The dark web is a hub for threat actors’ activity; users can endanger themselves when they engage with malicious actors or fail to take the necessary steps to protect themselves. Careless usage of the dark web can expose a user’s personally identifiable information (PII); users could even discover that their PIIs were leveraged in illegal transactions without their knowledge. Risk also arises when a user downloads pirated content containing malware like trojans, worms, and keyloggers, allowing themselves to be tracked and monitored. The terms dark web and deep web are often used interchangeably; they both share functional similarities and operational differences that make them unique in the cybersecurity threat landscape.
Sci-Hub is mostly useful for academics who know the PMID, DOI, or URLs of papers they want to access. At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public. Riseup provides email and chat services that keep no record of your activity.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. In this article, we will explore the latest dark web news and what you need to know to stay safe.
What is the Dark Web?
Yes, you can connect to a VPN server before launching the Tor Browser to hide your IP address from any node in the Tor network, and to hide the fact that you are using Tor from your network operator. Offering books for free, shadow libraries face the morality question of copyright vs. access to information and knowledge. Just Another Library is one such service, with a wealth of books covering computer programming, how to earn on dark web science, and niche hobbies (sailors’ knots, anyone?). It also offers works of art, course material, and audiobooks for download. Pastebins are text sharing services, useful for sending and sharing large snippets of code or text. ZeroBin offers an extra secure version of this service by only encrypting and decrypting text in the browser, meaning their servers have no knowledge of what is passing through it.
Download The Tor Browser
The dark web is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often used for illegal activities because of its anonymity and the difficulty of tracing transactions. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as for whistleblowers and journalists who need to communicate securely.
Dark Web News: Recent Developments
In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases involving the dark web. Here are some of the latest dark web news developments:
- In 2021, the FBI announced the takedown of the world’s largest dark web child pornography site.
- In 2020, the personal data of over 200 million Americans was being sold on the dark web.
- In 2019, the Wall Street Market, one of the largest dark web marketplaces, was taken down by European police.
How to Stay Safe on the Dark Web
If you need to access the dark web for legitimate reasons, it is important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips:
- Use a reputable VPN service to hide your IP address.
- Only use the Tor browser to access the dark web.
- Do not download any files or click on links from unknown sources.
- Use two-factor authentication for all accounts.
- Never share your personal information or login credentials.
What Is Dark Web Monitoring?
Reports show cybercriminals obfuscating dark web links in social media URLs, luring unsuspecting users to enter. Organizations should update their cybersecurity policies and caution against best onion links use of the dark web. Educate employees that downloading a Tor application is against company policy and actions such as posting confidential data can lead to suspension or litigation.
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that can only be accessed using special software. The deep web includes things like academic databases and corporate intranets, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Using Onion Over A VPN — All You Need To Know
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing certain websites can lead to criminal charges.
However, you should make sure to be a responsible dark web user and take some precautions before going down this road. These include, among others, getting a solid VPN, like NordVPN, and a solid antivirus, like Norton 360, to protect yourself from dark web malware. The volunteers who own public entry nodes can still see some of your information, such as your real IP address.
Can the dark web be shut down?
Shutting down the dark web is difficult due to its decentralized nature. However, law enforcement agencies have had success in taking down individual websites and marketplaces.
Tools And Services Of The Dark Web
How can I access the dark web?
The dark web can only be accessed using special software, such as the Tor browser. It is important to take precautions to stay safe when accessing the dark web, such as using a VPN and never sharing your personal information.
- Policing involves targeting specific activities of the private web deemed illegal or subject to internet censorship.
- Online communities tend to get highly polarized, and exposure to opposing information or criticism can cause a backfire effect, reinforcing group attachment and echo chambers [56].
- “Onion services take load off scarce exit nodes, preserve end-to-end encryption [and] the self-authenticating domain name resists spoofing,” explained Prof Steven Murdoch, a cyber-security expert from University College London.
- The unregulated nature of the Dark Web makes it a risky alternative to COVID-19 information, attracting individuals who are suspicious about the pandemic and overall active online users.
What should I do if I find my personal information on the dark web?
If you find your personal information on the dark web, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. This may include freezing your credit, monitoring your bank and credit card statements, and filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
