When it comes to the internet, there is a hidden side that many people are unaware of – the dark web. Unlike the easily accessible surface web, the dark web is a mysterious realm where illegal activities thrive. In this article, we will delve into the dark web and shed light on its illicit underbelly.
To see firsthand how tools like Silo can help you safely utilize the dark web in your investigation, click here to experience Silo or here to request a demo. First, develop processes and procedures for your company and any employees who may be utilizing the dark web for their research. Be sure to consult your company’s legal counsel in this step, as they will have the best guidance for your circumstances and organization.
The dark web networks and possible risks
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and require specific software, such as Tor, to access. It is a part of the internet that remains hidden from ordinary users, allowing individuals to maintain anonymity while engaging in various activities, both legal and illegal.
Are onion sites dangerous?
Illegal Activities on the Dark Web
The dark web has gained notoriety for being a hub of illegal activities. Some of the most common illegal activities carried out on the dark web include:
- Drug Trafficking: The dark web serves as a marketplace for buying and selling illegal drugs, with vendors offering a wide range of substances.
- Weapons Trade: Individuals looking to purchase illegal firearms or other weapons can find suppliers operating on the dark web.
- Hacking Services: Cybercriminals offer hacking services, including stolen data, hacking tools, and even tutorials on how to carry out cyber attacks.
- Fraudulent Activities: From counterfeit passports to stolen credit card information, the dark web provides a platform for various fraudulent activities.
- Human Trafficking: Sadly, the dark web also facilitates the trafficking of humans for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other nefarious purposes.
By using the dark web version of Facebook, people can attempt to stay anonymous and speak freely. Although we don’t recommend logging in to Facebook if you want to stay anonymous, it’s striking that this social media has such an enormous presence on the dark web. Remember that there’s no guarantee that all of the dark web links included on OnionLinks are completely safe. As such, we always recommend having a strong antivirus solution like Norton 360 to protect you from malware when visiting any of these pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
However, both the dark web and the deep web require you to have a website’s exact URL in order to access them. Countries such as China (and its famous “Great Firewall” blocks) may monitor citizens at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level; if you are using Tor, the usage alone may appear in your records. A VPN can help disguise your use of Tor and your visits to dark web resources. It will normally take a while to connect because Tor — unlike other browsers — will route your traffic through different nodes.
What Do I Do if My Personal Information is On the Dark Web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is a crime and can lead to serious consequences.
Threat intelligence experts analyze open-source data and collect information relevant to criminal activity. The deep web includes all websites and pages that are not indexed by search engines and are not publicly accessible. Usually, criminals sell access to exploits and stolen data, but increasingly sites such as 0day.today are releasing more free material, from exploits to data dumps. For example, take a look at the 0day.today web site screen shots below.
2. Can law enforcement track individuals on the dark web?
Law enforcement agencies have become increasingly skilled at tracking down criminals on the dark web. While some users may attempt to maintain their anonymity, there have been numerous successful operations targeting illegal activities on the dark web.
3. How can I protect myself from the risks associated with the dark web?
- One of the internet’s most contentious transformations has been the so-called “Dark Web” growth since its inception in the 1990s.
- Also, criminals are increasingly using databases of stolen employee mobile phone numbers to attack employer networks.
- She announced a £9million fund to ensure every police force in the UK has a dedicated cyber crime unit to bust its “sickening shopping list of services and products”.
If you want to explore the dark web out of curiosity, it is essential to take precautions. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your identity, ensure your computer has updated security software, and never engage in any illegal activities.
With ID Protection, you can:
4. Are there any legitimate uses for the dark web?
The tools to carry out the cyberattack may have been bought off a dark web marketplace, but the attacker would propagate the attack using mediums available on the standard web (such as email or chat). If the surface web is the visible part of an iceberg above water, the deep web is the part submerged beneath – much larger but hidden from plain view. Some people use the terms ‘dark web’ and ‘deep web’ interchangeably; however, significant portions of the deep web are completely legal and safe to use. Find out how one single platform can help you deliver timely, actionable threat intelligence to reduce cyber risk, faster.
Despite its association with illegal activities, the dark web also hosts legitimate websites, such as platforms for anonymous whistleblowing or forums for discussing sensitive topics without fear of persecution.
The dark web remains a complex and murky corner of the internet, harboring various illegal activities that pose a threat to cybersecurity and society as a whole. While exploring the depths of this hidden realm may pique curiosity, it is crucial to remember the potential dangers involved and to always stay on the right side of the law.
