Exploring the Dark Web: What Lies Beneath

By monitoring known dark web marketplaces, Avast BreachGuard will alert you immediately if and when your data is made available for sale. That way, you can change your passwords and protect your accounts before anyone can use your data against you. The Hidden Wiki is a surface website offering a collection of dark web links — but the links don’t always work, and they may not be safe.

The term “dark web” often conjures up images of illicit activities, illegal transactions, and anonymity. But what exactly is on the dark web, and why is it shrouded in mystery?

Is The Dark Web Used For Illegal Purposes?

What is the Dark Web?

• Once connected, you’ll have access to dark net websites called “Tor hidden services”. Instead of “.com” or “.org”, Dark Web addresses trail with a “.onion“.
• Depending on the size of your digital footprint and your online privacy setup, your personal data may be leaking in small drips or flooding onto the Dark Web.
• That groundwork was the basis for the Tor Project, which was released in 2002 and launched a browser in 2008.
• Thankfully, law enforcement has arrested many buyers and sellers of child pornography on the Dark Web through sting operations, shutting down some of the biggest marketplaces.
• Numerous criminal activities are carried out on the dark web, such as the trafficking of stolen personal information, weapons and illegal drugs.
• As described above, many illicit marketplaces and forums operate within its hidden layers, enabling the trade of prohibited items and services.

The dark web is a part of the internet that cannot be accessed through traditional search engines like Google or Bing. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access websites on the dark web. These websites are not indexed by conventional search engines and are hidden from the public eye.

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Every time you access your bank account, stream tv on your account, enter a database. The threat comes when you access illegal sites or engage in illegal transactions. This includes things such as purchasing unlicensed weapons, child pornography, or worse. In essence, the illegal areas of the deep web belong to the dark web.

What Can You Find on the Dark Web?

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Not only might you end up in jail for buying illegal or illicit goods and services, but there is no guarantee that what you are trying to buy will arrive. Many retailers simply disappear with your money and set up shop under a new alias or there is a chance that your purchased goods will be seized at border crossings or en-route. While Tor provides a high level of anonymity and privacy, there are certain aspects of online activity that Tor does not fully protect against. Those webpages are then accessible by a .onion TLD, just inside the Tor network. She has an educational background in journalism and has worked in content marketing across several industries, including finance and cybersecurity.

While the dark web has gained notoriety for being a hub for illegal activities, it also hosts legitimate websites and forums. Here are some things you might find on the dark web:

If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. If we continue to visualize the entire web like an iceberg, the open web would be the top portion that’s above the water. From a statistical standpoint, this collective of websites and data makes up under 5% of the total internet. There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks.

Dark Web Relevancy For Security Objectives

• Illegal Goods and Services: The dark web is known for being a marketplace for illegal goods and services, such as drugs, weapons, stolen data, and counterfeit money.
• Whistleblower Platforms: Some websites on the dark web provide a platform for whistleblowers to share sensitive information anonymously.
• Censored Content: The dark web can be used to access censored content in countries with strict internet censorship laws.
• Forums and Communities: There are various forums and communities on the dark web where users discuss a wide range of topics, from cybersecurity to privacy.

Is it Safe to Explore the Dark Web?

While there are legitimate uses for the dark web, it is important to exercise caution when exploring this hidden part of the internet. Here are some tips to stay safe on the dark web:

Private data appearing in this space is entirely at the disposal of whoever holds it. Think of dark web monitoring as a search engine for your client’s activity on the dark web. Dark web monitoring tools can help track down information that’s been leaked, such as passwords, financial information, compromised login credentials, and much more. According to experts, the dark web is over 500 times the size of the open web and constantly growing. The network of threat actors in this “shadow realm” of the world wide web is ever-growing, and any information they get their hands on is harvested as much as possible.

1. Use VPN: To protect your identity and maintain anonymity, use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing the dark web.
2. Avoid Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can have serious consequences, so steer clear of any illicit offerings.
3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the risks associated with the dark web and how to navigate it safely.

Exploring the dark web can be a fascinating and eye-opening experience, but it is essential to approach it with caution and an awareness of the potential dangers. By understanding what lies beneath the surface, you can navigate the dark web responsibly and safely.