What Is The Dark Web And How To Access It?
To review security settings, click on the onion logo in the top left and select “Security Settings”, which will bring up a slider offering a choice of the default of standard, or safer and safest. In “safer” mode, JavaScript is disabled on HTTP sites, some fonts are disabled, and all audio and video won’t run automatically, you’ll have to click to play. Slide up to the “safest” level, and as well as those settings, JavaScript is disabled on all sites. Check Point offers cyber security risk assessments, which help organizations to identify their cyber risks and develop plans for remediating them.
However, in the event of a dispute don’t expect service with a smile. Every communication is encrypted, so even the simplest transaction requires a PGP key. The affiliates distribute the ransomware packages through the dark web.
Understanding the Dark Web: What is on the Dark Web?
Dark web sites are so well-hidden they can’t be accessed with normal browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The dark web can only be accessed using a special browser called Tor. For instance, your Facebook posts are unindexed and won’t be found via a web browser. Your email inbox, online banking and Google Drive folders are undiscoverable via a web browser. It’s the parts of your internet activity that aren’t hidden per se, but can’t be accessed by others online.
But the dark web is best known for the illegal activity that takes place there. Unlike the surface web, there aren’t great search engines for the dark web. You may need to find an onion site’s address on your own, and the names aren’t easy to remember. For example, the CIA’s onion address is ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion, and the nonprofit newsroom ProPublica’s is propub3r6espa33w.onion. As with the other parts of the internet, the dark web doesn’t refer to a specific site or page. If you set up a private and secure network with a group of friends, that could be an example of a darknet.
Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English. The standard dark web browser is Tor Browser, which directs your browser traffic through the Tor network so you can reach the darknet. As your traffic passes through Tor, it’s encrypted and bounced between at least three relay points, known as nodes. This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address).
- In order to access it at all, you will need to use an anonymizing web browser and a virtual private network (VPN).
- While a large volume of traffic visits on the open web every day, it only represents 4% of the content on the internet.
- The US government initially created Tor as a tool for different military organizations to exchange messages and information anonymously.
- Even when using security measures and your own common sense, accessing deep web content still poses a risk.
- The Tor browser — which stands for The Onion Routing — will keep your online activity anonymous and let you visit websites on the dark web.
Additionally, the dark web has a unique registry operator and uses security tools like encryption and firewalls, further making it inaccessible via traditional web browsers. Plus, the dark web relies on randomized network infrastructure, creating virtual traffic tunnels. All of these technical details serve to promote anonymity and protect dark web users’ privacy.
The term dark web refers to a segment of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. Unlike the surface web, which is composed of publicly accessible sites, the dark web requires specific software to access, making it a place for anonymity and privacy.
The Silk Road — one of the most famous dark web marketplaces — was known for these types of illegal items. Even though the website was shut down in 2013, the Silk Road’s founder, Ross Ulbricht, will spend the rest of his life in prison. The story of the Silk Road has been adapted into films, podcasts, and a book.
In a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy. In terms of malicious sites, there have been cases where a ransomware group creates a typo-squatted domain or dark web domain that mirrors a victim’s website. “They then provide instructions or more blackmail attempts to further coerce victims into paying. The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise.
Key Characteristics of the Dark Web
To fully understand what is on the dark web, consider the following characteristics:
- Anonymity: Users and site operators prioritize privacy, employing various technologies to mask identities.
- Special Access: Users typically utilize tools like Tor (The Onion Router), which allows them to access .onion domains securely.
- Variety of Content: The dark web hosts a mixture of legal and illegal content, creating a complex landscape.
What Can You Find on the Dark Web?
The content on the dark web can be divided into a few categories:
- Illegal Activities: This encompasses drug trafficking, firearms sales, counterfeit currency, hacking services, and stolen personal information.
- Forums and Communities: Discussion boards focus on various topics, ranging from political discussions to conspiracy theories, often promoting fringe ideas.
- Political Activism: Whistleblowers and activists may use the dark web to communicate freely and share sensitive information without fear of surveillance.
- Marketplaces: There are numerous covert marketplaces where users can buy and sell goods and services, with many requiring cryptocurrencies for transactions.
- Creative Works: Some users share art, literature, and music that may not conform to mainstream standards or censorship norms.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
Exploring what is on the dark web is not without its dangers. Users face various risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Engaging with illegal content can lead to criminal charges.
- Security Threats: Users can expose themselves to scams, malware, and phishing attacks.
- Privacy Risks: While the dark web aims for anonymity, users are not completely shielded from law enforcement and cyber threats.
FAQs About the Dark Web
Q: Is the dark web illegal?
A: The dark web itself is not illegal; however, it is home to many illicit activities that are against the law.
Q: Do I need special software to access the dark web?
A: Yes, Tor is the most commonly used software to access the dark web safely.
Q: Can I be tracked while using the dark web?
A: While the dark web provides greater privacy than the surface web, complete anonymity is not guaranteed. Law enforcement agencies have ways to track illegal activities.
Q: What are some well-known dark web marketplaces?
A: Dark web marketplaces evolve rapidly, but historically, sites like Silk Road and AlphaBay have gained notoriety for accommodating illicit trade.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding what is on the dark web involves recognizing both its allure and its risks. While it does serve as a platform for free expression and privacy, it also harbors illegal activities and potentially dangerous content. Awareness and caution are essential for anyone considering exploring this hidden part of the internet.
