If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.įinally, if you decide to explore the dark web, be sure to take the proper precautions. That means plenty of trap sites (called honeypots) out there designed to lure in unsuspecting users. Why? Well, using your real name or personal information can make you vulnerable to identity theft, and maximizing your browser window can reveal information about your computer that makes you susceptible to being tracked.Īnother essential thing to remember is that law enforcement frequently uses the dark web to catch criminals. First, it’s crucial to follow the unwritten rules of the dark web.įor example, never use your real name or personal information when creating an account, and never maximize your window. ![]() These are just some examples of the many forums and communities that can be found on the dark web.īut before you go rushing off to explore the dark web, you should know some vital tips. Whistleblowers can use the dark web to leak information without fear of retribution. In some areas of the world with strict internet laws, people may wish to converse online without surveillance or censorship from their governments. Yes, there are illegal goods and services for sale, but there are also some fascinating and valuable forums and communities to explore.įor example, journalists and activists use the dark web to communicate anonymously and protect their sources. There are plenty of innocent reasons why someone might want to access the dark web. Identity theft is a real threat, and the dark web is where it can happen.īut let’s not get too dark and scary just yet. ![]() That’s because data breaches and cyber attacks can result in your personal details being sold on the dark web. You might be thinking, “Why should I care about the dark web if I’m not involved in anything illegal?” Unfortunately, your personal information may still be available even if you’re not using the dark web. It is still being determined precisely how much of the Internet this hidden section makes up, but estimates vary from less than 1% to as much as 5%. The dark web is home to websites that aren’t accessible through your browser, and it’s where people go to buy and sell illegal goods and services, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, in recent years, it has become a tool for people who want to remain anonymous online, including whistleblowers and journalists. The goal was to create a way for government agents to communicate with each other anonymously. Tor, short for “The Onion Router,” is a free and open-source software initially developed by the US Navy. Simply put, the dark web is a part of the Internet that, much like the deep web, is not indexed by search engines however, due to the level at which it is hidden (or encrypted), it requires specific software, such as Tor, to access it. If the top of the iceberg is what we see every day and the massive middle of the iceberg is the large amount of content on the Internet that lurks beneath the surface, then what is the dark web? This massive piece of the Internet is estimated to make up over 90% of the Internet. This section includes government records, academic information, medical records, and other private databases not indexed by search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. The deep web is the most extensive section of the internet iceberg. This section contains everything you see daily on sites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube. This small surface section of the Internet iceberg is estimated to make up less than 4% of the Internet. Hence why it is commonly referred to as the tip of the iceberg. The surface web is the digital world that all of us are familiar with and see daily. The tip of the iceberg is called the surface web, the gigantic middle section is called the deep web, and the deep dark bottom section is called the dark web. It’s best to think of the Internet as an iceberg divided into 3 different sections. The Internet is an interwoven web of computers and servers, but not all are accessible to the average user. So what exactly is the dark web, and why should you care about it?īefore we get into the juicy stuff, let’s start with the basics. It’s a mysterious and shadowy part of the Internet that few dare to venture into, but many are curious about. The dark web and its infamous reputation have captured the public’s imagination. You know, the ones – with ominous music, flashing red lights, and scare tactics designed to make you feel your digital life is relentlessly under attack.įrom anti-virus companies to financial institutions, “Dark Web” and “Hackers” have been used as trigger words in advertising campaigns. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly bombarded with ads and commercials trying to get me to “opt-in” or subscribe to “dark web scanning” and “identity protection” services.
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