The Invisible Internet Project (I2P)
Understanding the Dark Web
At this point, the client and hidden service have set up a private network pathway that is resistant to surveillance – and they can exchange data anonymously and confidentially. According to Internet Live Stats, the World Wide Web passed the one billion website benchmark in 2014 and is still hovering around that figure. The publishers of these billion websites compete for search engine relevance and the attention of nearly 3.6 billion Internet users. There is another part of the Web, however, where publishers and visitors want to navigate websites and conduct business transactions in secret. This is the Dark Web, a land of hidden services, where leaving no tracks and preserving anonymity are valued over search engine rankings and web experience personalization.
For example, unbeknownst to you, hackers might install a keylogger that tracks every keystroke input into your device. With it, they can gain access to all passwords and other personal information you type on your keyboard. The surface web refers to the internet where public websites reside. Search engines can see these sites and serve them as search results to the public.
When data brokers get hacked, the stolen data can include compromised credit cards, social security numbers, and other data, depending on what was exposed in the breach. This is a common way for identity theft and doxing attacks to occur. The dark web refers to content on the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, like Tor Browser, to access.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. It’s a hidden segment where users can engage in various activities anonymously, both legal and illegal. Many people are curious about how do people get on the dark web and what it entails.
It includes your email inbox, company databases, member-only areas, and anything you won’t find through Google. There are tons of dark web commerce sites where you can buy legal or illegal goods. The most infamous example was “The Silk Road,” which has long been shut down. It is important to change these settings because websites often run scripts without notifying you.
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and running at all times. This will help protect your device from any potential threats you may encounter on the dark web. The Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) gig economy is the main driver of economic growth on the dark web, and is getting bigger every year. Cybercrime specialists typically sell their goods and services on dark web message boards, Discord servers and Telegram channels, and are generally paid in cryptocurrency. An estimated 90% of posts on popular dark web forums are from buyers looking to contract someone for cybercrime services.
Being hidden doesn’t translate into being completely protected from the possibility of tracking, or, when it comes to illegal activities, of risk. However, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy in a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence. To access the dark web, users need a special browser, the most common of which is Tor, short for “The Onion Routing” project, which launched in 2002 and serves millions of users. Another is I2P (Invisible Internet Project), which specializes in the anonymous hosting of websites on the dark web. The biggest differentiator between the deep and dark web is that dark web activity is made anonymous through a variety of encryption and routing techniques.
- Learning more about who is using the dark web can help security professionals better defend businesses against dark web threats.
- While data is limited about dark web users thanks to the anonymity using the dark web brings, we can look at a little data pulled from studies and the demographics provided by the Tor Project website.
- VPN over Tor requires you to place trust in your ISP but not your VPN and is best if you want to avoid bad Tor exit nodes.
- The deep web is defined as the internet section that is not indexed by web crawlers.
- Unless you’re on the dark web yourself, the only way to know whether or not someone is selling your data is to perform a dark web scan.
Accessing the Dark Web
To access the dark web, users typically follow these steps:
- Download a Special Browser: The most common tool to access the dark web is the Tor Browser. This browser anonymizes your identity by routing your connection through a network of volunteer-operated servers.
- Install the Browser: Once downloaded, install the browser just like any other software, but ensure you follow security measures to protect your computer.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Open the Tor Browser and connect to the network. The browser will help mask your IP address.
- Access Dark Web Sites: Dark web sites usually end with a .onion domain. You may need to receive these addresses from forums or guides related to dark web navigation.
Safety Measures
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some measures to consider:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet connection.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Protect your identity by never sharing your real name or other identifiable information.
- Be Cautious with Downloads: Files downloaded from dark web can contain malware that can compromise your device’s security.
- Stay Updated on Security Practices: Familiarize yourself with the latest in cybersecurity to protect your data.
Common Misconceptions
Many misconceptions surround the dark web:
- The Dark Web is Only for Illegal Activities: While it’s true that illegal activities occur, there are also legitimate uses such as privacy advocacy and journalistic work.
- All Dark Web Content is Dangerous: Not all dark web content is harmful; there are forums, blogs, and educational resources available.
- Accessing the Dark Web is Immediate: It may take some time and effort to find the right resources and sites of interest.
FAQs about Accessing the Dark Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web encompasses all internet content that is not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small segment of the deep web that requires specific software to access.
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
No, accessing the dark web is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web can result in severe consequences.
Can you be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers anonymity, there are still risks of being tracked. Using a VPN and following safety measures can enhance your privacy, but complete anonymity is not guaranteed.
What can people find on the dark web?
Users can find a wide range of content, including:
- Forums and communities
- Whistleblower platforms
- Marketplaces (both legal and illegal)
- Cryptocurrency resources
Conclusion
Understanding how do people get on the dark web involves knowing the necessary tools, safety protocols, and the landscape of content available. While exploration can be intriguing, it’s essential to approach the dark web with caution and mindfulness of potential risks.
