Social Engineering Schemes
Understanding the Dark Web
The difference between the dark web and the deep web is that the deep web refers to websites and web pages that aren’t indexed by search engines, like login pages and payment portals. The dark web, by contrast, is configured on darknets, which are online networks that can be accessed only with special software and techniques. Dark web sites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to so much illegal activity. Over 2.7 million active users browse the dark web every day, and many do so for legitimate reasons. The surface web is a collective term for all of the websites that are indexed by search engines, meaning you’re able to get to them from web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
That figure was calculated in 2015; by now, it is estimated to be much higher. The dark web, also known as the “darknet”, is a portion of the internet that lies outside the boundaries of traditional search engines. You won’t find any links to sites or pages for dark web content on Google. The dark web is a small portion of the deep web which is not indexed by search engines or accessible by traditional means. The terms “dark web” and “deep web” are sometimes used interchangeably but the two concepts are actually quite different. The deep web simply refers to all the websites that aren’t indexed by search engines.
Barely a day goes by without a news article detailing some new malware or stolen credentials available on the dark web. But even though many internet users may have heard of the dark web, not many will have actually accessed it. Tor, which stands for “the onion router,” is a technology that allows people to browse the web and access online services without revealing their identities.
The term dark web often elicits curiosity and concern. Many people have heard the phrase but might not fully grasp what it entails. To clarify, the dark web refers to a subset of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing.
People regularly buy malware on the Dark Web, and stolen information is a commodity like anything else. It is difficult to quantify the exact numbers due to the nature of what we would like to measure, but the increase in internet traffic leads to this natural progression of increased cybercrime. Hidden Services can be used legitimately, for example for whistleblowing or to allow members of the public to share sensitive information such as knowledge about crimes without the risk of reprisals. However, it is generally believed that the majority of Hidden Services contain illicit material.
It consists of password-protected pages, membership sites, private databases, online banking systems, webmail, and other dynamically generated web content. While not inherently illicit, the deep web requires specific access credentials or a direct link to access its content. Examples of deep web content include personal email accounts, university intranets, and corporate databases.
Accessing the dark web typically requires specific software, the most common of which is called Tor. This software allows users to browse anonymously, providing a layer of privacy that is not possible on the surface web.
In many countries it allows demonstrators to subvert authoritarian regimes and provides a free and open internet model that can evade censorship and provide privacy. Some of those harmful things include credit card numbers, guns, and stolen subscriptions. There is even software that makes it possible for you to remotely access the computers of others. The Dark Web may be a playground for nefarious people online due to the anonymity it provides.
You can use it to remain anonymous without fear of repercussion if you want to express yourself freely. But this amount of privacy has helped it gain a bad reputation as a forum for those who want to use it for illicit activities. If you’re looking to use the dark web, it’s as simple as installing a private browser, using a VPN, and making sure your computer remains safe and secure. Any of these scenarios are a crystal clear warning sign of identity theft.
Characteristics of the Dark Web
There are several key characteristics that define the dark web:
- Anonymity: The primary feature of the dark web is the anonymity it offers to both users and website operators.
- Unregulated content: Unlike the surface web, the dark web hosts unregulated and often illegal content.
- Cryptocurrency use: Transactions on the dark web often involve cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to maintain anonymity.
- Specialized websites: Sites on the dark web typically have URLs ending in .onion, indicating they can only be accessed through specific software.
What Can Be Found on the Dark Web?
The dark web is home to a variety of content, some legal and some illegal. Here are some common categories:
- Dark Web monitoring can be expensive and complicated, but it is becoming increasingly critical as more private data is bought and sold in the Internet’s underbelly.
- Following password security best practices is critical to limit the fallout from a data leak.
- These websites may look similar to any other surface or deep website you’d encounter.
- Approximately 90% of all websites are classified as being part of the deep web.
- Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) serves a population of about 13,000 across two campuses and dispersed locations.
- Forums: There are forums that discuss a vast range of topics, including technology, hacking, and drug trading.
- Marketplaces: Some sites facilitate the buying and selling of illegal goods and services, including drugs and counterfeit items.
- Whistleblower platforms: Certain areas of the dark web allow whistleblowers to share information anonymously.
- Privacy-focused communications: Many users turn to the dark web for secure communication channels.
Risks Involved in Exploring the Dark Web
While the dark web has its intriguing aspects, it also comes with significant risks:
- Legal issues: Accessing illegal content can lead to serious legal consequences.
- Scams: The dark web is rife with scams, and users can easily be defrauded.
- Malware threats: Many sites may contain malware that can infect your device.
- Exposure of personal data: Users may inadvertently expose their personal information while navigating the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dark Web
1. Is the Dark Web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted on it are. Accessing illegal content can result in legal issues.
2. How do people access the Dark Web?
To access the dark web, users typically need to download specialized software like Tor, which allows them to surf anonymously.
3. Are there any safe uses for the Dark Web?
Yes, the dark web can provide safe channels for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists in oppressive regimes who need to communicate anonymously.
4. Can my identity be tracked on the Dark Web?
While the dark web offers a level of anonymity, it is still possible for skilled entities to track users if proper precautions are not taken.
Conclusion
The dark web is a complex and multifaceted part of the internet. It provides both opportunities for anonymity and risks that users must navigate carefully. Understanding what the dark web entails can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to explore this hidden side of the internet.
