Content
ProPublica is an investigative journalism outlet that has a presence on the surface web as well as a dark web link. This way, visitors to the website can remain anonymous if they want to. On your Android or iOS device, download and install a browser app capable of accessing the Tor network on mobile.
How Does Data End Up On The Dark Web?
Some portions of the deep web allow users to overcome legal restrictions to access content that is not lawfully available in their geographical location. It is even possible to illegally download movies, music, and other digital media without paying for it. Naturally, these lawless segments of the deep web are rife with malware and other cyber threats.
Why External Attack Surface Management Is Important In Today’s Digital Landscape
Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet. If you’ve followed the news in the last two decades, you’ve probably heard stories and seen headlines about the deep web or dark web. However, you might have found yourself asking, What is the deep web? As news outlets rarely concern themselves with explaining exactly what it is besides being a place where you can anonymously acquire illegal goods. In this guide, we’ll explain what the Deep Web and Dark Web are, how they’re different, what to do if your data has been leaked, and how you can safely access these hidden layers of the internet.
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
Access: Despite not being indexed by search engines, the Deep Web is accessible via traditional web browsers — i.e. you can access a Gmail page using Firefox, Chrome, etc. The Dark Web, on the other hand, is only accessible via special browsers that use Tor to protect anonymity.
The dark web has gained notoriety for being a hub of illegal activities. While the surface web is easily accessible and indexed by search engines, the dark web operates on a separate network that requires specific software to access. This anonymity has made it a breeding ground for criminal activities, including the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
Snowden’s revelation in 2013 specifically talked about using Tor to avoid surveillance. The dark web is an unregulated and popular environment for illegal activity. As above, make sure you’re only visiting .onion sites you trust and don’t share any personal information. However, don’t expect to get the same kind of service and wide-ranging results as you do on Google. Dark search engines turn up a more limited number of most-visited dark web sites, and only some of these search engines can be trusted to protect your data. While using the dark web may seem suspect on the surface, it is perfectly legal, and there are many legitimate uses of Tor and anonymous browsing.
While many .onion sites host legitimate content, others can be involved in illegal activities, scams, or malware distribution. Therefore, caution and discretion are advised when accessing .onion sites. While the Dark Web has its merits, it also presents a landscape riddled with cybersecurity risks. The same anonymity that protects users’ identities also shields malicious actors. Cyber threats, such as malware, hacking, and phishing scams, are common.
The Dark Web and Illicit Drugs
Government Crackdown (2015-today)
One of the most common illegal activities on the dark web is the sale of drugs. According to a report by the Global Drug Survey, the dark web accounts for 15% of all drug purchases, with a majority of buyers being young adults. The dark web offers a wide variety of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and LSD, and often with higher purity levels than those sold on the street.
The Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
While the dark web offers a convenient and seemingly safe way to purchase drugs, there are still risks involved. For one, there is no guarantee of the quality or purity of the drugs being sold. Additionally, there is always the risk of being caught by law enforcement, as many dark web marketplaces have been shut down in recent years. Furthermore, there have been instances of drugs being laced with harmful substances, leading to serious health consequences for the buyer.
The Dark Web and Weapons
Another illegal activity that takes place on the dark web is the sale of weapons. From handguns to assault rifles, the dark web offers a wide variety of firearms for sale. These weapons are often untraceable and can be purchased without a background check, making them attractive to criminals and those looking to cause harm.
The Risks of Buying Weapons on the Dark Web
Buying weapons on the dark web comes with its own set of risks. For one, there is no way to verify the legality or safety of the weapon being purchased. Additionally, there is always the risk of being caught by law enforcement, as many dark web marketplaces have been shut down in recent years. Furthermore, there is the risk of the weapon being used in a crime, leading to serious legal consequences for the buyer.
The Dark Web and Stolen Data
The dark web is also a hotbed for stolen data, including credit card information, Social Security numbers, and personal identities. These data breaches can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and other forms of fraud. darknet market reddit In fact, a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center found that the number of data breaches in the United States increased by 17% in 2020, with a majority of the breaches taking place on the dark web.
The Risks of Stolen Data on the Dark Web
Having personal information stolen and sold on the dark web can have serious consequences. Victims of identity theft can experience financial loss, damage to their credit score, and difficulty obtaining loans or credit. Additionally, having personal information sold on the dark web can lead to emotional distress and a loss of trust in online security measures.
Is it illegal to browse the dark web in Australia?
While it's not actually illegal to access the dark web itself, it does host plenty of websites that are used for online criminal activity. Dark web pages are not indexed and are not discoverable by search engines. This is why you need specialised software to access the dark web.
Conclusion
- A version of the surface web search engine DuckDuckGo is also available for the Dark Web.
- Deep web content is stored behind paywalls or login forms and can be accessed using most web browsers.
- The passion to make cybersecurity accessible and interesting has led David to share all the knowledge he has.
While the dark web offers a level of anonymity and freedom that is not available on the surface web, it also comes with its own set of risks. From the sale of illegal drugs and weapons to the theft and sale of personal information, the dark web is a haven for criminal activities. darknet markets url It is important to be aware of these risks and take measures to protect oneself when accessing the dark web. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are actively working to shut down illegal marketplaces and bring those involved in criminal activities to justice.
Who created the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
