Be Cautious Of Suspicious Links And Attachments In Emails
The dark web and the deep web are often used interchangeably, but they’re two distinct concepts. Founded by security researcher Juha Nurmi, Ahmia is essentially a list of “hidden” sites that do want to be found. Onion sites are “crawled” and added to the list provided their “robots.txt” file permits it, and if it is not on their blacklist of sites with abuse material.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the Internet that isn’t indexed by conventional search engines. It’s known for hosting various sites that often involve illegal activities, but it’s also a space for anonymous communication and privacy-oriented services.
How Do You Get Into the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web requires specific tools and precautions. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate safely.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
- Download and Install TOR Browser
- Use a VPN
- Access .onion sites
However, these sites are only accessible through certain web browsers. Some people use this encrypted space to help protect their identity and online privacy, but other hackers like to use these features to carry out illegal activities. It is these shady dealings that give the dark web its seedy, dangerous reputation. Finally, forged data like fake passports diplomas and stolen driver’s licenses and IDs are for sale.
The most common way to access the dark web is through the TOR browser, which anonymizes your web traffic.
This decentralized browser has unique configurations to mask your identity and make it harder for anyone to see your online activities. Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused. All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate in the dark web all the time. You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts.
Before launching TOR, it is advisable to use a VPN for an extra layer of security, making it harder to trace your activity.
The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. Malware and scams are scattered like landmines around the dark web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim. 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.
Once the TOR browser is installed and running, you can visit .onion sites, which are exclusive to the dark web.
Importance of Security
Like the surface web, the dark web is indexed, but not by regular search engines. Criminals, informants, and political dissidents, for example, are welcome on the dark web because they can benefit from the anonymity it provides. However, anyone who routinely uses the internet can gain access to the dark web, which is mostly legal to use. Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers.
While navigating the dark web, security is paramount. Here are some essential tips:
Currently, the going rate for stolen credit card information with a balance of up to $1,000 is only $70, while cards with a balance of up to $5,000 cost $110. “The index shows how cheap it is to get data on the dark web,” says Biswas. Data is the most common commodity sold on the dark web, according to Nirmit Biswas, senior research analyst at Market Research Future. “Account credentials, credit card information, addresses and social security numbers have all been hacked. Someone might not even realize they’ve been hacked, yet their company and employee information could be sold,” Biswas says.
However, you can still access the Tor network using alternate browsers, like OrNet or Onion Browser. The deep web refers to the section of the internet that is hived off behind barriers, such as subscriptions or log in requirements. Accessing the deep web requires a specific URL or webpage as well as the necessary authentication details.
- Never share personal information
- Be cautious with downloads
- Avoid engaging in illegal activities
What to Expect on the Dark Web
The dark web is often portrayed in a negative light, but it has various facets:
- Marketplaces: Some sites facilitate the trade of illegal goods.
- Forums: Spaces for discussions on sensitive topics or whistleblowing.
- Privacy services: Tools and services designed to keep your online activities secure.
FAQs
Can you access the dark web without TOR?
No, TOR is essential for accessing most of the dark web. Other options may expose your identity.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted there are.
What should I avoid on the dark web?
- If you want to buy legal items, only pay with cryptocurrency when visiting dark web sites.
- The release of the Tor browser made it more accessible to users and activists alike who needed it during this time.
- It includes any page that you can find with a simple Google search.
- The best way to avoid these dangers is to avoid using the dark web entirely.
- Illegal downloads
- Scams and phishing sites
- Sharing identifying information
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web requires careful planning and consideration. By following the outlined steps and taking necessary precautions, you can explore this hidden part of the Internet safely and responsibly.
