hackers.
- Avoid sharing personal information: It is important to avoid sharing personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card details, on the dark web.
- Use strong passwords: It is important to use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to help generate and store your passwords.
- Keep your software up to date: It is important to keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date to protect against malware and other security threats.
Unlike Ahmia and Haystak, however, DuckDuckGo doesn’t search .onion sites. Use it to search the normal internet from the privacy of your Tor Browser. Search engines on the dark web are a bit of a contradiction because dark web sites by definition are not indexed by traditional search engines. Note that connections inside of the Tor network are end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning there is no separate encryption layer necessary as with regular websites.
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While Nulled does have a public internet facing presence along with the main dark web forum, many who navigate to that site are still required to set up a password. Dread is a dark web forum that was designed to mimic the look of the legitimate forum website Reddit. After its creation in 2018, this dark web forum now sees over hundreds of posts per day currently. This forum was essentially created to host many sub-communities to help threat actors connect and find the information they want more quickly. The majority of the illicit information shared on Dread is in relation to data leaks and selling data freely. Deep web content is usually hidden behind paywalls or require authentication and can range from medical records to online banking accounts, to confidential company data and private databases—and includes the dark web.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your personal information when using the dark web.
Conclusion
The dark web is a complex and often dangerous part of the internet that is associated with a range of illegal activities. By staying informed about the latest dark web news and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime or other illegal activities.
