The Rise of Dark Websites: What You Need to Know

How To Safely Access The Best Dark Web Sites And Dark Web Links

For example, while a Social Security number might go for $2, email credentials could sell for as much as $120,000. Hackers can make a lot of money and do so with less worry that they might get caught. Thanks to the Tor browser’s layers of encryption and IP scrambling, it’s difficult to track people down on this part of the web. What makes the dark web distinct from the broader deep web is the fact that dark web content can only be accessed via a special browser.

In recent years, the term “dark website” has become increasingly prevalent in discussions surrounding internet security and privacy. But what exactly is a dark website, and why should you be aware of its existence?

And because there’s very little use of HTTPS on the dark net, verifying whether or not a website is genuine using an SSL certificate is not feasible. Dark net websites are called “Tor hidden services”, and they can be distinguished from normal websites by their URLs. Internet providers and websites can detect when Tor is being used because Tor node IPs are public. Although websites can’t identify you and ISPs can’t decrypt your internet traffic, they can see that Tor is being used. It can be challenging to keep track of all your dark web login information, and using the same password for multiple sites is a significant security risk.

What Are onion Sites?

What is a Dark Website?

A dark website, also known as a “darknet website” or “dark web service,” is a website that is not indexed by traditional search engines such as Google or Bing. These websites can only be accessed through specialized software, such as the Tor browser, which allows users to browse the internet anonymously.

More On How To Stay Safe On The Dark Web

Dark websites are often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. However, not all dark websites are used for nefarious purposes. Some are used for legitimate reasons, such as protecting the privacy of whistleblowers or journalists in oppressive regimes.

Why Should You Be Aware of Dark Websites?

While the majority of internet users will never need to access a dark website, it’s important to be aware of their existence and the potential risks associated with them. Dark websites can be a breeding ground for cybercriminals, who use them to carry out phishing scams, distribute malware, and steal personal information.

Additionally, dark websites can be used to host and distribute child pornography, extremist content, and other illegal materials. While law enforcement agencies are working to shut down these websites and prosecute those responsible, the anonymous nature of the dark web makes it difficult to completely eliminate this type of content.

How to Protect Yourself from Dark Websites

To protect yourself from the potential risks associated with dark websites, it’s important to take the following precautions:

If you log into personal accounts on the dark web or visit websites with tracking scripts, then your activity may be tracked. Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons. Because they have strong encryption, onion sites are safe in terms of privacy protection. A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers.

Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there. Dark web websites look pretty much like any other site, but there are important differences. Instead of ending in .com or .co, dark web websites end in .onion. That’s “a special-use top level domain suffix designating an anonymous hidden service reachable via the Tor network,” according to Wikipedia.

• Avoid accessing dark websites: Unless you have a legitimate reason to access a dark website, it’s best to avoid them altogether. The risks associated with these websites far outweigh any potential benefits.

While the Tor browser is the most widely used method of accessing the dark web, other communications platforms like Signal can also be used. Not surprisingly, the dark web also sells the technical tools and information to set up another dark web. “There are many dark webs already,” says Douglas Lubhan, VP of threat intelligence at BlackFog. “Basically, any network that is shielded from internet search engines and restricts access to it is a dark web. However, it’s important to note that the dark web is a highly unregulated and potentially dangerous space, and engaging in any unlawful activities can have serious consequences. It’s important to use caution and protect your identity when accessing the dark web, and to avoid engaging in any activities that are illegal or unethical.

• Use strong, unique passwords: Cybercriminals who gain access to dark websites often try to use the stolen credentials to gain access to other online accounts. Using strong, unique passwords can help protect your personal information.
• Keep your software up to date: Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to users’ devices. Keeping your software up to date can help protect against these types of attacks.
• Use a reputable antivirus software: Antivirus software can help detect and remove malware that may be distributed through dark websites.

• There are several email and IM services which you can use, and it’s highly recommended to pick one if you want to step up your dark web game.
• Dark net websites are called “Tor hidden services”, and they can be distinguished from normal websites by their URLs.
• The hacker explains also that he is able to run espionage campaign and tracking of pedos online.
• Bitcoin is playing an essential role in the growth of the dark web sites.
• That effort was never fully realized, but the US military published the code under a free license in 2004.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from the potential risks associated with dark websites and ensure your online safety.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.