What is the Dark Web Used For?

The Dark Web exists within the deep web and is only accessible to users who have installed anonymous browsers such as Tor. Facts about the dark web include its use of encryption and anonymity tools to protect the identity of its users. The most common tool used to access the Dark Web is Tor (The Onion Router), which is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. Tor uses Onion Routing, a technique that encrypts data multiple times and sends it through a network of servers, making it difficult to trace the origin of the data. To access the Dark Web, one must use a special browser, such as Tor, which encrypts the user’s internet traffic and bounces it through a series of servers to hide the user’s identity. This makes it difficult for anyone to track the user’s online activity.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It has gained notoriety for its association with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we’ll explore what the dark web is used for, both legally and illegally.

Worried About Threats On The Dark Web?

Illegal Activities on the Dark Web

Drugs and Weapons: The dark web is often used for the sale and purchase of illegal drugs and weapons. These transactions are conducted through cryptocurrencies, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace them.

• ZeroNet utilizes Bitcoin cryptography and BitTorrent technology to support a decentralized censorship-resistant network that relies on users to “seed” or host site files.
• As a result, many of the 65,000 “.onion” URLs active on Tor are being monitored and overtaken by government authorities.
• Performing a penetration test makes it possible to secure the data that flows or is stored in these applications, to avoid leaks on the web (whether on the visible or hidden web).
• If you’re still unsure how to best defend your clients against threats on the dark web, you may want to run their current system through our dark web risk assessment.

While that’s a vast number, it still doesn’t account for the lesser-known, more nefarious side of the internet – the dark web. To have a thriving MSP business, you’ll need to protect your clients on both fronts. The layered encryption system in the Tor browser makes it impossible to track the identity and location of the users.

Due to the nature of the dark web, organisations can gain critical insights into underground criminal activities, breached data, emerging threats, threat actor communication, IOCs, early warning signs and more. Similar to using a standard web browser to access the open web, the act of using Tor or a dark web browser to access the dark web is not illegal in and of itself. It is illegal to perform illegal acts on the dark web, regardless of the level of anonymity provided by the platform. The dark web is also unregulated, meaning that it is run and upheld by a vast network of individuals around the world.

Is It Illegal To Go On The Dark Web?​

Hacking and Cybercrime: The dark web is a hub for hackers and cybercriminals who sell stolen data, such as credit card information and personal identities. They also offer services such as DDoS attacks and ransomware.

Child Pornography: Unfortunately, the dark web is also used for the sharing and distribution of child pornography. This is a serious crime and is illegal in all countries.

Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web

Whistleblowing and Leaks: The dark web can be used to leak sensitive information, such as government secrets or corporate wrongdoing, without fear of retribution. It provides a safe space for whistleblowers to share information without being traced.

How To Access The Dark Web? – (Enter At Your Own Risk!)

Consider hiring a Dark Web monitoring service such as Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection to scan the Dark Web for signs that your data was exposed, helping you take steps to secure it if necessary. In addition, ongoing scanning and checks for impostors are provided by this service. When we think of the Dark Web, our first thoughts often turn to illegal marketplaces and extortion scams. While this may be true for certain elements, the Dark Web also serves as an outlet where those in need can seek support – from victims of abuse or divorce proceedings to people struggling with mental illnesses. Researchers and journalists also find great use in using it for their investigations.

Political Dissidents and Activists: The dark web is used by political dissidents and activists in countries with repressive regimes to communicate and organize without being monitored by the government.

This network contains thousands of volunteers who operate proxy servers to route dark web requests. As such, no one is responsible for setting rules or ensuring their adherence. This operating model is what makes the dark web such a valuable and appealing tool for cybercriminals and other people with questionable intentions.

Privacy and Anonymity: The dark web provides a level of privacy and anonymity that is not possible on the surface web. This can be useful for people who want to keep their online activities private, such as journalists and researchers.

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 small subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.

Is it illegal to access the dark web? No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many illegal activities take place on the dark web, and accessing it can put you at risk of accidentally engaging in illegal activities or becoming a target for hackers.

How do I access the dark web? To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser, such as Tor, that routes your internet connection through a series of servers to hide your IP address. It’s important to note that accessing the dark web can be risky, and you should take precautions to protect your privacy and security.

Can the dark web be shut down? It is difficult to shut down the dark web completely because it is decentralized and operates on a peer-to-peer network. However, law enforcement agencies can take down individual sites and arrest those responsible for illegal activities.

Is the dark web dangerous? The dark web can be dangerous because it is often associated with illegal activities and hackers. However, as long as you take precautions to protect your privacy and security, you can safely browse the dark web without putting yourself at risk.