Dark Web: The term itself carries a huge amount of mystery related to its name. It can hold a number of different types of hidden websites, services, and products involved in something as innocuous to quite dangerous. Let’s take a look at a few pros and cons of the dark web along with some basic tips on how to be safe.
Here’s everything you need to know about the dark web:
The dark web is an isolated part of the internet that can’t be reached through regular search browsers. To access it, one needs a special browser like Tor, which anonymizes web activity by propelling it through a network of distributed servers. Specialized search engines help find those hidden websites.
Dark web sites rely on encryption to keep both visitors and site owners anonymous. Every day, millions of people use Tor to browse the internet, with many of them likely venturing into the dark web—oftentimes for completely legitimate purposes.
Inside the Dark Web A Look at What’s Available?
Think of the dark web as some type of hideaway nook of the internet that houses all manner of sites. Some of the things you will find on it are completely legal, while others will most definitely raise some eyebrows.
On the darker side of those kinds of things, you might also find:
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Stolen data
- Counterfeit money
- Fake IDs and passports
- Malware and hacking tools
- Hire hackers
- Stolen Social Security numbers Of course, it’s not all shady. The dark web also has a lot to offer, which is above board. Examples include:
Collectibles and memorabilia
Artisanal products Wellness products Political debate forums News publications Secure drop zones for whistleblowers and journalists In other words, though some dubious activities host on the dark web, it is also a place where reasonable resources sometimes can be found, and quite valuable ones at that.
The Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web: What’s the Difference?
When you browse the internet, you’re mostly using what’s called the surface web-familiar sites and pages you can easily access with your everyday browser. Everything from news websites to social media platforms falls under this category.
Then, of course, there’s the deep Web. This part of the Internet isn’t exactly hidden or secretive; it’s just that it requires login credentials or special access. Think of this part of the Web as a place that keeps your private e-mail accounts, medical records, and other personal data. Access to such stuff is possible with regular browsers, but one needs passwords or subscriptions.
Then, of course, there is the dark web. A small, hidden portion of the deep web that no standard browsers can see. You can only explore this part of the net with special software that conceals your identity and location, such as Tor.
These are terms that many people use synonymously, but they’re fairly different. While the deep web makes up about 90% of the internet, less than 0.01% of the online comprises the dark web. On the dark web, everything remains internal and encrypted within the Tor network for enhanced security and privacy.
Layers of the Web
Surface Web
The surface web is where most of us spend our time online. If you’re reading this on a regular web browser, you’re on the surface web.
Examples of surface web sites include:
- Browsers: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and others
- Search engines: Google, Yahoo, Bing
- Company websites: Online stores, blogs, customer support pages
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
- E-commerce: Amazon, eBay, Etsy
- Entertainment: YouTube, Netflix, Spotify
Deep Web
The deep web is a bit more private and less visible. Examples of it include:
Password-protected e-mail accounts Private databases Medical records Banking information
Any time you log into a website or use some type of subscription service, you are using this part of the web. It’s not hidden from view, but it does require credentials to access.
Dark Web
The dark web is different. You need special access to the dark web using software like Tor, and this allows your identity to remain somewhat masked. It is really well-known for its anonymity, thereby attracting all sorts of activities, some illegal and others not.
On the dark web, you might find:
- Marketplaces for drugs/other illegal goods
- Forums for anonymous discussions
- Services for hackers
It’s a place people go for privacy but is not very safe.
Risks and Threats of Dark Web While the dark web can be a very useful tool in enabling privacy and free speech, there are some risks associated with its usage:
Criminal Activity: Some sites may be operated by criminals or dealings that involve illegal transactions. Legal Risks: Engaging in an activity considered illegal exposes one to criminal charges, even on the dark web.
- Rogue Links: The sole effect of clicking any link that is not identified is to expose the PC to malware or undesirable content.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Various law enforcement agencies work undercover in the dark web to monitor all illegal activities and apprehend the right people.
- Viruses and Hacks: People are in danger of picking up viruses, as well as leaving themselves open to being targeted by hackers.
Website Blockers: To protect yourself from potentially dangerous sites on the dark web, consider using website blockers. Pinardin offers robust website blocking tools that can help prevent access to harmful or illegal websites. These tools can safeguard your browsing experience by blocking known malicious sites and reducing the risk of encountering unwanted content.
Accessing the Dark Web Using Search Engines
Those dark web sites aren’t that easy to come across, like one would normally do in a simple Google search. You want a specialized search engine to help you find the pages you are looking for on this part of the internet. Take a look below for some examples of popular ones:
DuckDuckGo: If you want to keep things private, since it is the default search engine for Tor. Torch: It looks and feels like a regular search engine, but it’s actually for the dark web. Ahmia.fi: You can use it to search for dark web links with any browser, but you will still have to use Tor to visit those links.
You see, a search engine finds you a site, but you must access it with a special browser, like Tor.
Scams
Scams abound on the dark web from selling you fake products to proffering phony services. Be very suspicious and leery about any deal that seems too good to be true.
For what purposes is the Dark Web used? People access this for many reasons: from those who want anonymity for either personal or political reasons to the use of more illegal activities. It also offers a refuge for whistleblowers and activists who might have to work outside the reach of censorship.
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
For those in the U.S., it is not illegal to simply visit the dark web, but any illegal activity conducted there certainly will have serious consequences. Things to consider are buying or selling items that are against the law.
Who Created the Dark Web?
The dark web originally appeared in the 1990s and came from researchers at the U.S. Department of Defense and Naval Research Lab in order to support anonymous communication. The result was the Tor network.
What If Your Information Is on the Dark Web?
If you happen to find any of your personal information on the dark web, check all your accounts for fraud. Freezing credit and changing associated passwords are ways to protect one’s self from fraud.
