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Know How Dark Web Websites Work
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a small part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. To access specific sites and services, users need special tools like the Tor browser.
The value of the information can vary greatly depending on what’s being sold. Full profiles, or fullz, may come with a name, Social Security number, date of birth and account numbers and could cost around $8 to $30 each. Complete medical records can be particularly valuable to identity thieves, and may go for up to $1,000. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are the preferred means of payments as these also help keep buyers and sellers anonymous. The Tor network is one of the largest and most well-known darknets, and it’s what most people are referring to when they discuss the dark web.
This approach will stop anyone else from opening new accounts in your name. This is because lenders won’t be able to access your frozen credit report to make lending decisions. If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website.
Take proactive steps to protect your sensitive data and remain vigilant. In this screenshot you see listings for drugs rather than stolen information. You may notice that all three of these sites looks quite similar to a regular clear web ecommerce site, just with illegal products.
How Does the Dark Web Work?
To grasp the functioning of the dark web, it is essential to understand several components:
- Tor Network: The dark web operates primarily through the Tor (The Onion Router) network, which anonymizes internet traffic by routing it through several volunteer-operated servers around the world.
- Onion Routing: Each layer of encryption is akin to the layers of an onion. This method protects user identities and locations, making it difficult to trace activities back to the user.
- Specialized URLs: Websites on the dark web often use .onion domains, which are not accessible through standard browsers.
The older the story, the more likely it’s stored only on the newspaper’s archive, which isn’t visible on the surface Web. Subsequently, that story may not appear readily in search engines — so it counts as part of the deep Web. There are billions of websites on the internet that are safe and freely accessible, but it’s possible for your kids to be curious enough to search the deep or dark web. Deep web games or deep internet music might draw younger children, while drugs, weapons, and dark web images might draw the interest of older children. The deep web includes the internal sites of companies, organizations, and schools. Online databases and password-protected sites may be on the deep web in addition to personal accounts for banking, email, and more.
The dark web also prevents people from knowing who you are, what you are doing and where you are doing it. It is not surprising, then, that the dark web is often used for illegal activity and that it is hard to police. In this highly digital age, it is near impossible to erase all information online about yourself, but you can do a lot to remove online information and minimize your risk of identity theft or worse. Your Wi-Fi network is another handy access point that hackers use to infiltrate your computers, steal your identity, and grab your personal details. This week, the cybersecurity environment continued to be rocked by the global MOVEit data breach. Various Stanford Health groups had information taken in the MOVEit event, up to 1.6 million patient records.
While that’s a vast number, it still doesn’t account for the lesser-known, more nefarious side of the internet – the dark web. To have a thriving MSP business, you’ll need to protect your clients on both fronts. I hold a CISSP certification, I have held a CISM certification, and I have personally lost sleep to protect the networks I ran with sensitive information access. The organizations I have worked for have entrusted me for years with the security of their data, both directly and indirectly, from the hardware to training executives on what not to click. The only type of illegal products not found on the major dark web markets is explicit child exploitation material. Pedophiles have their own dark web sites and forums separate from the places where cocaine and credit cards are sold.
Accessing the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires a few steps:
- While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others.
- In a real-life fraud application attack the network traffic could come from many places and look legitimate.
- 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).
- A search engine functions similarly to a librarian, meticulously evaluating and categorizing web content submitted by site owners.
- Download and install the Tor browser.
- Configure the browser for privacy and security settings.
- Visit websites specifically designed for the dark web using .onion addresses.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web serves various purposes, both legal and illegal. Here are some of the most common:
- Privacy and Anonymity: Users may seek a space where they can communicate or engage in activities without surveillance.
- Whistleblowing: Whistleblowers may use the dark web to expose corruption without revealing their identities.
- Illegal Markets: It is notorious for black markets, where illegal goods and services are bought and sold.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While the dark web provides anonymity, it poses several risks:
- Scams: Many sites on the dark web are fraudulent, designed to exploit unsuspecting users.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal activities, such as purchasing drugs or weapons, can lead to legal action.
- Malware and Hacking: The risk of encountering malware or being hacked is significantly higher on the dark web.
FAQs About the Dark Web
Q: Is the dark web illegal?
A: Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but many activities that occur there, such as buying illegal substances, are against the law.
Q: Can I access the dark web without the Tor browser?
A: No, the Tor browser is necessary to access most dark web sites, as it masks your IP address and encrypts your connection.
Q: What types of information can be found on the dark web?
A: You can find a myriad of information, ranging from forums discussing technology and privacy to illegal marketplaces.
Q: How can I stay safe on the dark web?
A: Use the Tor browser, avoid sharing personal information, and refrain from illegal activities to minimize risks.
Conclusion
The dark web provides a unique ecosystem that fosters anonymity and privacy. Understanding how does the dark web work is crucial for navigating its complexities safely and effectively.