The Most Comprehensive Darknet Data Commercially Available
If you know anything about data privacy and protecting yourself from identity theft, it’s easy to mitigate these risks on the deep web. In fact, you probably already do it whenever you log in to a secured website. The dark web, on the other hand, makes up a tiny fraction of the Net as a whole. In order to access it at all, you will need to use an anonymizing web browser and a virtual private network (VPN).
Exploring the Black Internet
This makes deep web security important for individuals and enterprises alike. Unlike the dark web, which is deliberately obscured by layers of technology, the deep web exists just below the surface 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). However, it is challenging to measure how widespread the dark web is due to its decentralized and obscure nature.
Understanding the difference between the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web provides context for election officials as they build both proactive and reactive cybersecurity programs. For instance, data such as voter lookup information is stored on the Deep Web in many states. A user can only access their information using the voter lookup tool available on the Surface Web. Misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data intended for the Deep Web to the Surface Web is one of the most common sources of data breaches.
While technically not an onion site, we’re including Sci-Hub (sci-hub.se) as an interesting example of a site you can access via Tor. Sci-Hub gives access to millions of scientific papers, mostly ones from behind paywalls. However, due to copyright infringement, Sci-Hub is considered illegal and banned in many countries. Founded around 1999 by activists in Seattle, it has since grown to over six million users worldwide. It publishes a newsletter in multiple languages and not only runs onion services for its website but all its email and chat services.
The term black internet often raises eyebrows and evokes various interpretations. Typically, it refers to parts of the internet not indexed by standard search engines, encompassing both legal and illegal activities. Understanding the nuances surrounding the black internet requires delving into its structure, platforms, and implications for users.
The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which is all content on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. Most people only interact with the visible or “surface web.” These are the nearly two billion public websites you can access through search engines — from Wikipedia to public sector websites and news sites. As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity. While the dark web has played a hand in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who may otherwise be persecuted for their identities or political beliefs.
Understanding the Structure
The black internet can be divided into three main layers:
It is often offered in some portals to give threat actors the tools for cyberattacks. However, it also lingers all across the dark web to infect unsuspecting users just like it does on the rest of the web. As such, the dark web has attracted many parties who would otherwise be endangered by revealing their identities online.
Some people use this encrypted space to help protect their identity and online privacy, but other hackers like to use these features to carry out illegal activities. It is these shady dealings that give the dark web its seedy, dangerous reputation. Instead, the deep web describes all web pages hidden from the search engines we use every day. Website owners hide their sites to protect information not meant for public viewing, like email and banking accounts, private social media pages, and electronic health records. Imagine if someone were able to Google your name and have your email account and/or health records pop up instantly.
Dark web browsing is not as simple as regular web surfing, but there are some tools you can use to chart your journey. Dark web search engines and forums like Reddit can help you find reliable dark websites, and you’ll need to use a dark web browser to visit them. The websites you visit every day represent just a small fraction of the whole internet.
- Surface Web: This is the part of the internet most users interact with daily, consisting of searchable websites.
- Deep Web: This layer includes content not indexed by traditional search engines, such as databases, private corporate sites, and academic resources.
- Dark Web: A small portion of the deep web, the dark web requires specific software like Tor for access and is often associated with anonymity.
Platforms Frequently Found on the Black Internet
Several platforms thrive in the black internet, providing users with various services and content. Key examples include:
- Tor Network: This is the most famous gateway to the dark web, allowing users to surf anonymously.
- I2P: An anonymous network layer that enables applications to send messages to each other anonymously.
- Freenet: A decentralized distributed data store that provides censorship-resistant communication.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Engagement with the black internet often leads to ethical and legal dilemmas. Here are some considerations:
- Legality: Accessing the black internet is not inherently illegal; however, many activities conducted there are illegal, including drug trafficking and hacking.
- Privacy: While the black internet can protect user identity, engaging in illegal activities poses risks of surveillance.
- Ethics: The moral landscape of the black internet is complex, with discussions on freedom of speech versus harmful content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can you find on the black internet?
A variety of content, including forums for privacy advocacy, illicit goods, and whistleblower sites.
2. Is it safe to navigate the black internet?
While there are safety measures, navigating the black internet carries risks, including malware and legal repercussions.
- Wasabi Wallet is a popular cryptocurrency wallet on the dark web, and it’s a safe choice for buying and sending cryptocurrencies.
- It’s huge, making up about 90% of the internet, but it’s mostly mundane, hidden behind login screens for privacy and security.
- However, remember that these details were likely there long before these breaches happened.
- Tor—short for “The Onion Router”—bounces information through a series of encrypted layers (like an onion) that offers users more anonymity.
- To send a message or image using ZeroBin, simply copy and paste it into ZeroBin’s editor.
- Tor stands for “the onion routing project.” It was developed by the U.S.
3. How do people access the black internet?
Users typically use specialized software like Tor or I2P to shield their identity and access content.
4. What are some common misconceptions about the black internet?
- All content is illegal: Not all content is illegal; there are legitimate uses for privacy.
- Only criminals use it: The black internet is also used by journalists and activists protecting their identities.
The Future of the Black Internet
As technology evolves, the black internet may continue to transform. Emerging technologies could enhance anonymity, while governments might develop new strategies to combat illicit uses. Understanding the implications of these changes will be crucial for both users and regulators alike.
In conclusion, the black internet is a multifaceted and often misunderstood part of the web. By exploring its layers and implications, users can better navigate this complex digital landscape.
