The term Dark Web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Access to the Dark Web can only be done using certain browsers such as TOR Browser. There is a lot of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the Dark Web compared to traditional websites.
Therefore, when people think of the Dark Web, most of the attention is given to online marketplaces for drugs, exchange of stolen data and other illegal activities. Despite this, there are often very legitimate reasons why people choose to use the Dark Web, including political dissidents and those who want to keep certain information private.
Short Short
- Dark Web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Certain browsers, such as Tor Browser, are required to access the Dark Web.
- Dark Web pulls sites using information that is not online indexed, such as bank accounts, email accounts, and databases.
- People who use the Dark Web can protect their privacy and freely express their opinions.
- It also has a reputation for being associated with illegal and unethical activities.
What is Dark Web?
As the name suggests, the Dark Web is a secret network that exists underground. It consists of a series of websites that are hidden from the general public. This means that they are not accessible through traditional search engines like Google.
Traditional search engines return results because they contain indexes of links to websites. These are ordered by keywords and relevance. On the other hand, the Dark Web shows information not found in these other search engines, such as content in individual accounts such as email, social media, banking, personal and professional databases and documents (legal and medical).
The Dark Web, also called the Darknet, as it was in the early days of the broader Web in the late 20th century. There’s a lot of material about running it and not much to do once you get there. Most of the content on the Dark Web is very amateurish. On the other hand, it is much easier for individuals to set up a site and attract attention. Tech giants and major media outlets have little influence on the Dark Web as of 2020.
As with the early Internet, the Dark Web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activity and is often associated with illegal and criminal activity. While the Dark Web has played a role in illegal and unethical transactions, it also provides a social outlet for people who might otherwise be persecuted because of their identity or political beliefs. It also gives law enforcement the additional tools they need to catch perpetrators of unethical activities.
The Dark Web is still a work in progress and the exact costs and benefits are not yet known.
Special Occasions
People often use the Dark Web, the cryptocurrency usually used for shopping there mixes with units. But there is a distinct difference. The Dark Web makes it easy to set up and access websites that offer a high degree of anonymity for everyone involved.
Many dark websites contain only information rather than the ability to buy or sell something. However, it is true that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Monero are often used for transactions on the Dark Web. But you don’t have to use the Dark Web to use cryptocurrencies.
History of the Dark Web
The Dark Web was first created in the early 2000s with the creation of Freenet, developed by Lan Clarke to protect users from government interference and cyberattacks. appeared together. The system, which is still valid today, allows users to express themselves freely without being tracked online.
The US Naval Research Laboratory funded a project called The Onion Router (TOR). TOR offered intelligence sources a way to communicate easily and securely, especially in hostile areas where personal security is paramount. It is now one of the most common browsers used to access the Dark Web and uses databases to help people navigate and find the information they need.
The rise of cryptocurrencies has increased the popularity of the Dark Web, especially for cybercriminals. This is because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for those trading on the Dark Web.
There have been calls for the Dark Web to be regulated due to its association with certain illegal activities. For example, the G20 and FATF have urged cryptocurrency companies to provide information about buyers and sellers in transactions conducted online. This is especially true, they say, to help law enforcement monitor criminal organizations and illegal activity.
Ross Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 on charges of creating and operating the Dark Web site The Silk Road, a Darknet Web site that authorities say is used to buy and sell drugs.
Dark Web and Deep Web
Dark Web and Deep Web are often mistakenly used interchangeably. The Dark Web is actually just a part of the Deep Web. The Deep Web is what lies underground and not just content that is considered Dark. That is why it is also called invisible network or hidden network.
Information found on the Deep Web is normally encrypted and is not found in directories as it is on the traditional Web. Includes all pages that do not open when you perform a Web search. It also includes anything that requires a login, such as content from:
- Online banking
- Payment Websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime
- File like Dropbox and its competitors hosting services
- Private databases
- The information listed on the Dark Web may include anything from subscriber databases only, rather than anything illegal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dark Web
Advantages
- Dark Web helps people protect their privacy and helps them express their opinions freely. Privacy is very important to many innocent people who are terrorized by stalkers and other criminals. The increased tendency for potential employers to follow posts on social media can also make it harder to engage in honest public discussions.
- Finally, the popularity of the Dark Web among criminals makes it an excellent way for undercover police officers to communicate.
Drawbacks
- Some people will inevitably abuse the power associated with Dark Web use by facilitating criminal activity. For example, the combination of the Dark Web and cryptocurrencies theoretically makes it much easier to hire someone to commit certain crimes.
- While the Dark Web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others. Private photos, medical records, and financial information were all stolen and shared on the Dark Web.
Pros
- Provides privacy and freedom of expression
- Allows law enforcement to identify criminal organizations
Cons
- Facilitates criminal activity
- Can be used to violate others’ privacy
Dark Web Example
Let’s say you want to surf the Dark Web to see what information, if any, is circulating. You can install the TOR browser on your system using a virtual private network. A VPN allows people to use a public network as if they were transferring information on a private network. It basically gives you privacy on a public network.
While browsing, it’s likely that Dark Web site addresses are traditional .com, .org, .edu, etc. You will notice that it ends with the .onion extension instead. A warning though. Make sure you have security software installed because you are more likely to encounter malware and phishing scams.
Is Accessing the Dark Web Illegal?
As the name suggests, accessing the Dark Web is not illegal. It actually provides individuals with privacy and anonymity that traditional websites do not offer individuals. For example, people can go to the Dark Web and post their thoughts on political activities without fear of being scolded by government officials and other groups.
How Do You Enter The Dark Web? You can access the Dark Web by installing certain, anonymous browsers such as
TOR. Once installed, the browser works the same as traditional browsers. However, accessing the information can be a bit difficult as it does not use an index to find the desired information. Be sure to install security software to make sure your computer and personal information are safe.
How Do You Find Out If Your Information Is On The Dark Web?
Your personal information such as banking, social media and e-mail accounts, and your Social Security number may go up for sale on the Dark Web. If you want to see if any of your information is circulating on the Dark Web, try scanning the Dark Web. Alternatively, you can sign up for a Dark Web tracking service. These tools notify you when they find any of your information.
What Do You Do If Your Information Is On The Dark Web?
You can take several steps to help protect your information. Make sure to change all your passwords, check your credit reports for inconsistencies and notify your bank(s). You can also freeze your credit to prevent it from being compromised further.
Final Words
The Dark Web is a relatively new concept, at least when you consider the history of the internet as a whole. If you want to express yourself freely, you can use it to remain anonymous without fear of backlash. But this amount of secrecy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illegal activities. If you want to use the Dark Web, you need to download the special browser, Tor Browser. At the same time, using a VPN will be useful for keeping your computer safe.
