What is the Dark Web Used For?

The deep web is generally safe and secure to use; owners of private websites or services are responsible for maintaining their security. That said, cybercriminals increasingly target this part of the internet because of the lucrative personal data lying within. That’s why basic online hygiene has become critical to protecting yourself online. The surface web operates on the clearnet, which is secure and encrypted to protect users. The dark web is a network of encrypted sites accessible through specific browsers.

Therefore, an identity theft monitoring program must be implemented as protection from potential malicious actors. It allows you to access and browse websites anonymously, using masked IP addresses. You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting. Greenberg notes that while the deep web is vast and accounts for 90-something percent of the dark web cash app hack Internet, the dark web likely only accounts for about .01 percent. The dark web, sometimes referred to as Darknet, is accessed by Tor (The Onion Router) or I2P (Invisible Internet Project), which use masked IP addresses to maintain anonymity for users and site owners. This way, people who use the dark web for illegal purposes can’t be traced, and it’s difficult to tell who hosts a particular site.

Once clients or their customers lose a piece of sensitive data to the dark web, you can be almost certain it will be used for the benefit of hackers and other cybercriminals. In addition to the standard cybersecurity measures, MSPs may also want to consider dark web monitoring. When people discuss what the dark web is, they’ll often use the term interchangeably with “deep web.” There are subtle differences between each, though. Understanding these differences is important for improving the cybersecurity services you can offer your clients. The U.S government developed the dark web to allow spies to communicate anonymously. The US government created the dark web to give spies a platform for exchanging ideas anonymously.

Social Engineering Schemes

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, but that’s not the whole story. In this article, we’ll explore what the dark web is used for, both legally and illegally.

Illegal Activities on the Dark Web

Drug Trafficking: The dark web is often used for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Online marketplaces like the Silk Road, which was shut down by the FBI in 2013, allowed users to buy and sell drugs using Bitcoin.

Firearms and Weapons: The dark web is also used for the sale of firearms and other weapons. These transactions are often conducted through encrypted messaging apps, making it difficult for law enforcement to track.

Commercial Services

The Ashley Madison data dump, for instance, was posted to a site only accessible to Tor users. Printers may appear to be low-maintenance and relatively safe devices. However, printers are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals to gain… While 2024 has many exciting things in store for enterprises, it is also rife with potent cybersecurity threats.

Navigating The World Of Security Certifications

Stolen Data: Stolen data, such as credit card information and personal identities, are often sold on the dark web. This data is typically obtained through data breaches and is sold to criminals who use it for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.

Legal Activities on the Dark Web

Whistleblowing: The dark web can be used for whistleblowing and leaking sensitive information. Websites like WikiLeaks have used the dark web to publish classified documents and other sensitive information.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Scams How To Shop Safely Online

Anonymity: The dark web can be used for maintaining anonymity and privacy. Journalists, activists, and others who need to keep their identities hidden may use the dark web to communicate and share information.

Research: Researchers and journalists may use the dark web to access information that is not available through traditional means. This can include accessing websites that are censored in certain countries or researching illegal activities.

FAQs

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many illegal activities take place on the dark web, and accessing it may put you at risk of accidentally engaging in illegal activities or having your personal information stolen.

• Harknett says Mexico is targeting them and hacking into their cell phones.
• Numerous dark web pages are being seized by law enforcement agencies throughout the world, there’s an obvious risk of becoming a government target merely by browsing a hidden website.
• And lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a compilation of links to sites on the dark web — but beware that many of these links may be broken or lead to dangerous websites.
• Riffle uses only a tenth of the time as other anonymity networks to send large files.

How do I access the dark web?

To access the dark web, you’ll need to use a special browser like Tor. Tor encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a series of servers, making it difficult to trace your online activity.

Is the dark web safe?

No, the dark web is not safe. Many illegal activities take place on the dark web, and there is how to use the dark web a risk of having your personal information stolen or becoming involved in illegal activities.

Can the dark web be monitored by law enforcement?

Yes, law enforcement agencies can and do monitor the dark web. However, due to the anonymity provided by the Tor network, it can be difficult to track and prosecute illegal activities that take place on the dark web.