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Exploring Dark Web Sites
Accessing the dark web site can be shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. It is essential to understand what the dark web is and what it is not.
Though Facebook knows a lot about you than you can imagine, it isn’t keen on sharing this data with others. The social media giant has also been the target of censorship from repressive governments time and time again. After all, it enables users from around the world to connect, communicate, and collaborate with each other freely. On the Deep Web, these risks primarily relate to the fact that you need to authenticate to access a private site and that these sites contain a great deal of sensitive and valuable personal data. If your password or other credentials are the key to unlocking this data, then cybercriminals will attempt to steal these credentials via phishing, social engineering, malware, and other means.
What is the Dark Web?
Data sent through the dark web is encrypted and relayed through multiple nodes hosted by a global network of volunteers. This setup ensures users and website operators are able to remain anonymous. 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.
Law enforcement agencies will also need to respond to major breaches with dedicated task forces to monitor and minimize the misuse of sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII). “Operation Guardian works to disrupt criminal conduct, including the potential sale of PII on the dark web, and prosecute those responsible,” the spokesperson says. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and running at all times. This will help protect your device from any potential threats you may encounter on the dark web. We’ve already mentioned the importance of using a VPN and a browser like Tor Browser when accessing the dark web.
Uncensored and javascript-free, this search engine values privacy. Unlike other search engines, it offers text results, images, and torrent links. It is the part where we use search engines like Google and includes all the indexed websites and pages. Use these sites to scratch the surface of what the anonymity of the dark web affords you. Whether it’s accessing impartial data, sending anonymous content, or just curiosity, there’s plenty to explore on the dark web. BrianCC is known to be reliable and very active, and a bit more expensive in comparison to Russian Market.
In this approach, you first connect to a secure VPN, then pass messages through the Tor network. With this setup, your messages are encrypted before they enter the Tor network, and decrypted after they leave the network. Combining a VPN with Tor gives your messages an additional layer of encryption along with the increased privacy of hiding your actual IP address. You can find out a lot more about the ways these two systems work in our VPN vs Tor comparison. In 2017, the equally notorious Alphabay and Hansa markets were shut down, thanks to efforts from, among others, the FBI and the UK, Dutch, French, and Lithuanian police forces.
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. Most commonly, users access these sites via the Tor network.
If you are a business, one of the best ways to holistically protect your data is by hiring a managed IT services company to proactively monitor your network for security threats. Dark website creators hosting illegal content might password-protect their websites or restrict traffic to a list of pre-approved IP addresses in an attempt to avoid detection by the authorities. But it’s equally possible people will gladly accept more surveillance and less privacy in exchange for the illusion of safety and security.
Characteristics of Dark Web Sites
Similar to using a standard web browser to access the open web, the act of using Tor or a dark web browser to access the dark web is not illegal in and of itself. It is illegal to perform illegal acts on the dark web, regardless of the level of anonymity provided by the platform. The emergence of Telegram as a new dark web frontier also partly explains the revenue reductions in traditional dark web marketplaces.
Dark web sites share several notable characteristics:
- Accessibility through Tor or other anonymizing networks
- Anonymity of users and site operators
- Content that may not abide by legal standards
- Variety of forums, marketplaces, and other services
Law enforcement continues to track activity on the dark web with the aim of shutting down criminal enterprises. The name Dark Web has ominous undertones and sounds like something we should seek to avoid. Granted, criminals do gravitate towards darknet sites in order to perform unlawful activities. But does that mean that simply accessing the dark web is illegal? If you do ever find yourself on a questionable website, utilizing a good security app, such as Clario, with a built-in VPN and other useful tools is vital. But even so, Tor users on Facebook can now protect their identities from every other online snoop that would want to unmask them.
Types of Content Found on Dark Web Sites
While some may associate the dark web site with illicit activities, it hosts a variety of content:
- The laws are ever changing and dark web seems to violate the basic laws at times.
- When Target was hacked in 2013, customer card details turned up on dark web marketplaces.
- The surface web is part of the iceberg above the water, visible and accessible to everyone.
- Credit card and social security numbers are routinely purchased, as are passwords for e-mail accounts—sometimes en masse.
- Visiting the dark web without any protection can expose your IP address and location, putting you at risk of identity theft and malware infection.
- Criminal Activities: Drug trafficking, weapons sales, and other illegal merchandise.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Sites like SecureDrop offer anonymity for whistleblowers to disclose sensitive information.
- Privacy-Conscious Communities: Forums that discuss topics on privacy and activism.
- Journalism: Platforms where journalists can interact with sources safely.
Accessing Dark Web Sites Safely
If you decide to explore the dark web site, prioritize safety and security:
- Use a reliable VPN to protect your IP address.
- Download the Tor browser from the official website.
- Stay informed about the legal ramifications in your country.
- Be cautious with personal information; anonymity is crucial.
Potential Risks of Dark Web Sites
Engaging with the dark web site can expose users to several risks:
- Malware infections from malicious software.
- Law enforcement scrutiny due to illegal activities.
- Scams and fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting users.
FAQs about Dark Web Sites
Q1: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
A1: Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on those sites is.
Q2: Can I remain completely anonymous on the dark web?
A2: While tools like Tor enhance anonymity, complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Q3: Are there any legitimate uses for the dark web?
A3: Yes, many use it for privacy-focused discussions, whistleblowing, and journalism.
Q4: How do I find dark web sites?
A4: Dark web sites often have specific .onion URLs, usually shared in forums and communities dedicated to dark web discussions.
Conclusion
While navigating a dark web site can be intriguing, it requires caution and awareness of the potential dangers. Understanding what lies beneath the surface of the internet provides insight into both positive and negative aspects of online anonymity.
