The Underbelly of the Internet: Understanding the Illegal Dark Web
The term illegal dark web commonly refers to a segment of the internet that exists outside the reach of traditional search engines and is often associated with unsavory or criminal activities. This hidden part of the internet is accessible only through specific software, configurations, or authorization, making it a realm where anonymity prevails.
Daniel’s website listed around 7,000 onion sites, which were categorized for easier browsing. Moreover, it had a built-in status check to let users know whether a particular website is online. Now, let’s talk about some of the most popular darknet sites to visit, starting with commonly used dark web search engines and other sites you can use to discover dark web links. Browsers like Tor, an open-source and free software, allow people to access dark websites where these goods are available, like a digital marketplace.
What is the Dark Web?
- Knowing if your information is on the dark web is a critical part to protecting yourself from threats.
- Some forums have corresponding Telegram channels, so keep track of them to understand relevant threat actor activity.
- Hackers don’t always attack companies and individuals to use the breached data themselves.
- Prices for harvested data on 2Easy are comparatively cheaper than the bots found on the Genesis market; some logs go for as little as $5.
- These results are preliminary, and more enhanced datasets will offer better detection services to law enforcement authorities.
- People often use the dark web to keep their online activity anonymous.
The best dark web sites provide access to educational materials, host secure services, or bypass government censorship. Dark websites are hidden under layers of encryption that cloak user activity, which can be a boon to whistleblowers, activists, and others who don’t want anyone tracking their activity. Sites on the surface web (or open web) are those visible to average users without the use of Tor or any other special browsers or software. Sites on the surface web are also indexable and can be easily found using search engines. In a classic example, the surface web can be imagined as the tip of a large iceberg whose bulk remains hidden just under the surface.
The dark web is infamous for illicit underground dark web marketplaces selling contraband across international borders. The Silk Road rose to notoriety in 2011 after a longform article was featured on the then popular site, Gawker. The Silk Road was eventually shuttered by law enforcement agents in 2013. But since the bust, several more dark web markets have appeared in its wake, each seeming more competent then the last. Well-known dark web marketplaces for illegal drug sales and other items include Alpha Bay, Agora and countless others. Most people only interact with the visible or “surface web.” These are the nearly two billion public websites you can access through search engines — from Wikipedia to public sector websites and news sites.
The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which itself is part of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. Unlike the visible web, the dark web is intentionally hidden and requires unique protocols to access, such as:
By training machine learning models on this dataset, researchers can develop tools for automatically identifying and classifying drugs in online listings on Darknet marketplaces. 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. Browsing the dark web is safe as long as you’re accessing legitimate content. Many websites are run by cybercriminals that offer all kinds of illegal goods and services.
- Tor (The Onion Router)
- I2P (Invisible Internet Project)
- Freenet
That’s most likely why the explorers put their blogs up on the dark web instead of on the surface web. To view snapshots from specific websites, simply enter the domain name of the website, and you’ll find a collection of available snapshots. It can save a version of a web page that will always be online even if the original post disappears.
For built-in Tor over VPN functionality, NordVPN operates specialized servers that automatically route you through the Tor network. You don’t even need to use Tor Browser, but keep in mind other browsers can still pass identifying information through the network. Alternatively, there’s IPVanish who claim to be the world’s number one VPN for Tor and comes highly recommended, you can save 60% on the annual plan here. Reddit is also a valuable resource for finding the dark net or deep website you’re looking for.
Four themes and 14 categories were generated and discussed, including information on accessing the deep web, the Darknet online drug trading sites, search engines, and cryptocurrencies. The paper is a systematic guide for addiction professionals on the deep web and online drug marketplaces. Aside from drugs, illegal wildlife trade also happens on the Darkweb, although the extent of such trade is lower than the open trade on the surface web. One such study [26] found one case of illegal trade related to wildlife related to the sale and discussion of a cactus species used for its hallucinogenic properties. The work discusses the ineffectiveness of enforcement against illegal wildlife trade and the need for more efforts.
Characteristics of the Illegal Dark Web
The illegal dark web is notorious for facilitating a variety of illicit activities. Here are some defining characteristics:
Dark Net And Tor Network
- Anonymity: Users can operate with a degree of privacy that is difficult to achieve on the surface web.
- Illicit Goods and Services: A marketplace for illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit currencies, and stolen data.
- Cybercrime: Hacking services, malware distribution, and credit card fraud are prevalent.
- Illegal Information: Access to manuals for illegal activities and how-to guides.
Popular Markets on the Illegal Dark Web
Several notorious platforms have emerged within the illegal dark web, often operating under the radar until law enforcement intervenes. Some of these include:
- Silk Road: Known for its role in drug trafficking, it was one of the first major dark web markets.
- AlphaBay: A popular marketplace for various illegal items, shut down by law enforcement in 2017.
- Hydra: A Russian-language marketplace that continues to operate, primarily for narcotics.
Risks of Engaging with the Illegal Dark Web
Engaging with the illegal dark web can come with serious risks, including:
- Legal Consequences: Law enforcement monitor dark web activities, and attempting to purchase illegal goods can lead to arrests.
- Scams and Fraud: Many vendors are not trustworthy, and customers can easily fall victim to fraud.
- Malware Threats: The risk of encountering malicious software is heightened, threatening users’ devices and data.
- Exposure to Disturbing Content: Users may unintentionally access illegal or graphic content.
Staying Safe: Best Practices
If one decides to explore the illegal dark web, adhering to best practices can mitigate some risks:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network adds an additional layer of anonymity.
- Update Security Software: Ensure that your devices are protected against malware.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Protect your identity by not sharing any personal details.
- Research Vendors: Engage only with well-reviewed and trusted sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is everything on the dark web illegal?
A: No, while there are numerous illegal activities, the dark web also hosts forums for privacy advocates and whistleblowers.
Q: Can the average person access the illegal dark web?
A: Yes, anyone with the necessary software and basic knowledge can access it, but caution is essential due to legal and security risks.
Q: How are law enforcement agencies combating the illegal dark web?
A: Agencies use various techniques, including monitoring activities, infiltration, and collaboration with international organizations to take down illegal operations.
The illegal dark web remains a complex and risky area of the internet characterized by its anonymity and illicit activities. Awareness of its dangers is crucial for anyone considering exploring this hidden domain.
