The Internet is a vast digital landscape that offers millions of web pages to suit the needs of everyone. However, you may have heard of a type of internet concealed from the typical internet user and search engines.
This part of the web is the dark web, and if used correctly, it can be a beneficial way to browse unexplored regions of the internet. If misused, it can lead to trouble with the law or privacy breaches.
This article will explore the dark web, what it is, why people use it, and how to browse it safely. Let’s find out more.
Surface vs Deep Web vs. Deep Web: What’s the Difference?
The Surface Web
The surface web is the everyday internet used by the regular user. It is also known as the visible or indexed web because these websites are readily accessible on your typical web browsers, such as Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.
The Deep Web
The deep web is often used interchangeably with the dark web, but it is different. Web crawlers do not index the deep web’s content, so search engines cannot find them.
Therefore, you likely have accessed the dark web before without realizing, as these websites often require login credentials or are hidden behind a paywall.Paywall meaning or what is a paywall: A paywall is a digital barrier that restricts access to specific online content, demanding users to make a payment or subscribe to access premium material. Essentially, it serves as a means for publishers and websites to monetize their content and generate revenue.
Therefore, you likely have accessed the dark web before without realizing it, as these websites often require login credentials or are hidden behind a paywall.
Here are some other examples of deep web content:
- Private Databases: Private records that require some form of credentials for access
- Password-Protected Websites: Some private social media groups or forums are considered part of the deep web
- Academic and Scientific Research: Academic papers or databases are a part of the deep web, as they require institutional or personal subscriptions
The deep web is not considered malicious; it is just the part of the internet that requires additional steps to access.
The Dark Web
The dark web is part of the internet that requires a separate browser to access, typically Tor (The Onion Router). Tor is used to gain access to the dark web because it uses a series of proxy servers that hides a user’s IP address, making it highly challenging, but not impossible, to track or trace.
Due to this anonymity, the dark web is fraught with illegal activity, earning itself a reputation for selling drugs, weapons, credit card details, and even pre-paid PayPal accounts or credit cards.
With that in mind, let’s look at the dangers of the dark web and why people explore this ominous part of the internet.
The Dangers of The Dark Web
Although you can browse the dark web without legal repercussions, illegal activities could expose you to cyber threats or get you arrested. If you choose to browse the dark web, it is crucial to understand the risks that can occur during your time there.
Here are some of the few threats to be aware of.
Cybercrime
Your personal information can be on the dark web without you ever accessing it, as it is the preferred platform for cybercriminals to sell your passwords, account details, or more.
Cybercriminals can use this data for identity theft or fraud, so it is crucial to protect your data and accounts on the surface web, such as using a password generator to protect your accounts and reduce the risk of them being sold on the dark web.
Extremism and Illegal Content
Areas of the dark web can contain extremist content related to terrorism, child or animal abuse, or other violent content. This kind of content can be psychologically traumatizing if stumbled upon, so users must therefore show extreme caution on what links or websites they click.
Privacy Threats
As you can imagine, the dark web is not under the same privacy laws or regulations as usual websites, so how your privacy is dealt with on the dark web is much more sinister.
Common threats to your privacy on the dark web include:
- Webcam hijacking: a website may try to install a remote administration tool (RAT), letting them see through your webcam or stream it on the dark web
- Cyber extortion: dark web criminals may install ransomware or use your stolen data to extort or harass individuals until you pay them
- Spreading malicious software: websites on the dark web are more likely to contain software to harm your device or steal your data
Why Do People Browse The Dark Web?
One positive feature of the dark web is its anonymity. It can be useful for users who are only interested in browsing the internet without websites collecting their data. It can also be a means to bypass geographical or restricted websites for countries with strict privacy or restrictions in place.
The dark web is also used for whistleblowing activities. For users who want to expose illegal activities in the government or media, the dark web is a way to get this information to the world without identifying themselves.
How To Stay Safe on The Dark Web
If you are visiting the dark web for legitimate reasons, you should take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your sensitive information.
- Ensure you have robust security software that is up to date to protect against malware or other vulnerabilities.
- Protect your identity and keep your personal information away from any websites on the dark web, and encrypt all forms of communication while on the dark web.
- Be suspicious of any links, files, downloads, or other types of communication.
These are the most common ways to stay safe on the dark web. But the best tool is education, so research thoroughly before diving into the dark web.
Should I Visit The Dark Web?
The dark web may be an area of morbid fascination for many; as a result, while the option to browse safely and anonymously may be an attractive feature of the dark web, you may want to ask yourself if the risks involved are worth potentially jeopardizing your online privacy.
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