The Dark Internet: An Overview
The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others. IBM Security X-Force, for example, reported that 29% of its ransomware engagements in 2020 involved REvil. The criminal groups that developed the malware gets a cut of the affiliates’ earnings, typically between 20% and 30%. These attacks often include stealing victims’ data and threatening to release it on the dark web if the ransom isn’t paid.
The dark internet refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it difficult to access for the average user. This hidden section of the web is often associated with various illicit activities, controversial discussions, and privacy-centric communities.
It’s also important to unfreeze or temporarily thaw credit reports when applying for a new credit card. If it sounds like too much work, then it’s best to sign up for a fraud alert. 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. It’s also imperative not to use the same password on more than one account.
Understanding the Layers of the Internet
For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN provides you with anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. Many who access the dark web do so by first connecting to it with the Tor (an acronym for the “The Onion Router”) browser. Navy and made public in 2004, Tor is the most popular dark web browser because of its unrivaled security and privacy. Getting to the dark web is actually a lot easier than you might think—navigating it is a different story. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to safely access the dark web and tips on how to use it.
The Chinese are known to have a wide variety of materials and services available across their clear and dark web. Here are some of the most common goods and terminology used across the Chinese Internet. While this is not vastly different from other dark webs, there are some key differences in how vendors sell and engage buyers for these goods. If you want to leverage these regions for threat intelligence, you need the right tools, expertise and access to navigate the differences between these various landscapes.
The internet can be segmented into three main layers:
Reports have suggested the dark web offers many illegal services, from paid assassinations to trafficking for sex and weapons. However, you can still take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you regardless of the browser’s legality. You could easily use Tor in an attempt to pirate copyrighted content from the deep web, share illegal pornography, or engage in cyber terrorism. Using a legal browser will not make your actions fall to the right side of the law. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see.
- Surface Web: This is the part of the internet that is indexed and accessible through standard search engines like Google or Bing.
- Deep Web: This includes web pages that are not indexed by search engines. Examples are private databases, subscription content, and more secure forms of communication.
- Dark Web: A subset of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access.
Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers. While the surface web may represent most of what the average user sees, there are many more layers of hidden content to be found on the dark web. Using a special browser known as The Onion Router (Tor), users can explore these hidden sites and engage in both legal and illicit activities under the cover of an anonymous IP address. Here’s a look at how the dark web works and the many ways in which people use it, both legally and illegally. Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused.
Online Privacy Control Via Anonymity And Pseudonym: Cross-cultural Implications
If you’ve confirmed that your personal information is leaked on the Dark Web, you have an elevated risk of identity theft and financial fraud. To find out if your information is leaked on the Dark Web — you can rely on Aura’s identity theft protection service. Details for credit cards carrying a balance up to $1,000 cost $150 on average, while stolen online banking login details (for an account with a balance of at least $100) go for just $40. This high barrier entry to the Dark Web exists to protect user identities, online activities and location, and maintain their anonymity. Many of the activities on the Deep Web involve personally identifiable information, such as medical and legal documents, financial records, academic research, intellectual property, confidential commercial data, and more. Since the beginning, the internet has seen a vast increase in the number of trolls, and it has gotten progressively harder to take power away from them.
The modus operandi of trolling is supported by their belief that ‘Nothing should be taken seriously’ (Phillips, 2015, p. 26) and with the goal of ‘getting a reaction’. The times are gone when brands were afraid of trolling and marketing experts have realized that trolls are good at drawing attention (Groves, 2019). These apps may contain malware used to collect your data in real-time and share it with criminals. So, quickly change your Android or iPhone settings to limit exposure to such applications. As this is a free feature offered by credit bureaus, take advantage of it.
- It’s possible to buy and sell illegal drugs, malware, and prohibited content in darknet marketplaces.
- Often referred to as Invisible Internet, the Deep Web is a gigantic vault storing colossal amounts of data, evading traditional search engines.
- Everything else, from academic journals to private databases and more illicit content, is out of reach.
- Dark space is a general term that refers to encrypted online communications.
- You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts.
Accessing the Dark Internet
Accessing the dark internet typically necessitates the use of special software such as:
- Tor Browser: A tool that enables users to browse the internet anonymously and access .onion websites.
- I2P: An anonymous network layer that allows for peer-to-peer communication.
Common Uses of the Dark Internet
While often associated with negative activities, the dark internet also serves legitimate purposes, such as:
- Privacy Protection: Many users value anonymity and privacy, often using the dark internet to bypass censorship and protect their identities.
- Whistleblowing: Platforms like SecureDrop allow whistleblowers to share information without revealing their identities.
- Political Activism: Activists in oppressive regimes can communicate safely without government surveillance.
Risks Associated with the Dark Internet
Despite its potential benefits, navigating the dark internet comes with several risks:
- Scams: The anonymity of the dark web can facilitate scams and fraud.
- Illegal Activities: The presence of illegal goods and services, such as drugs and weapons, poses significant ethical and legal risks.
- Malware: Users are often vulnerable to malware and other security threats while browsing.
FAQs About the Dark Internet
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is often accessed using specific tools like Tor.
Is it illegal to access the dark internet?
Accessing the dark internet itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Are there safe ways to browse the dark internet?
To enhance safety when navigating the dark internet, consider the following tips:
- Use a VPN for additional anonymity.
- Be cautious of the sites you visit and the information you share.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
In conclusion, while the dark internet holds a reputation for being a haven for illegal activities, it also provides a platform for privacy-sensitive individuals to share information and communicate safely. Understanding both the opportunities and risks is crucial for anyone considering delving into this hidden layer of the web.
