Can Someone Sell My Data On The Dark Web?
You can’t just look up some Dark web page in your regular search engine and dive head first into the darkness. You need a specialized browser and either a specialized search engine or direct knowledge of an address to reach Dark web pages. To access the Dark Net, users must download the TOR network, a decentralized network of servers that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. You can change Tor’s level of security to “Safer” or “Safest.” Naturally, the highest setting is the safest. However, this setting significantly slows down your internet connection and causes some pages and dark web websites to load incorrectly. Now that we’ve looked at how to enter the dark web and have gone over some of the gravest risks of doing so, we’ll give you some tips on how to access the dark web safely.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web refers to web pages that are not indexed by search engines. Under the cloak of anonymity, cybercriminals and threat actors can operate, selling an array of tools and services that can be used to wreak havoc on organizations. There’s a lot for CISOs to come to grips with and here are 10 things to be aware of when navigating the dark web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for privacy-focused communication, activism, and more.
The most common way to access the dark web or deep web is by using the Tor network, and doing so is not nearly as complicated as you might think. First, you need a web browser that’s capable of utilizing the Tor protocol. If you use the widest definition of the deep web, then it’s a vast ocean of websites. Although all of these term tend to be used interchangeably, they don’t refer to exactly the same thing.
Why Access the Dark Web?
A VPN provides you with anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. That’s why there are marketplaces and forums hosted for content such as malware, stolen credentials and alike, which are monitored by our teams. Only a minuscule portion of the internet is actually visible to regular users. This means you are depending on your VPN provider 100% to keep you secure.
Dark web sites are so well-hidden they can’t be accessed with normal browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The dark web can only be accessed using a special browser called Tor. For instance, your Facebook posts are unindexed and won’t be found via a web browser.
Also, you need to use a privacy-focused browser such as the Tor network to connect via nodes and proxy servers, which are more secure and aim to anonymize traffic requests. The Tor browser is able to access the special domain names, with the suffix .onion, used in the dark web. When data brokers get hacked, the stolen data can include compromised credit cards, social security numbers, and other data, depending on what was exposed in the breach. This is a common way for identity theft and doxing attacks to occur. The Hidden Wiki is a surface website offering a collection of dark web links — but the links don’t always work, and they may not be safe. Use it to get an idea of what sort of dark websites you may be interested in visiting.
People seek to access the dark web for various reasons, including:
- Privacy – To browse anonymously.
- Whistleblowing – To share information securely.
- Access to information – To find content that may be censored elsewhere.
For instance, did you know you can unknowingly break the law while browsing the internet? If you go looking for trouble on the dark web, chances are you’ll find it. If you stick to using it for legitimate and legal purposes and proceed with caution, you can have a perfectly safe and secure experience. This makes it almost impossible to track your dark web activity from beginning to end.
How to Get Onto the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web can be done safely by following the steps below:
1. Prepare Your System
Before you dive in, it’s essential to ensure that your system is secure:
- Update your operating system.
- Consider using a virtual machine for added security.
- Install antivirus software to protect against malware.
2. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security. It:
- Encrypts your internet connection.
- Makes your browsing more private.
3. Download the Tor Browser
The Tor Browser is the primary method for accessing the dark web. Here’s how to get it:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the browser as you would any standard software.
- In most cases, it’s not worth snooping around on the deep web, and certainly not the dark web.
- Other terms for the surface web include the visible web, lightnet, or indexed web.
- The dark web has prospered with the help of various bitcoin wallets.
- Simply accessing the dark web is not illegal, but illegal activity is illegal whether you do it via the dark web or not.
- That’s because these pages aren’t indexed to show up in a search engine.
4. Adjust Browser Security Settings
Enhance security settings by:
- Using the highest security level available in the Tor Browser.
- Disabling JavaScript for improved security.
5. Accessing Dark Web Sites
Dark web sites typically use the .onion domain. To find these sites, you can:
- Visit directories like “The Hidden Wiki.”
- Follow forums and communities sharing safe links.
6. Practice Caution
Browsing the dark web can expose you to illegal content. Keep the following in mind:
- Don’t engage in illegal activities.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Be cautious with downloads and links.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Do I need special software to access the dark web?
Yes, the most common software used is the Tor Browser, which enables anonymous browsing of .onion sites.
Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
While the dark web provides privacy, it is still possible to be tracked if proper precautions are not taken. Using a VPN and not sharing personal information is crucial.
What should I do if I stumble upon illegal content?
If you accidentally come across illegal content, it’s best to exit the site immediately and avoid further engagement.
