What Is Your Digital Identity? (And How To Keep It Safe)
Understanding the Dark Web
Here are a few tips and tools to help stay safe when using Tor and other browsers. There’s a lot more to consider, but this should give you an idea of some of the issues — good and bad — to consider. The deep web can help protect personal information, but that doesn’t mean that clever hackers can’t still crack the sits on it. Cybercriminals often use tactics like credential stuffing and password spraying to obtain the details they need to steal and expose your data. Some mainstream sites are only accessible via the deep web because of how they customize each page to the user.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing.
Identity thieves use the Dark Web to buy and sell personal information. If you have ever been a victim of a data breach, the Dark Web is a place where your sensitive information might live. If your information is there, criminals can potentially use it to commit fraud. We strongly encourage taking advantage of NordVPN’s dark web security features to avoid running into one of the dark web’s many dangers, such as viruses, identity theft, and more. To view snapshots from specific websites, simply enter the domain name of the website, and you’ll find a collection of available snapshots. Wasabi Wallet is also non-custodial, which means you’re the only one with access to your private encryption keys.
It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes such as privacy protection and secure communication.
Tor wraps the sender’s message in layers of encryption – rather like the layers of an onion, which is how the system got its name. Tor itself is not the ‘Dark Web’ but instead is a way in which to browse both the Open and Dark Web without anyone being able to identify the user or track their activity. Data breaches happen all the time, and your login credentials and other data might be on the dark web already.
It involves scanning the dark web for data related to a specific organization or individual within that organization. This could include personally identifiable information (PII), credit card details, login credentials, or sensitive company information. If the service detects such data, it alerts the client, enabling them to take remedial action. With TOR installed, all you need to do is fire up the browser then head to a dark web domain.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web comprises websites that can only be accessed using specific software, like Tor (The Onion Router) or special configurations. These sites use encryption and anonymizing technology to ensure that their locations and users remain hidden.
While often portrayed in a negative light, the dark web is a complex ecosystem with both positive and negative facets.
I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections. The speeds are decent, but ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost VPN were much faster. PIA has servers in 91 countries that all support Tor traffic, so it’s very easy to find nearby VPN servers for good speeds. In my speed tests, dark web links took 4 seconds to load, HD videos took 5–6 seconds to load, and I noticed minor buffering while skipping through the videos.
Nothing is 100% secure, but using the Tor network is safer than using the open internet. The fact that you are using the Tor network is likely enough to pique their interest. The fact that you are using it to visit the Dark web probably makes you even more interesting. According to this old CNet article, the NSA has likely been tracking anyone who checks out Tor or any other privacy/anonymity tools since 2014 or earlier.
Reasons to Search the Dark Web
The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Deep web refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google. Deep web content includes anything behind a paywall or requires sign-in credentials. It also includes any content that its owners have blocked web crawlers from indexing. You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other people’s computers. Buy login credentials to a $50,000 Bank of America account, counterfeit $20 bills, prepaid debit cards, or a “lifetime” Netflix premium account.
People may choose to search the dark web for several reasons, including:
- They also limit bandwidth and speeds and bombard you with annoying ads and popups.
- The Tor network was created to open safe communication channels for political dissidents and American intelligence operatives around the world.
- Combining a high-end VPN service with the Tor network adds another layer of defense that will make using the Tor network safer for you.
- You need to know the .onion dark web links before you can visit these sites as they aren’t all indexed like on Google or Bing.
- Privacy: Individuals seeking anonymity often utilize the dark web to communicate without being tracked.
- Access to Restricted Information: Some users search the dark web for information censored in their countries.
- Whistleblowing: Employees or individuals wanting to expose wrongdoing may use the dark web to submit information without risking their safety.
- Digital Currency Transactions: Cryptocurrencies can provide additional anonymity for transactions on the dark web.
Risks Associated with the Dark Web
While exploring the dark web, users should be aware of potential risks, which include:
- Scams: Many dark web sites are fraudulent, aiming to deceive users into losing money or personal information.
- Malware: There is a high risk of encountering malware that can compromise your device and data.
- Legal Consequences: Many activities on the dark web can lead to severe legal repercussions if users engage in illegal behaviors.
- Exposure to Harmful Content: Users may inadvertently stumble upon disturbing or illegal content that can be distressing.
How to Safely Search the Dark Web
If you choose to search the dark web, it is crucial to follow these safety guidelines:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): This adds an extra layer of anonymity by changing your IP address.
- Install Antivirus Software: Protect your device from malware and other security threats.
- Be Skeptical: Approach all information and offers with caution, verifying sources wherever possible.
- Stay Within the Law: Understand the legal implications of your actions on the dark web.
FAQs About the Dark Web
Q1: Can I access the dark web safely?
A1: Yes, but it requires using secure methods such as a Tor browser, a VPN, and good cybersecurity practices.
Q2: Is everything on the dark web illegal?
A2: No, while there are illegal activities, the dark web also hosts forums and websites for legitimate purposes, including privacy advocacy.
Q3: Do I need special software to access the dark web?
A3: Yes, the most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser, which is specifically designed for this purpose.
Q4: What should I do if I encounter illegal content on the dark web?
A4: It is advisable to exit the site immediately and consider reporting it to the appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
Searching the dark web can be both intriguing and risky. Understanding the nature of this hidden part of the internet is essential for anyone considering to search the dark web. By adopting proper safety measures and staying informed, users can navigate this shadowy space more safely and responsibly.
