What Is The Dark Web Used For

Why Do Criminals Use The Dark Web?

The Dark Web is the portion of the Internet that can only be accessed through specific software. Most casual surfing of the Web takes place on a small piece (5-10%) of the total World Wide Web; this is sometimes called the Surface Web. The other 90-95%—the Deep Web—is basically all the content not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web, by turn, is a fractional part of the larger Deep Web, and requires special browsers to view and navigate. McAfee provides everyday internet users with the tools they need to surf safely and confidently. The Tor Onion Browser is essential for accessing the dark web, designed for user anonymity.

Understanding the Dark Web

Cybercrime is becoming a service-driven economy, and the dark web is where cybercriminals do their business. Cybercriminals can now rent attack software and pay a commission to the owner. Reputation is also becoming the foundation of the dark web network, as businesses begin to operate like corporations.

The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and is only accessible using specific software, most notably the Tor browser. It is often associated with illicit activities, but its functions extend beyond the criminal realm.

• In some cases, this is because they would be in danger if their identity became known – for example in countries where the government forbids a free press or where there is political censorship.
• Your online banking accounts and email accounts, for instance, are examples of deep web content.
• A recent law enforcement crackdown saw a coordinated takedown of many, many servers because if they miss one single server, the whole thing stays running, says Owenson.
• It is made up of websites and other online resources that can only be accessed using special software, configurations, or authorization.
• However, risks exist because threat actors focus efforts on accessing portions of the deep web for potential financial rewards.

What is the Dark Web Used For?

The question of what is the dark web used for encompasses a range of activities, both legal and illegal. Here are some of its primary uses:

Originally used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously, the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world. It uses a technology called “onion routing,” which protects users from surveillance and tracking through a random path of encrypted servers. When users access a site through Tor, their information is routed through thousands of relay points that cover the user’s tracks and make their browsing virtually impossible to trace.

These are two examples of legitimate organizations that have sites on the dark web. But the dark web is best known for the illegal activity that takes place there. Unlike the surface web, there aren’t great search engines for the dark web. You may need to find an onion site’s address on your own, and the names aren’t easy to remember. For example, the CIA’s onion address is ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion, and the nonprofit newsroom ProPublica’s is propub3r6espa33w.onion.

On Tor, you can type in any URL you’d like to visit, including .onion domains on the dark web. Knowing what types of exploits are being performed on one’s organization allows leaders to plan damage control before something happens. For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted. If a data breach happens, it is better to be aware of it and be proactive before it goes public.

• Privacy Protection: Many users turn to the dark web for enhanced privacy and anonymity. This is especially true for individuals living in oppressive regimes where freedom of expression is limited.
• Whistleblowing: The dark web provides a secure platform for whistleblowers to share sensitive information without the fear of retribution. Websites like SecureDrop enable journalists and activists to communicate safely.

As most organizations have ramped up their online presence, their vulnerability to cyberattacks has also increased. With dark web monitoring, organizations can find stolen or leaked information, such as compromised passwords, credentials and other sensitive data being shared and sold among criminals operating on the dark web. All the above advice will provide you with a solid foundation with which to protect your data from criminals. If you are a business, one of the best ways to holistically protect your data is by hiring a managed IT services company to proactively monitor your network for security threats. To further protect your children, you can install monitoring software and content filtering. You’re able to block sites, filter content using keywords, and monitor what they’re searching for.

• Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, the dark web is often known for facilitating illegal transactions, such as drug sales, weapons trafficking, and the exchange of stolen data.
• Forums and Communities: Various forums exist on the dark web where individuals can discuss niche topics, whether related to hacking, privacy techniques, or other interests.

The software involved in dark web monitoring tools enables MSPs to protect both individual endpoint computers and their clients’ businesses as a whole from dangerous cyber threats. Since software applications like Tor provide dark web users with more protection as they browse, it’s easy to think that there are fewer cyber-attacks and threats. Unfortunately, threats are still just as prevalent – if not more – on the dark web as they are on the traditional open web.

• Access to Censored Information: Users in restrictive countries may seek information that is banned or censored in their locales. The dark web can act as a conduit for accessing such data.

The Dual Nature of the Dark Web

The dark web’s reputation is largely negative, but it’s essential to recognize that it also serves legitimate purposes. Understanding its uses helps demystify its complexities and the reasons behind its existence.

Common Misconceptions

Many people equate the dark web solely with illegal activities. However, it also includes:

1. Support Groups: Various communities provide support for individuals facing addiction, trauma, or other personal struggles.
2. Research and Academic Purposes: Researchers studying cybersecurity and data privacy often use the dark web to understand threats and vulnerabilities.
3. Freedom of Speech: Activists and journalists use it as a platform to disseminate information when traditional avenues are compromised.

FAQs About the Dark Web

Q: Is the dark web illegal?

A: Not everything on the dark web is illegal. While it does host illegal activities, it also serves legitimate purposes like privacy and information sharing.

Q: Can I access the dark web safely?

A: While it’s possible to access the dark web more securely by using tools like Tor, users must still exercise caution and be aware of potential security risks.

Q: Do I need special software to access the dark web?

A: Yes, the most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser, which helps anonymize user activity.

The dark web is a multifaceted space that represents both an avenue for freedom and a hub for illegal ventures. Understanding what the dark web is used for is essential for navigating its waters responsibly. By recognizing its diverse uses, individuals can better appreciate the complexities of this hidden side of the internet.