The Dark Side of the Black Internet

When we think of the internet, we often envision a vast network of information and communication that connects us all. However, there is a darker side to the online world known as the black internet.

What is the Black Internet?

Data Safety

The black internet, also referred to as the dark web, is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is a place where users can operate anonymously and engage in activities that are often illegal or unethical.

Hackers have their tricks to exploit public Wi-Fi networks and use these unsecured networks to distribute malicious software, gather data, carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, and much more. If the email tied to your Microsoft account or Apple ID appears in a data breach, there’s an increased risk that someone might try to overtake your account and devices. Then, using file synchronization, they might infect your device with malware. For example, unbeknownst to you, hackers might install a keylogger that tracks every keystroke input into your device. With it, they can gain access to all passwords and other personal information you type on your keyboard.

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On the black internet, you can find illicit marketplaces selling drugs, weapons, stolen data, and other illegal goods and services. Cybercriminals use this hidden network to carry out their activities without being easily traced by law enforcement.

The Dangers of the Black Internet

Do I Need A VPN If I Access The Dark Web On My Phone?

The ‘Dark Web’ uses complex systems that anonymise a user’s true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited. It is generally accessed using dedicated software, the best known is called Tor (The Onion Router). Scammers use this data for malicious activities like identity theft and account takeover.

One of the biggest dangers of the black internet is the anonymity it provides to its users. This anonymity makes it easier for cybercriminals to carry out scams, identity theft, and other malicious activities without fear of being caught.

How To Safely Access The Dark Web

Most internet users access the deep web almost every time they are online. It is tremendously more vast than the surface web, with some experts estimating that search engines index less than 1% of online content. While the content on the dark web has the potential to be more dangerous, this content is usually walled off from regular users. However, it is entirely possible for regular users to accidentally come across harmful content while browsing the deep web, which is much more easily accessible.

Another danger of the black internet is the proliferation of harmful content, including child exploitation, terrorist propaganda, and more. This hidden network allows individuals with nefarious intentions to share and distribute this content without detection.

• Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).
• IT security teams should develop and maintain a robust security awareness training program that educates users about the dangers of the dark web and its impact on business operations.
• But researchers found most drug sales on the dark web were under $100.

The free plan comes with Tor-friendly servers in the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan. This makes it hard to connect to nearby servers, so you might experience noticeable slowdowns — luckily, you get access to VPN Accelerator, which can boost speeds on distant servers. ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for browsing pages on the dark web in 2024 — it supports Tor traffic, provides excellent security and privacy features, and has very fast speeds. There are different categories — my favorite one is Multiple Choice, where you need to pick the most popular autocomplete answer for a random Google search (like “is it ok to swim with …”). OnionName lets you generate an .onion domain name that starts with a specific keyword — like onionamev33r7w4zckyttobq3vrt725iuyr6xessihxifhxrhupixqad.onion/, which is OnionName’s dark web link.

Staying Safe Online

Onion sites are “crawled” and added to the list provided their “robots.txt” file permits it, and if it is not on their blacklist of sites with abuse material. Site operators can also submit their own .onion sites for indexing. The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines.

It is important to be aware of the existence of the black internet and take steps to protect yourself online. Avoid accessing suspicious websites and never provide personal information to unknown sources. Use strong passwords and consider using a VPN for added security.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself from the dangers of the black internet and navigate the online world safely. Remember, the internet can be a powerful tool for good, but it is essential to be aware of its darker side.