Managing Cyber Risk With Check Point
- While some deep web sites can be accessed through special browsers such as Tor, the only way to access the dark web is through special browsers.
- SecureDrop lets whistleblowers anonymously send sensitive material to media outlets via a unique SecureDrop URL.
- Hackers may also sell stolen information on these marketplaces, includingschool children’s personal data and other information from the education sector.
- Technically speaking, the dark web is the content existing on darknets, closed-off networks that exist on top of the regular internet and use its infrastructure.
- Careless usage of the dark web can expose a user’s personally identifiable information (PII); users could even discover that their PIIs were leveraged in illegal transactions without their knowledge.
The cost of an identity can range from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the detail. Many sellers offer guarantees as to the data’s validity and will provide replacement identities if out of date or inaccurate. Escrow services are available for larger purchases and fraud-as-a-service, using local proxy servers, can further improve the odds of illicit transactions getting past anti-fraud systems.
Some of this information can be extremely valuable on darknet forums. For example, while a Social Security number might go for $2, email credentials could sell for as much as $120,000. Hackers can make a lot of money and do so with less worry that they might get caught.
Exploring the Dark Deep Web
The dark deep web refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This hidden part of the web is often associated with illicit activities, but it also hosts communities and information that can be valuable for those who know how to navigate it.
Using Tor means your ISP won’t be able to see the sites you visit, but they will be able to see you accessed Tor. By connecting to a trusted VPN (or Virtual Private Network) first and then using Tor, your connection to the Tor network will be entirely hidden from your ISP or other prying eyes. This gives you another layer of privacy and is a widely used method known as ‘Tor over VPN’.
Install and run strong, trusted security software on your computer and devices to help ensure the privacy and security of your data. Here are a few tips and tools to help stay safe when using Tor and other browsers. There’s a lot more to consider, but this should give you an idea of some of the issues — good and bad — to consider. You need to protect your Social Security number to prevent identity theft. Threat actors can use your Social Security number to commit fraud and leave you with lasting effects such as debt, damaged credit and financial…
What is the Deep Web?
However, email and text message MFAs are the least secure of all these options. Although all these steps may seem excessive, always remember that once your information is on the dark web, it’s almost impossible to remove it altogether. Websites on the darknet don’t last long and are reincarnated often under a different name. As such, bad actors can replicate your data multiple times for profit. Contrary to popular misconception, ICANN did not delegate .onion from the public root of the DNS.
Governing bodies have many ways of tracking down users who engage in criminal activity, even on the dark web. Whether you’re browsing the surface web, the deep web or the dark web, Hancock said the same advice applies — proceed with caution. The dark web’s anonymity makes it a safe space for whistleblowers, which also makes it a valuable source of information for the government.
However, it also lingers all across the dark web to infect unsuspecting users just like it does on the rest of the web. On the software end, the use of Tor and other anonymized browsers is not strictly illegal. In fact, these supposed “dark web” browsers are not tethered exclusively to this portion of the internet. Many users now leverage Tor to browse both the public Internet and the deeper parts of the web privately.
The deep web encompasses all online content that is not indexed by search engines. This includes a vast amount of data, such as:
Browsing safely on the dark web is most effective when users have the exact URL for the website they want to visit. The Deep Web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 96% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the Surface Web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any specific time. The Deep Web also includes the portion that we know as the Dark Web. Some news outlets confuse the Deep Web and Dark Web, but the deep web is legal.
- Online banking sites
- Online databases
- Private corporate websites
- Email accounts
- Medical records
What Makes the Dark Deep Web Different?
The dark deep web is a subsection of the deep web that requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The most well-known tool to access this part of the web is the Tor browser, which anonymizes user activity.
Key features of the dark deep web include:
- Increased privacy and anonymity
- Access to unregulated markets
- A platform for free speech in oppressive regimes
- Use of cryptocurrencies for transactions
Potential Risks in the Dark Deep Web
While the dark deep web offers opportunities, it also comes with significant risks, including:
- Exposure to illegal content and activities
- Scams and fraudulent schemes
- Malware and hacking threats
- Legal repercussions for accessing certain sites
How to Stay Safe While Exploring the Dark Deep Web
If you choose to explore the dark deep web, it’s important to take precautions:
- Use a reliable VPN to enhance anonymity.
- Access only reputable sites and communities.
- Do not share personal information.
- Keep your device secure with up-to-date antivirus software.
Common Myths About the Dark Deep Web
There are several misconceptions surrounding the dark deep web:
- Myth 1: The dark deep web is synonymous with illegal activities.
- Myth 2: You have to be a hacker to access it.
- Myth 3: All users are engaged in criminal behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is everything on the dark deep web illegal?
A1: No, while there are illegal activities, many users access it for privacy, free speech, and other legitimate purposes.
Q2: Do I need special training to access the dark deep web?
A2: Basic knowledge of the Tor browser and general online safety practices are important, but you don’t need extensive technical skills.
Q3: Can I be tracked while using the dark deep web?
A3: While tools like Tor provide anonymity, there is always a risk of tracking. Using a VPN can help mitigate this risk.
The dark deep web remains a complex and enigmatic part of the internet. While it may carry risks and a dark reputation, understanding its nature can reveal a much broader spectrum of human interaction and information exchange. As with any technology, knowledge and prudence are essential for safe navigation.
