How Safe Is The Dark Web?
The majority of the deep web consists of regular websites that require users to create an account before they can be accessed. The dark web is a subsection of the deep web including websites that one can only access through purpose-built web browsers. Some estimates mark the extent of the dark web as being much smaller than that of the surface web (which is the regular internet we use every day).
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. One of the most common tools used to access the dark web is Tor (The Onion Router), which anonymizes user activity and enables users to connect to websites hosted on the dark web.
Snowden’s revelation in 2013 specifically talked about using Tor to avoid surveillance. At its core, much of the activity on the dark web focuses on discussion forums, chat rooms, and news aggregators accessed only via Tor and thus hidden from traditional Internet search engines. They typically utilize the domain suffix, and onion is reserved for sites wanting to remain anonymous – often created by groups advocating neo-Nazi and white supremacist ideology.
Helped by the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, the dark web quickly became a platform for criminals to source and deliver illegal items. In fact, it can be argued that the closure of Silk Road and subsequent arrest and conviction of Ross Ulbricht, its founder, only heightened interest in darknets and their illegal wares. Sociologist Isak Ladegaard, who built an algorithm to monitor sales data on Silk Road-type marketplaces, declared that all the media coverage boosted people’s awareness of the existence of the dark web.
Websites in this space are open to public access but are not indexed by web search engines. Their IP addresses are hidden, which makes it difficult to learn where they are hosted. The range of actors and activities, coupled with the technical expertise needed to operate in the space, makes navigating the Dark Web a challenge for any organization. The Dark Web is a series of encrypted networks containing websites that are unreachable through standard web browsers. Your Gmail inbox as well as your Google Drive, for instance, is part of the deep web because it doesn’t exist as a publicly accessible domain.
What is the Dark Web Used For?
Line Messenger is a communication app that allows users to communicate for free by sending messages and making voice calls. Delta Dental of California (DDC), Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and other subsidiaries may have exposed data; the compromised data is not a product of the organizations. Xfinity is the name of Comcast Communications’ internet, TV, and phone service; it is the most significant cabled internet service in the states, with more than 32 million residential customers. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC) is a three-location care network that delivers solutions for cancer patients.
Your ISP only sees the encrypted VPN traffic, and won’t know you’re on Tor. A handful of dark web search engines that do index .onion sites include NotEvil, Ahmia, Candle, and Torch. So, if you want to know how to access the dark web safely, you need to understand that the vast majority of the dark web, or dark net, is only accessible through the Tor browser. It’s like an iceberg – The visible tip above water, known as the “surface web” represents the familiar, searchable content. But lurking beneath lies the expansive, mysterious “deep web” or“dark net” – the gigantic submerged part that remains invisible to standard searches.
The usage of the dark web encompasses a variety of activities, both legal and illegal. Here are some of the primary uses:
- Privacy and Anonymity: Many users turn to the dark web to protect their identities and maintain their privacy.
- Whistleblowing: Activists and whistleblowers often use the dark web to share sensitive information without the fear of retribution.
- Accessing Restricted Information: Users in countries with heavy internet censorship may use the dark web to bypass restrictions and access information freely.
- Buying and Selling Goods: The dark web has become a marketplace for a variety of goods, including illegal drugs, weapons, and counterfeit products.
- Forum Discussions: Many forums and communities exist where discussions on various topics take place, including hacking and cybersecurity.
- Criminal Activities: Unfortunately, the dark web is also known for facilitating illegal activities, including human trafficking and drug trafficking.
Legal vs. Illegal Uses
While some uses of the dark web are legitimate, it’s essential to differentiate between legal and illegal activities:
Legal Uses:
- Journalism: Journalists may rely on the dark web to communicate securely with confidential sources.
- Political Activism: Activists use the dark web to organize and share information without government surveillance.
- Research: Researchers can study illegal activities in a controlled environment to understand cybercrime and develop preventive measures.
Illegal Uses:
- Drug Trafficking: Various marketplaces offer illegal substances for sale.
- Cybercrime Services: Services related to hacking and identity theft are often available.
- Child Exploitation: Some disturbing corners of the dark web host content related to human trafficking and exploitation.
FAQs About the Dark Web
- That groundwork was the basis for the Tor Project, which was released in 2002 and launched a browser in 2008.
- Some secure email services available on the dark web are Mail2Tor and ProtonMail.
- It is often used for illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- The Dark web is a subset of the Deep web; nonetheless, it is distinct from the Deep web.
- The Tor Browser is currently available only for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux.
- Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines.
1. Is the dark web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal; however, many of the activities that occur on it can be illegal. Users should exercise caution and be aware of the laws in their jurisdiction.
2. Can I access the dark web without any special tools?
No, accessing the dark web typically requires specific software like Tor to ensure user anonymity.
3. How can I stay safe on the dark web?
Using a VPN, enabling security features, and avoiding sharing personal information are critical steps to stay safe while navigating the dark web.
4. Are there legitimate reasons to access the dark web?
Yes, journalists, activists, and researchers often utilize the dark web for its privacy features and to bypass governmental censorship.
Conclusion
The dark web remains a complex and controversial part of the internet. Understanding what the dark web is used for is essential for navigating its myriad uses and recognizing the potential risks and benefits associated with it. Awareness is key, whether one is seeking privacy, engaging in activism, or simply curious about this hidden aspect of the online world.
