Learn More About The Dark Web And Identity Theft
Understanding the Dark Web
There are many authoritarian governments across the globe, and people living under such regimes often need to anonymously communicate, and hide their online activities from spies. Which, let’s not forget, was the reason the TOR project was devised and completed by the USA Department of Defense back in the 1990s. It is often safer and more convenient for people to use TOR and the dark web than it is to use a virtual private network (VPN) over the open web.
It encrypts traffic, helps circumvent ISP-level censorship, and anonymity from the websites mining user data. Keep in mind that VPN companies adhere to the prevailing laws of the countries they’re based in, and can share data under special circumstances. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view.
The dark web is often shrouded in mystery, leading to various misconceptions and a lack of understanding about what it truly entails. In this article, we delve into the essence of the dark web, its purpose, and the risks associated with it.
Sign up for our newsletter and learn how to protect your computer from threats. Yes, the police can still track you on the dark web if they need to, although it’s extremely hard to do so. The Tor browser you use to access the dark web can mask your identity and location. The average user won’t be able to identify you on the dark web, but the authorities can still track you down with high-level technologies.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines. It requires specific software and configurations to access. Typically, users rely on special anonymizing browsers, like Tor (The Onion Router), to reach these hidden websites.
Tech giants and large media organizations have very little influence on the dark web. Cybercriminals love the Dark Web because they can share stolen personal information there. To find out if your information is leaked on the Dark Web — you can rely on Aura’s identity theft protection service. Essentially, the Dark Web uses a cluster of nodes and networks called “darknets.” These include — but aren’t limited to — peer-to-peer networks — small and big — including Tor and Freenet. While most people access the internet through common web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge, there are deeper levels of the internet that aren’t accessible by the average user.
One drug dealing website called Silk Road became so famous it was routinely cited as an example of the dark web in mainstream media reports. Its owner was eventually arrested and sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole. By putting a face on the dark web, you put a face on cybercrime and can help reduce the risk of it happening to you. With all this shady activity on the dark web, you might wonder how you can protect yourself. In fact, you can take several steps to help prevent your information from finding its way there.
Delta Dental of California (DDC), Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and other subsidiaries may have exposed data; the compromised data is not a product of the organizations. Xfinity is the name of Comcast Communications’ internet, TV, and phone service; it is the most significant cabled internet service in the states, with more than 32 million residential customers. Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) serves a population of about 13,000 across two campuses and dispersed locations. BHCC offers over 100 degrees, including arts, sciences, business, health, law, and STEM opportunities.
Traffic logs are a bigger concern than session logs, but neither are good. The World Wide Web is much larger than the information and sites that are accessed by regular browsers and indexed by traditional search engines. According to a study by BrightPlanet, it is 500 times larger than the surface web or visible Internet, which is used daily by billions of people.
Accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, it can lead to engagement with various illegal activities and sites that operate outside the law.
There have been many publicly accessible websites that have been shut down for producing/distributing illegal content. For instance, a 2014 Internet Watch Foundation report showcased how law enforcement found 31,266 URLs that contained images of child porn. Of those URLs, only 51 of them, the equivalent of 0.2 percent, were hosted on the dark web. These websites need to have privacy restrictions for a reason, which is why you can’t Google and access somebody’s bank account. These protected pages would be considered part of the deep web because search engines don’t index them, therefore “hiding” them from most of the public.
Components of the Internet
To better understand the dark web, it’s helpful to look at the broader internet landscape, which consists of three main layers:
- Clear Web: This is the part of the internet that is indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. It constitutes the majority of online content.
- Deep Web: This includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, such as private databases, medical records, and other sensitive information.
- Dark Web: As a small subsection of the deep web, the dark web hosts content that is deliberately hidden and inaccessible without special software.
How to Access the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web typically involves the following steps:
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Connect to the Tor network, which anonymizes your internet activity.
- Visit .onion websites that are specific to the dark web.
Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web serves various purposes, both legitimate and illegitimate:
- Privacy and Anonymity: Users often seek the dark web for increased privacy while browsing or sharing information.
- Whistleblowing: It can provide a safe haven for whistleblowers to expose corruption without fear of retribution.
- Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, the dark web is notorious for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, weapon sales, and human trafficking.
- Political Activism: In oppressive regimes, the dark web sometimes acts as a platform for dissidents.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While there are legitimate uses for the dark web, engaging with it comes with significant risks:
- Legal Issues: Accessing illegal content can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Cybersecurity Threats: The presence of malware and scams is significantly higher on the dark web.
- Personal Safety Risks: Users may unwittingly expose themselves to dangerous individuals or groups.
FAQs about the Dark Web
What types of content can be found on the dark web?
Content on the dark web ranges from forums and marketplaces to whistleblower sites and illegal materials. Due to its nature, caution is advised when exploring.
Is using the dark web illegal?
- Hidden Services are sometimes called “onion addresses” because the website name often ends .onion.
- Now more than ever before, our credit and identities are at risk from cybercriminals, thieves, and hackers.
- Taken together, these techniques make it very difficult (but not impossible) to trace a Dark Web user’s location and activity.
- With regard to online marketing, no serious website should go near Darknet websites and link them via onion links or refer to it in any way.
While accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, many activities that take place there are. Users should be aware of the laws in their jurisdiction.
Can I get caught using the dark web?
Yes, it’s possible to come under scrutiny by law enforcement if engaged in illegal activities on the dark web. Anonymity is not absolute.
How do I stay safe on the dark web?
To stay safe, avoid sharing personal information, refrain from engaging in illegal activities, and use a reliable VPN in conjunction with the Tor Browser.
In summary, the dark web is a complex and multifaceted part of the internet that requires careful navigation. Understanding its functionalities and the associated risks is crucial for anyone considering exploring it.
