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That’s why people who try Aura’s Dark Web Scanner are shocked to see how much of their sensitive information is exposed just by running a scan of their email address. In October 2021, law enforcers in nine countries carried out Operation Dark HunTOR, in which Europol simultaneously arrested 150 alleged suspects in Europe and the US. A hacked Uber rider account goes for just $4, and a Netflix account with a paid one-year subscription is worth $44. More out-of-reach commodities such as a French passport can cost up to $4,000.
Surfshark is also really user-friendly, as its apps are all intuitive and make it very simple to find and connect to servers. On average, I had really good browsing speeds — .onion sites loaded in 2–3 seconds, HD videos loaded in 5 seconds, and there was only minor buffering at the start of the videos. Once you upload an image, the site provides you with shareable links for email messages, instant messaging, message boards, and websites. I tested Image Hosting and was able to upload and share an image on Facebook in less than 10 seconds.
It contains pages that are intentionally hidden from search engines, all of which require you to use anonymity software, like the Tor Browser, to access them. The dark web is similar to the clearnet in that you’ll find news sites, forums, marketplaces, and other online services. The difference is that a lot of the goods and services advertised and sold on the dark web are illegal. Many .onion websites are designed to steal your personal information. Scammers create websites, forums, or marketplaces designed to mimic real websites or services. Tor is a safe and popular way to access the dark web, but there are still alternatives out there.
In terms of malicious sites, there have been cases where a ransomware group creates a typo-squatted domain or dark web domain that mirrors a victim’s website. “They then provide instructions or more blackmail attempts to further coerce victims into paying. The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise. This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.
Understanding Access to the Dark Web
The dark web is a portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines.
This week, around 643k data records were announced as lost in the cyber wars. Early on, the public learned of HopSkipDrive’s event, which impacted 155k student guardians. The app touts itself as a robust online tool for privacy and freedom. Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists also use dark web tools — especially if they live in countries with repressive political regimes. The dark web has been vital for social change and market decentralization. DeepWatch continuously monitors the dark web and protects your organization from cyber threats.
The volume of public data on the deep web is 400 to 500 times greater than that of the surface web. The terms dark web and deep web are perceived to be linked with illegal and otherwise suspicious activity; however, a vast difference exists between the two. On the internet, the deep web is not indexed by web crawlers, while the dark web is intentionally kept hidden. Here’s what you should do if a scammer has your email address to stay safe. Your first step is to check if your personal information is for sale on the Dark Web. Use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to see if you’ve been the victim of a recent data breach.
- Your Wi-Fi network is another handy access point that hackers use to infiltrate your computers, steal your identity, and grab your personal details.
- Users have multiple security options, including low, high, and custom.
- The most notorious of all Dark Web marketplaces was Silk Road which, at its peak, catered to over 100,000 buyers.
- The most infamous example was “The Silk Road,” which has long been shut down.
- Imagine the layers of an onion, but instead of vegetable layers, you have layers of encryption.
It’s a relatively easy process that still maintains a high security level. In fact, our research team uses this method to gather information on darknet marketplaces. In the following guide, we’ll explain the safest way to access the dark web using privacy-enhancing tools like VPNs, the Tor Browser, Tails, PGP verification, and more.
Access to the dark web requires specific software, configurations, or authorization. It operates on an elaborate network that enhances anonymity and privacy for its users.
How to Access the Dark Web
To gain access to the dark web, users typically utilize specialized tools. The most common method involves using the Tor browser.
- Download the Tor Browser: This software allows users to surf the web anonymously.
- Use VPN Services: For an extra layer of privacy, many choose to utilize a Virtual Private Network.
- Explore Dark Web Links: Many websites on the dark web end with the .onion domain, which can only be accessed through the Tor network.
Risks Associated with Accessing the Dark Web
While the dark web has legitimate uses, there are inherent risks involved:
- Legality: Many activities conducted on the dark web can be illegal.
- Fraud and Scams: Users may encounter fraudulent schemes and scams.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Accessing certain sites may expose users to malware or other security threats.
Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web
Despite its notorious reputation, the dark web serves several legitimate purposes:
- Whistleblowing: It provides a safe platform for whistleblowers to expose corruption.
- Privacy Protection: Activists and journalists use it to communicate securely in oppressive regimes.
- Research: Researchers study various aspects of online behavior and illegal networks.
FAQs About Access to the Dark Web
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, many activities conducted there may be against the law.
Can you be tracked on the dark web?
While it is difficult to track users on the dark web due to the anonymity provided, it is not impossible. Users should remain cautious.
What do you need to access the dark web?
To access the dark web, you primarily need the Tor browser. Additional privacy tools like VPNs are recommended for enhanced security.
Conclusion
Gaining access to the dark web presents both opportunities and risks. Understanding the implications, tools, and safety measures is essential for anyone interested in exploring this hidden part of the internet.
