The dark web, a hidden part of the internet not indexed by search engines, has gained notoriety for being a hub of illicit activities. But what exactly can be found on the dark web?
This is especially true, they say, to help law enforcement track criminal organizations and illicit activities. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory funded a project called The Onion Router (TOR). TOR offered intelligence sources a way to communicate easily and safely, especially in hostile areas where personal safety is key.
Illegal Goods and Services
Dark Web Search Engines
One of the most well-known aspects of the dark web is its marketplace for illegal goods and services. From drugs and weapons to stolen credit card information and fake passports, almost anything can be bought and sold on these underground websites.
What is Bing deep search?
Bing recently announced its latest innovation in search technology: Deep Search. This new feature promises a more thorough and complete searching experience for users by harnessing the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) to gather context and search intent.
Malware and Hacking Tools
Government Oversight
For cybercriminals looking to carry out malicious activities, the dark web offers a plethora of malware and hacking tools. These tools are often used to infect computers, steal sensitive data, or launch cyber attacks on individuals, businesses, or even governments.
Networking
Identity Theft Services
New York Healthcare Provider Notified 600k Following Network Cyberattack
Identity theft is a common crime on the dark web, with cybercriminals offering services to steal personal information such as social security numbers, bank account details, and login credentials. This information is then used for fraudulent activities like opening accounts or making unauthorized purchases.
Knowing what types of exploits are being performed on one’s organization allows leaders to plan damage control before something happens. For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted. If a data breach happens, it is better to be aware of it and be proactive before it goes public.
Extreme Content
However, we advise connecting to one of our recommended VPN services to stay anonymous. Always exercise extreme caution when using publicly posted onion URLs. If you can’t get a personal recommendation from someone you trust, verify the URL from multiple different sources. Obviously, finding these .onion websites is the first challenge, as they won’t show up in Google search results. You can’t just Google “Silk Road” and hope to land on the dark website. In summary, the dark web is not illegal — but most activities that people use it for are illegal.
Another disturbing aspect of the dark web is the presence of extreme content such as child pornography, torture videos, and other forms of graphic and violent material. Accessing and sharing this type of content is not only illegal but also morally reprehensible.
Whistleblower Platforms
- The dark web is the area of the internet that can only be accessed by using specific software.
- In 2002, the dark web grew significantly when researchers supported by the US Naval Research Laboratory built and released the Tor network.
- Not all unlawful activity on the Dark Web is necessarily malicious, though.
Despite its negative reputation, the dark web also serves as a platform for whistleblowers to expose corruption and wrongdoing anonymously. Websites like SecureDrop provide a secure way for individuals to share sensitive information with journalists without fear of retaliation.
Conclusion
While the dark web may contain some legitimate uses, it is largely dominated by illegal activities and dangerous content. It is important for internet users to be aware of the risks associated with accessing the dark web and to exercise caution when browsing its hidden corners.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal personal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
