How Do Identity Thieves Use The Dark Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
This specialized browser grants users a level of anonymity that is especially appealing to cybercriminals, hackers, and government operatives who want to hide their identity. Learn more about our various degree and certification programs today by requesting more information. The dark web exists within the deep web, which is also known as the invisible web or the hidden web.
The study by King’s College London, “The Darkness Online”, found around 300,000 addresses within the Tor network, which were comprised of an estimated 205,000 web pages. The study also performed a deep search that discovered 5,205 live sites on the dark web. Another difference between the dark web and the open web is the naming structure. Instead of ending in .com or .co.uk, websites on the dark web end in .onion. This is actually what stops regular search engines without the appropriate proxy from reaching these sites. Dark web sites also make use of a scrambled naming structure to create URLs that are difficult, if not impossible, to remember.
Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device. The easiest way to access Tor is through a special browser, known as the Tor Browser. You might want to hide your Tor Browser download using a VPN and your existing browser’s private/incognito mode.
Dark nets are the infrastructure that hosts the Dark Web— the nodes, relays, and servers– while the Dark Web is the content hosted across these dark nets. There are many dark nets, with Tor, OpenBazaar, I2P, and Zeronet being the most popular. Each dark net has a unique architecture and requires distinct technology and protocols to access.
Tor works by sending traffic through three random relays in the Tor network. The last relay (exit relay) then sends the traffic out onto the public internet. There are many different kinds of websites on the dark web, from regular .onion sites (such as news websites) to drug market sites and pornographic sites. In the media, the dark web is often portrayed as a dangerous place, but there are also legitimate dark web sites that are worth visiting.
Web pages on the open web will show up in search results on sites like Google and Bing. While a large volume of traffic visits on the open web every day, it only represents 4% of the content on the internet. Going to dark websites is not against the law, but doing unlawful things or viewing illicit content is. Anyone accessing the dark web via insecure means, such as without a virtual private network (VPN) or the Tor browser, should exercise extreme caution. The Dark Web is an element of the internet that can only be accessed through specific software, such as Tor (The Onion Router), I2P (Invisible Internet Project), and Freenet.
However, the internet’s fast expansion has made it vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, which has become a serious threat and problem on the internet across the world. Barclay has been writing about technology for a decade, starting out as a freelancer with ITProPortal covering everything from London’s start-up scene to comparisons of the best cloud storage services. After that, he spent some time as the managing editor of an online outlet focusing on cloud computing, furthering his interest in virtualization, Big Data, and the Internet of Things. This is not due to a glitch in an individual’s web browser or an over-zealous internet security suite.
We recommend NordVPN because of its outstanding military-grade encryption and Threat Protection feature. Revealing personal information on the dark web leaves you vulnerable to being scammed or hacked. Just like the surface web, the dark web sees tons of phishing attempts to steal personal data. A good antivirus scanner will scan your device and the pages you visit for threats in real time. This means that you’ll be aware of threats before they can do some big damage. As a result of the above, you’ll often only see text on pages, but we strongly recommend this setting to users who aren’t looking for specific videos or images.
The internet we commonly use is only the tip of the iceberg. Below this surface lies a vast realm known as the dark web. But what is on the dark web? This part of the internet is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, making it accessible only through specialized software.
Defining the Dark Web
The dark web enables anonymity for its users and hosts various types of content and activities. To understand what is on the dark web, it is essential to know the differences between the surface web, deep web, and dark web:
- Surface Web: The visible part of the internet, accessible through standard browsers.
- Deep Web: Areas not indexed by standard search engines, including databases and private websites.
- Dark Web: Segments of the deep web that require specific software to access, often houses illicit content.
- In this highly digital age, it is near impossible to erase all information online about yourself, but you can do a lot to remove online information and minimize your risk of identity theft or worse.
- For example, the CIA’s onion address is ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion, and the nonprofit newsroom ProPublica’s is propub3r6espa33w.onion.
- With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.”
- Anonymity and encryption themselves aren’t necessarily nefarious, and your clients and their customers may have perfectly good reasons for leveraging these features of the dark web.
- Organizations can use dark web monitoring tools to find specific information such as corporate email addresses or information about the company.
Types of Content on the Dark Web
The dark web is notorious for various activities and content. Here are some key highlights of what is on the dark web:
- Illegal Marketplaces: Websites that facilitate the buying and selling of illegal goods such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Hacking Services: Platforms where cybercriminals offer their skills to the highest bidder.
- Privacy-Centric Forums: Communities discussing sensitive topics, where anonymity is preserved.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Sites like SecureDrop, where individuals can share confidential information safely.
- Counterfeit Currency: Vendors selling fake money and other fraudulent items.
Risks and Dangers of the Dark Web
Exploring what is on the dark web also involves understanding its risks. Users might encounter:
- Scams: Many services promise anonymity and security yet expose users to fraud.
- Malware: Websites may contain harmful software that can infect your device.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging with illegal activities can result in legal repercussions.
- Data Theft: Users risk sensitive information being stolen or sold.
Accessing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, a specific browser, such as Tor, is required. Tor anonymizes user traffic, allowing for safe navigation. Here is a basic process on what is on the dark web in terms of access:
- Download and install the Tor browser.
- Connect to the Tor network.
- Visit websites with .onion domains, which are exclusive to the dark web.
Common Myths About the Dark Web
There are several misconceptions surrounding what is on the dark web. Here are a few:
- It’s only for criminals: While illegal activities are present, there are also numerous legitimate uses.
- All dark web content is dangerous: Not all sites are malicious; some focus on privacy and freedom of speech.
- It’s impossible to trace: Although it offers anonymity, law enforcement is increasingly adept at tracking activities.
FAQs about the Dark Web
Q: Is the dark web illegal to access?
A: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted there are.
Q: Can I remain anonymous on the dark web?
A: While tools like Tor provide a degree of anonymity, complete security is not guaranteed.
Q: How does one stay safe on the dark web?
A: Use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and steer clear of illegal activities.
In conclusion, what is on the dark web encompasses a wide range of content, both legal and illegal. Awareness of its nature, risks, and uses is essential for anyone considering exploring this hidden part of the internet.
