Content
Anonymity Is In Your Hands
At times, especially after a significant data breach, information is sold on the dark web. Cybersecurity researchers have run tests that prove about 57% of the content and websites on the dark web are selling illicit goods and services. That figure was calculated in 2015; by now, it is estimated to be much higher. The dark web, also known as the “darknet”, is a portion of the internet that lies outside the boundaries of traditional search engines. You won’t find any links to sites or pages for dark web content on Google.
Pedophiles have their own dark web sites and forums separate from the places where cocaine and credit cards are sold. The dark web is full of illegal marketplaces and forums where criminal activity is advertised and discussed. Some examples include Empire Market, Dream Market and Nightmare Market. Every search engine uses bots to crawl the web and add the new content they find to the search engine’s index.
Here are some of the common threats to the business world that MSPs should consider when providing clients with dark web cybersecurity. The dark web is a layer of the internet where users can fully mask their IP addresses in order to anonymously access or share certain content. The anonymity provided by the dark web does indeed make it ideal for people looking to engage in illicit activity. But the dark web isn’t a violent or criminal place in and of itself — it just depends on how you use it. The deep web consists of web pages not indexed by popular search engines like Google or Bing, requiring special software or techniques to access. You might find login portals for websites, payment systems, or even private forums where people discuss sensitive subjects.
Some advocates argue that the Dark Web has given rise to child abuse, with abusers feeling safer exchanging pictures, videos, methodologies, and services with each other. Cybercriminals that buy stolen passwords from the Dark Web can use them for all kinds of online attacks, including ransomware attacks. In fact, experts believe that a stolen password helped the Darkside ransomware group attack Colonial Pipeline. Even if someone hasn’t been the victim of a data breach, a hacker can still break into their account or private information. The dark web is a version of the internet that allows for anonymous usage.
While the dark web can be a helpful tool for sourcing legitimate products or ensuring private communication, it’s also a hotspot for illegal internet activity. The ‘Dark Web’ uses complex systems that anonymise a user’s true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited. It is generally accessed using dedicated software, the best known is called Tor (The Onion Router). The dark web is a relatively new concept, at least when you consider the history of the internet as a whole. You can use it to remain anonymous without fear of repercussion if you want to express yourself freely. But this amount of privacy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illicit activities.
Understanding the Dark Web
The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others.
Originally used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously, the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world. It uses a technology called “onion routing,” which protects users from surveillance and tracking through a random path of encrypted servers. When users access a site through Tor, their information is routed through thousands of relay points that cover the user’s tracks and make their browsing virtually impossible to trace. Sites on the surface web (or open web) are those visible to average users without the use of Tor or any other special browsers or software.
The term dark web refers to a portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines.
Unlike the surface web, which is easily accessible and navigated by typical users, the dark web requires specific software to access.
The dark web is actually considered to be a small part of the deep web. It can only be accessed through special networks like Tor or via static IPs shared privately. The deep web is essentially the unindexed portion of the web that search engines cannot access. Estes agrees that there are legitimate purposes for using anonymizing tools like Tor.
Primarily, users rely on tools like Tor (The Onion Router) to navigate this hidden part of the internet.
What is the Dark Web?
In essence, the dark web exists on an encrypted network that provides anonymity to its users.
This layer of the internet is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves various legitimate purposes.
Key Features of the Dark Web
- **Anonymity**: Users can browse without revealing their identity.
- **Hidden Services**: Websites exist with .onion domains, only accessible through specialized software.
- **Cryptocurrency Transactions**: Many transactions in the dark web use cryptocurrencies for added privacy.
Accessing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, follow these steps:
- Download and install the Tor browser.
- Connect to the Tor network for anonymity.
- Visit .onion sites, which are not accessible through standard browsers.
Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web has various uses, some of which include:
- **Freedom of speech**: Allows users in oppressive regimes to express their thoughts without fear.
- **Whistleblowing**: Provides a platform for whistleblowers to share sensitive information securely.
- **Commerce**: Facilitates anonymous buying and selling of goods and services.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While the dark web has benefits, it also poses several risks:
- **Scams**: Many platforms are fraudulent, and users can easily lose money.
- **Legal Issues**: Accessing certain content can lead to criminal charges.
- **Cybersecurity Threats**: Increased risk of malware and hacking attempts.
FAQs About the Dark Web
Q1: Is everything on the dark web illegal?
A1: No, while many activities are illegal, there are also legitimate uses for privacy and security.
- While accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, using it to engage in illegal activities is a crime, and law enforcement agencies are increasingly cracking down on such activities.
- There are many reasons why organizations or companies would want to store certain information on the deep web rather than the surface web, the majority of them innocuous, like an online shopping inventory.
- Advocacy groups are also reaping the advantages of the darknet because, here, the term of censorship is as popular as HTTPS.
- The darknet and dark web comprise the most internal layer of the “onion”.
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC) is a three-location care network that delivers solutions for cancer patients.
- This approach will stop anyone else from opening new accounts in your name.
Q2: How is the dark web different from the deep web?
A2: The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small segment that requires special access tools.
Q3: Can I access the dark web through regular browsers?
A3: No, you need specialized software like Tor to access dark web sites.
In conclusion, the dark web is a complex and multifaceted part of the internet that blends both anonymity and risks.
While it can be a haven for privacy and freedom, users must navigate cautiously to avoid legal pitfalls and security threats.
