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Tor (The Onion Router)
Understanding the Dark Web: What’s Dark Web?
There are different versions available, from the most well-known, such as The Onion Router (most commonly known as Tor), to the lesser used, such as Freenet. Many users of the dark web access it to remain anonymous, but there may be some fallacy in that assumption of anonymity. The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t found by normal search engines because the sites located there are not indexed into search engines. While the dark web holds some dark and illegal things, not everything there is illegal.
The dark web refers to a section of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it challenging to access through standard web browsers.
Accessing the dark web typically requires specific software, configurations, or authorization that most users do not possess.
Characteristics of the Dark Web
The dark web continues to be a valuable tool and exchange network for many groups around the world. It is considered an outright necessity by some in order to encourage free speech, maintain a free press and support the work of law enforcement and government agencies. The value of the information can vary greatly depending on what’s being sold.
The dark web has several distinct features that set it apart from the surface web. Some of these characteristics include:
- Anonymous Browsing: Users often utilize tools like Tor to maintain their privacy and anonymity while browsing.
- Cryptocurrencies: Many transactions on the dark web are conducted using cryptocurrencies, making it difficult to trace financial activity.
- Limited Accessibility: Requires special software, like the Tor browser, which routes traffic through various servers to hide the user’s location.
Because it’s easier to contain malware in a virtual environment, which can be fully controlled. Well, VPN over Tor is basically its opposite – instead of going through the VPN first, the signal passes through the Tor network, before going through the VPN. Tor relays are servers run by volunteers, designed to keep your activities private and untraceable.
The sharing of illegal pornography and discussion of illegal sex acts account for a significant portion of dark web traffic. The extent of the problem became clear in 2015, when the FBI shut down a dark web site on Tor named Playpen that hosted 23,000 sexually explicit images of minors. The rise of cryptocurrency, and in particular Bitcoin, significantly increased the dark web’s use in illegal trade. Users could exchange funds online without sharing credit card numbers or other identifying information. In February 2011 Ross Ulbricht founded what is believed to be the dark web’s first black market, Silk Road.
Almost any type of illegal and legally questionable products and services can be found somewhere in the internet’s underground. While Tor has many illicit uses, it also has a lot of legitimate ones. Of all internet traffic, the dark web only composes a very small amount.
Purchasing guns on the black market is an obvious illegal act, but if you are on a forum that includes threats or violence, legality is not so clear. You may not know that you’re engaging in illegal conduct until you’re flagged by the FBI. There are legitimate areas of the deep web, including mainstream sites like Netflix.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
- Additionally, the dark web has a unique registry operator and uses security tools like encryption and firewalls, further making it inaccessible via traditional web browsers.
- Several sites hosting illegal material have been discovered by government agencies and shut down in recent years, including Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa.
- There are many reasons why organizations or companies would want to store certain information on the deep web rather than the surface web, the majority of them innocuous, like an online shopping inventory.
- Low-security options are advised for anyone using Freenet for innocent reasons, while the higher-tier options are generally used for darknet purposes.
The dark web serves various purposes, both legitimate and illegal. Some of the common uses include:
- Privacy-Conscious Communication: Individuals in oppressive regimes may use the dark web to communicate securely.
- Marketplaces: Illegal goods and services, such as drugs and weapons, can be found on various dark web marketplaces.
- Whistleblowing Platforms: Whistleblowers can share confidential information without revealing their identities.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While the dark web has its uses, it also involves significant risks, such as:
- Scams and Fraud: Numerous scams exist targeting users looking to purchase illegal goods.
- Malware: Many sites on the dark web may host malicious software that can compromise a user’s computer.
- Legal Consequences: Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can lead to serious legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between the surface web and the dark web?
The surface web is the part of the internet that can be accessed through standard search engines and is indexed. The dark web is not indexed and requires specific tools for access.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web can lead to criminal charges.
How can I safely browse the dark web?
To safely browse the dark web, consider the following:
- Use a reliable VPN to help mask your IP address.
- Ensure your security software is up to date.
- Avoid downloading files from unknown sources to protect against malware.
In conclusion, understanding what’s dark web is vital for navigating the complexities and potential dangers associated with this hidden part of the internet. Through awareness and caution, users can responsibly engage with the dark web while minimizing risks.
