How Do Cybercriminals Monetize The Dark Web?
- The downsides of the surface web are trolls, stalkers, data exploitation, pornography, identity theft, hacking, the intrusion of privacy, etc.
- The Hidden Wiki is a surface website offering a collection of dark web links — but the links don’t always work, and they may not be safe.
- Cybercriminals that buy stolen passwords from the Dark Web can use them for all kinds of online attacks, including ransomware attacks.
- While they’re both made up of non-indexed web pages, this is where their similarities end.
And that’s not all; it also found that phishing, ransomware and malware were the top three sources of cyberattacks. The dark web is a part of the deep web and exists on an encrypted network within the deep web. You can only access the dark web using a special browser like Tor—more on that a little later. There is no reliable method of removing your sensitive data from the Dark Web.
Dark nets are special networks that use the internet but require specific software or authorisation to access. In 2011, an online marketplace known as the Silk Road began operating anonymously on the dark net. This was notorious for buying and selling illegal drugs using digital currencies and was shut down by law enforcement in 2013. Since then, new dark net markets have appeared, offering various illegal goods and services.
Understanding the Deep Web vs Dark Web
Browsing the Deep web or Darknet is not a crime, but anything other than browsings, such as buying things or services, may be illegal in the user’s place of residence. The Darknet and the Dark web can be accessed by anyone with a particular browser and authorization tools. They are necessary for securing a reliable connection where a VPN connection is required.
The dark web can help protect users’ privacy in ways the surface web often fails to do. For example, users evading government censorship can share information about what is happening in their country. Whistleblowers often come to the dark web to find allies who can take their secrets and share them more publicly elsewhere. Government agencies and contractors can employ services like Peraton’s TORNADO to frequently check the dark web to understand if people are talking about them and what they are saying.
The Tor browser — which stands for The Onion Routing — will keep your online activity anonymous and let you visit websites on the dark web. The challenge, though, is that you must know the website addresses you want to visit. The dark web doesn’t have an index or ranking system, which means you can’t search for sites like you would with Google or other search engines. The only way to reach sites on the dark web is to type them directly into your browser.
Tor browsers disguise your online activity and you may even need to be invited to access specific .onion domains within the Dark Web. Most content that resides on the dark web is found on the Tor network. You can get acces to the Tor network via a special browser called the Tor browser.
The internet is a vast place, filled with various layers and types of content. Two terms that often confuse users are the deep web and dark web. While both refer to parts of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, they serve different purposes and features.
What is the Deep Web?
The decentralized nature of the dark web, coupled with encryption and anonymity, makes it difficult to trace and prosecute offenders effectively. Governments and international organizations must collaborate to develop sophisticated strategies and technologies to tackle these emerging threats. 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. The two terms are used interchangeably, just like the World Wide Web and internet are. However, unlike the clear net, the dark web is well hidden, can’t be accessed via a normal web browser, and is very likely illegal.
The deep web comprises all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This includes a wide range of web pages and databases that require specific access or permissions. Some elements that make up the deep web include:
- Academic databases
- Private corporate websites
- Medical records
- Government resources
- Private social media profiles
In terms of size, the deep web is often estimated to be hundreds of times larger than the surface web—the part of the internet most users interact with daily.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a small portion 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. The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor network, which anonymizes user activity. Key features of the dark web include:
- Anonymous communication
- Marketplaces for illegal goods and services
- Forums for discussion on various topics, often related to activism
- Whistleblower platforms
While the dark web is notorious for illegal activities, it also hosts legitimate content, mainly focusing on privacy and free speech.
Deep Web vs Dark Web: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between the deep web and dark web is crucial for navigating these areas safely and knowledgeably. Here are some of the primary distinctions:
| Aspect | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Standard web browsers; no special configuration | Special software like Tor required |
| Content Type | Private and secure information (databases, records) | Often illicit or illegal activities |
| Size | Significantly larger than the surface web | Much smaller and more restricted |
| Purpose | To protect privacy, store sensitive data | To maintain anonymity and facilitate covert activities |
FAQs
1. Is the entire deep web illegal?
No, the deep web contains a vast array of legitimate content such as private research, databases, and resources designed to protect user privacy.
2. Can I access the dark web safely?
While it is possible to access the dark web safely, it’s crucial to take appropriate precautions, such as using a VPN and ensuring you don’t engage with suspicious content.
3. What are the dangers of the dark web?
The primary dangers of the dark web include exposure to illegal activities, potential scams, and the risk of malware infections.
Understanding the distinctions between the deep web and dark web equips users with the knowledge to navigate the internet more safely and responsibly. Always prioritize security and legality when exploring these hidden areas of the web.
