What is on the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will explore what is on the dark web and how to access it safely.

Illegal Activities

How To Protect Yourself From The Dark Web

There are many ways that people’s data can end up on the dark web, but the most common is due to public data breaches that expose Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of customers and employees. Other pages on the dark web have been created by those who have little choice but to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from governments in countries with strict Internet access laws. Websites on the dark web are created and managed by individuals and groups, just like on the open web. Not every website on the dark web is for illegal activity, however many are set up by scammers who constantly move around.

Drugs: The dark web is notorious for the sale of illegal drugs. Online marketplaces, such as the Silk Road, have been shut down by law enforcement agencies, but new ones continue to emerge. These marketplaces operate using cryptocurrencies, making it difficult for authorities to track transactions.

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Weapons: The dark web is also used for the sale of illegal weapons, including firearms and explosives. These sales are often conducted through encrypted messaging apps, making it challenging for law enforcement to monitor and intercept them.

Stolen Data: The dark web is a popular place for cybercriminals to sell stolen data, such as credit card information, Social Security numbers, and login credentials. This data is often obtained through data breaches or phishing scams.

Legitimate Uses

• Group 1001 is the parent company of Delaware Life, a long-term financial consultant for organizations.
• Not every website on the dark web is for illegal activity, however many are set up by scammers who constantly move around.
• This includes things such as purchasing unlicensed weapons, child pornography, or worse.

The danger of the dark web comes when you aren’t careful with what you access. You may easily fall victim to hackers and give away personal information without intention. There is also potential for psychological damage since there is so much  illegal activity and you may find deeply disturbing material. If you approach the dark web, keep these concerns in mind—especially if you are not technically minded. There are legitimate areas of the deep web, including mainstream sites like Netflix.

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Despite its association with illegal activities, the dark web also has legitimate uses. Here are some examples:

The dark web is also not the same as the “darknet,” which is a network of private connections that exist within the internet. These connections are often used by organizations and individuals to communicate and share information in a secure and private way. The vast majority of what we know and use on a daily basis is the “surface web,” which includes all the sites that can be easily accessed through a search engine like Google or Bing. The dark web remains a small, hidden part of the internet with strong ties to illegal activities and should be approached with caution. The deep web and the dark web have a lot of uses, but they also aren’t without their risks.

• Whistleblowing: The dark web can provide a safe space for whistleblowers to share sensitive information without fear of retribution.
• Political Activism: Activists in repressive regimes can use the dark web to communicate and organize without fear of surveillance or censorship.

But the dark web is best known for the illegal activity that takes place there. Unlike the surface web, there aren’t great search engines for the dark web. You may need to find an onion site’s address on your own, and the names aren’t easy to remember. For example, the CIA’s onion address is ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion, and the nonprofit newsroom ProPublica’s is propub3r6espa33w.onion. As with the other parts of the internet, the dark web doesn’t refer to a specific site or page. If you set up a private and secure network with a group of friends, that could be an example of a darknet.

• Journalism: Journalists can use the dark web to protect their sources and communicate securely with whistleblowers.

Accessing the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web requires the use of a special browser, such as Tor. Tor encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a network of servers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. However, using Tor does not make your activity on the dark web completely anonymous. Law enforcement agencies have tools to monitor and track dark web activity, and there are also risks associated with malware and phishing scams.

FAQs

What is the dark web? The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses.

What is on the dark web? The dark web is known for the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also has legitimate uses, such as whistleblowing, political activism, and journalism.

How do I access the dark web? Accessing the dark web requires the use of a special browser, such as Tor. However, using Tor does not make your activity on the dark web completely anonymous, and there are risks associated with malware and phishing scams.

Is the dark web illegal? No, the dark web itself is not illegal. However, many activities that take place on the dark web, such as the sale of illegal drugs and weapons, are illegal.

Can I get in trouble for accessing the dark web? Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can result in criminal charges. It is important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in illegal activities.