What is on the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will explore what is on the dark web and why it is often misunderstood.

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Illegal Activities

• Furthermore, unlike most clearweb URLs, many, if not most, dark websites are constructed as sixteen-character “non-mnemonic” alphanumeric sequences.
• Another problem is that Tor makes the IP addresses of all public Tor exit nodes public(new window), making them very easy for governments to block.
• Navigating the dark web requires extra layers of privacy, not just because of its content but due to legal scrutiny.
• These networks are made of small Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks as well as larger networks like TOR.

Drugs: The dark web is notorious for the sale of illegal drugs. Online marketplaces like the Silk Road, which was shut down by the FBI in 2013, allowed users to buy and sell drugs anonymously. While the Silk Road is no longer in operation, similar marketplaces still exist today.

Firearms: The dark web is also used for the sale of illegal firearms. These marketplaces are often used by criminals to obtain weapons that are difficult to obtain through legal means.

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Stolen Data: Stolen data, such as credit card information and personal identities, are also sold on the dark web. Hackers often sell this information to other criminals who use it for identity theft and fraud.

Knowing how these parts of the web mix with the more common spaces can help develop secure web-native applications and more. Differentiating between the deep web and dark web allows you to better understand the challenges involved in preventing hacking attempts and complications arising from the need for data privacy online. You can use the browser to access the same sites you access on the Surface Web, but you will likely run into two problems. A good example of this was the crackdown on the use of VPNs in China that took place in 2015. This made it exceptionally hard for people in China to communicate with one another in private, and this led to an uptick in Chinese-language communication on the Dark Web. People often use the analogy of an iceberg when talking about the Dark Web.

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Legitimate Uses

Despite its reputation, the dark web also has legitimate uses. Here are a few examples:

It’s important to be aware of the risks and to understand that just because something is on the dark web doesn’t make it legal. Be sure to protect yourself by staying informed, using cybersecurity products and services, and avoiding accessing the dark web unless you have a specific, legitimate reason to do so. The dark web refers to web pages that are not indexed by search engines.

• Whistleblowing: The dark web can be used by whistleblowers to share information about illegal activities without fear of retribution.

The major difference is that it is only accessible by using a specific web browser called, Tor browser. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.

• Political Activism: Activists in repressive regimes can use the dark web to communicate and organize without fear of government surveillance.
• Secure Communication: Journalists and others who need to communicate securely can use the dark web to ensure that their conversations are not intercepted.

FAQs

Is it illegal to access the dark web? No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, so it is important to use caution when browsing.

Given its anonymous nature, the dark web clearly has an obvious appeal for cybercriminals. The most obvious type of internet activity is the buying and selling of black market goods and services, from illegal drugs to illegal content. Cybercriminals may also run scams when selling such items, for example by taking a person’s money and not delivering the required product. This information can help mitigate cyberthreats before they are committed or be used to recover leaked data from a breach. They may also post leaked passwords and accounts or sales of hacked devices. Stolen online bank account access or credit cards may be traced on the dark web.

How do I access the dark web? To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser, such as Tor, which routes your internet connection through a series of servers to mask your IP address.

However, the Dark Web isn’t all bad, and, in fact, the technology that makes it possible, Tor, was originally created by the U.S. government for legitimate purposes. Beyond that, we recommend looking into identity protection services if your PII is available on the Dark Web. Those services can monitor for identity threats and automatically alert you if there is an issue. They will also work to resolve any ID theft issues that may come up and can even reimburse you for funds lost depending on the coverage you choose. An organization’s most valuable asset is its people, so threat actors leverage human weakness first to compromise an organization.

Is the dark web dangerous? The dark web can be dangerous if you are not careful. It is important to use a reputable VPN service and to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.

Conclusion

The dark web is often misunderstood and associated with illegal activities. While it is true that the dark web is used for illegal purposes, it also has legitimate uses. It is important to approach the dark web with caution and to use a reputable VPN service to protect your privacy.