The Dark Web is a part of the Internet that is accessed using private and encrypted networks, such as Tor (The Onion Router), which allows users to browse anonymously without leaving a trace. Tor was originally developed to protect users' privacy and security, but it has also been used to authorize connection to sites that are not available on the open Internet.
It is through the Dark Web that hackers, scammers and other criminals hide to carry out their activities, such as financial crimes, for example. Although it offers anonymity and privacy to its users, it is not a place secure, as it is considered an obscure network of the Internet. Users are at risk of becoming victims of scams or fraud and being tracked by law enforcement authorities.
Difference between Dark Web and Deep Web
The Deep Web and the Dark Web are two distinct areas of the Internet that cannot be accessed through common search engines, such as Google. Both networks are often associated with illegal and criminal activities, but there are significant differences between them. Below are some of the differences:
DARK WEB | DEEP WEB |
Part of the internet that can only be accessed through the Tor browser. Intentionally hidden and inaccessible through traditional browsers. | Part of the internet that cannot be accessed through conventional search engines such as Google or Bing. |
Often associated with illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms sales, child pornography and other criminal activities. | Mainly made up of legitimate websites that are not indexed by search engines. |
Not accessible via standard search engines. | Includes sites that require login and password to access, private databases, e-commerce sites that are not indexed by search engines, among other content. |
Both are distinct and separate parts of the internet, with different purposes and risks. While the Deep Web is an important part of the Internet that can be accessed legally and used for legitimate purposes, the Dark Web is a clandestine and dangerous area where illegal and criminal activities can take place.
How It Works
The legitimate sites that are part of the Dark Web are generally created by those who want to keep what is private to themselves, as well as their security on the Internet. These are people who function as investigative journalists, political activists and privacy advocates.
These sites provide important information that is not publicly available on the regular internet, as well as services and products that are not legally marketed in some countries.
Therefore, it is possible to find authentic sites on the Dark Web, which provide services and information in a secure and anonymous way. Some examples include:
The Intercept: Investigative journalism site reporting on politics, civil rights, privacy and other important issues.
Sci-Hub: Site with free access to scientific articles that would normally be paid for.
The Hidden Wiki: Site that works as a directory of the Dark Web, listing various sites and services available on the network.
Blockchain: Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology information site.
ProPublica: Investigative journalism site with reports on important and controversial subjects.
DuckDuckGo: Search engine that provides privacy and anonymity to the user.
To access them, you need to have the Tor browser and know the address of the specific website. Usually, these are addresses that are difficult to remember and contain a series of random letters and numbers, they are sites that are accessed through unique addresses, which end in .onion. Be very careful when browsing the Dark Web, as there are also illegal and dangerous sites that can put the security of those who use it at risk.
Financial transactions made on the Dark Web are often carried out using cryptocurrencies, which makes it difficult to trace the money in case of fraud.
Risks
Due to the encrypted nature of the Dark Web, it is difficult for authorities to locate and recognize who performs such activities. However, browsing can be risky as they will be exposed to cyber threats such as malware, phishing and other types of attacks. It is important to be careful when browsing the Dark Web and protect your identity and personal information.
While not everything is illegal, there are risks associated with the Dark Web. They are:
Cybercrime: The Dark Web is known to be a haven for criminal activities, such as those involving cybersecurity.
Hacking: The Dark Web is often used by hackers to sell stolen information such as passwords and bank card numbers.
Viruses and malware: Many sites on the Dark Web contain viruses and malware, which cause infection or damage to your computer.
Phishing Attacks: Hackers on the Dark Web often use phishing techniques to trick users into stealing their financial and personal information.
Scams: Several sites on the Dark Web provide erroneous services and products and, therefore, it will be difficult to identify the authenticity of each one.
Surveillance: Use of the Dark Web may attract the attention of government agencies and law enforcement agencies, who are likely to monitor network activity.
To browse the Dark Web safely, great care must be taken to protect what is personal to the user, including his identity. Below, precautions to be taken:
Using a VPN and Tor Browser: Helps hide the user's IP address and keep their identity safe while connected to the Dark Web.
Do not click on unknown links or download files: The links can lead to malicious sites that steal personal information and infect the computer of those who use the Dark Web, even more so with the files downloaded files that may have malware.
Avoid sharing personal information: Real name, address, passwords and others, should never be disclosed while the Dark Web is being accessed.
Do not trust sites that ask for money in advance: There are several sites on the Dark Web that do this in exchange for services, but they are usually fake.
Do not do business with people you do not know: Doing business on the Dark Web is risky, as there are people involved in prohibited activities there.
Keep your antivirus and antimalware software up-to-date: Computer protected against attacks that may arise from accessing the Dark Web, such as malware.
In summary, the Dark Web is a dark and dangerous digital space that poses numerous threats to the security of users. While it might be tempting to explore it out of curiosity, it's important to remember that accessing the Dark Web can lead to serious and irreparable consequences.
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