How Much Of The Internet Is The Dark Web?
With the release of private browsing networks like Tor, collections of dark websites and a subsequent community of followers began to emerge in full force. Purchasing guns on the black market is an obvious illegal act, but if you are on a forum that includes threats or violence, legality is not so clear. You may not know that you’re engaging in illegal conduct until you’re flagged by the FBI. With tools like StealthMole’s Credential Lookout or Darkweb Tracker, you can safely check if your data is available on the dark web. Avail of our free dark web risk report or talk to us today to learn about our dark web monitoring solutions. However, as with any online activity, it’s important to take precautions and practice good security hygiene.
Understanding the Dark Web
Many dark websites are set up by scammers, who constantly move around to avoid the wrath of their victims. Even commerce sites that may have existed for a year or more can suddenly disappear if the owners decide to cash in and flee with the escrow money they’re holding on behalf of customers. The use of the dark web usually means that you are attempting to engage in activity that you could not otherwise carry out in the public eye. Sites on the deep web also use Tor (or similar software such as I2P, the “Invisible Internet Project”) to remain anonymous, meaning you won’t be able to find out who’s running them or where they’re being hosted. Differentiating between the deep web and dark web allows you to better understand the challenges involved in preventing hacking attempts and complications arising from the need for data privacy online.
The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate. McAfee provides everyday internet users with the tools they need to surf safely and confidently. The Tor Onion Browser is essential for accessing the dark web, designed for user anonymity. Unlike the regular internet, the dark web doesn’t use standard URLs or search engines. Instead, sites have complex .onion addresses, making them difficult to find without the exact URL.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessible only through specific software, the dark web is often shrouded in mystery and associated with dubious activities. However, it serves various purposes beyond illegal activities. Let’s explore what the dark web is used for.
Each time you connect to the internet, your device is given a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address. The intelligence community, media workers, whistleblowers, and ordinary citizens are all users of the dark web who use it for lawful or unlawful reasons. There is certainly an increased volume of illicit content and dealings on the dark web (such as the now-defunct Silk Road), but access to the browser is unrestricted and available to anyone. The most common way to access the dark web or deep web is by using the Tor network, and doing so is not nearly as complicated as you might think.
The anonymity of a Tor browser and the privacy of a VPN guarantee a more effective way to access the dark web. The dark web is a series of websites on the internet that require specific authorization or encryption to access. Search engines do not index the content on the dark web, allowing people to communicate and transact anonymously.
1. Privacy and Anonymity
- To find out if your information is leaked on the Dark Web — you can rely on Aura’s identity theft protection service.
- It is also used for military/police investigations, political protests and anonymous internet browsing.
- The dark web is composed of specially encrypted parts of the deep web, and it’s used by cybercriminals, as well as everyday people, who want to communicate and trade in secret.
- The rise of Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrencies have made the dark web more popular because people, primarily criminals, can sell and purchase items on the dark web anonymously using digital currencies.
- It is calculated using the information contained in your Equifax credit file.
To access the dark web using a VPN, users first need to choose a reputable VPN provider and install the software on their device. Once connected to the VPN, users can then access the dark web using the Tor browser or any other web browser. Other networks resembling Tor and the Dark Web are I2P (Invisible Internet Project) and Freenet. I2P is an overlay network that employs a technique similar to Onion Routing to ensure its users’ anonymity. Freenet, on the other hand, is a decentralized network enabling users to exchange files and communicate anonymously.
Many users turn to the dark web to achieve a level of anonymity that is increasingly difficult to maintain on the open internet. Reasons include:
- Political Activism: Individuals in repressive regimes use the dark web to organize protests and share information without government surveillance.
- Whistleblowing: Journalists and whistleblowers can communicate sensitive information securely.
- Personal Privacy: Users concerned about their digital footprint may seek out the dark web to communicate or share content without being tracked.
2. Information Exchange
The dark web is a hub for sharing information that might be censored or restricted on the surface web. This includes:
- Forums and Communities: Groups focused on specific interests or ideologies can find a safe space to discuss topics freely.
- Research: Researchers may utilize the dark web to study illicit activities, cybersecurity threats, or social movements.
3. Marketplaces
While the dark web is notorious for illegal marketplaces, it also serves as a platform for legitimate exchanges. Noteworthy uses include:
- Cryptocurrency Trading: Some platforms allow users to trade cryptocurrencies anonymously.
- Goods and Services: Vendors may sell items that are legal in some regions but prohibited in others.
4. Access to Banned Content
In some cases, the dark web provides access to content that is restricted in certain countries or regions. This may involve:
- Educational Materials: Users can find academic resources that are not freely accessible.
- Censored Media: News articles, films, or other media that offer perspectives suppressed by local governments.
5. Cybersecurity Research
The dark web serves as a critical resource for cybersecurity experts, allowing them to:
- Monitor Threats: Experts analyze malicious activities and trends to better understand cyber threats.
- Identify Vulnerabilities: Organizations may investigate data leaks or breaches that originate from the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities are common on the dark web?
Various activities including the sharing of information, political activism, and discussions around sensitive topics occur alongside illegal goods and services trading.
Is it safe to access the dark web?
While it is technically safe if precautions are taken, accessing the dark web comes with risks, including exposure to illegal content and potential cyber threats.
How do people access the dark web?
Most users rely on specific browsers like Tor, which anonymizes user activity and allows access to .onion sites.
Are there legal uses for the dark web?
Absolutely! Many users utilize the dark web for legitimate purposes such as privacy protection, research, and accessing restricted content.
In conclusion, while the dark web is often characterized by its illegal activities, it also serves a myriad of legitimate and important functions. Understanding what the dark web is used for can aid in demystifying this complex part of the internet.
