Keeping Your Kids Safe From Deep Web Games & The Dark Web
More out-of-reach commodities such as a French passport can cost up to $4,000. The most notorious of all Dark Web marketplaces was Silk Road which, at its peak, catered to over 100,000 buyers. Developed in the mid-1990s to keep U.S. intelligence communications from prying eyes, the Tor Project is the preferred method to access Dark Web content. Still, this is not the same as the Dark Web, a term you’ve likely seen around. The Dark Web is yet another fraction of the internet that’s not equivalent to the Deep Web.
Understanding the Dark Web Entry
The Dark Web is a collection of websites, forums, and marketplaces that are only accessible by using the Tor browser. This specialized browser grants users a level of anonymity that is especially appealing to cybercriminals, hackers, and government operatives who want to hide their identity. As with the early internet, the dark web has a reputation as a haven for illegal activities and is frequently implicated in illicit and criminal activity.
The dark web entry serves as a gateway to a hidden part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to access the Dark Web responsibly and securely, whether you’re on a computer, an Android phone, or an iPhone. Remember, knowledge is power; being aware of what you’re getting into can help you navigate the Dark Web safely and legally. Browser fingerprinting and online tracking are virtually impossible when you’re connected to the dark web via Tor Browser. That means your browsing behavior and traffic patterns can’t be collected and used by third-party advertisers.
The dark web’s anonymity makes it a safe space for whistleblowers, which also makes it a valuable source of information for the government. Additionally, the technology for onion routing was actually developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to provide levels of protection for classified government communication online. For these reasons, a shutdown of the dark web by the government is extremely unlikely, said Javier Vargas, VP of research and development at cybersecurity company Lumu.
Wired published an article back in 2014 called “Use privacy services? The NSA is probably tracking you” which explains how the NSA is tagging people who were identified as TOR users. Although no one knows your identity when using TOR, some people like to add an additional layer of protection and connect to TOR via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The reason for that is that even though you’re anonymous, you can still be identified as using TOR for “something”.
The criminal groups that developed the malware gets a cut of the affiliates’ earnings, typically between 20% and 30%. IBM estimates that REvil’s profits in the past year were $81 million.
This section of the internet requires specific software and configurations to access, primarily using the Tor network.
Journalists also turn to the dark web to keep informers anonymous and safe. The dark web plays a role in all the data breaches reported in the news. This is because cybercriminals like identity thieves buy, sell, and trade this information in dark web marketplaces and forums.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web comprises encrypted online content that users access via anonymity-focused tools.
- The deep web is also used by corporate organizations that want to protect sensitive business-related information, such as hospitals with online networks for internal use only.
- Most sites do this by deliberately placing “meta tags” in their website code to make it easier for crawlers to catalog them properly.
- As with the other parts of the internet, the dark web doesn’t refer to a specific site or page.
- Even if you never make a purchase, you could be watched and incriminate yourself for other activities later in life.
It is a small part of the broader deep web, which is not indexed by standard internet search engines.
How to Access the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web entry involves several steps:
- Download a Tor browser, which anonymizes your web traffic.
- Configure your security settings based on your preferences.
- Utilize specific .onion links to access dark web sites.
Each site on the dark web has an .onion domain, which cannot be accessed through standard browsers.
Safety Measures
When embarking on a dark web entry, consider the following safety tips:
- Use a VPN to mask your IP address.
- Keep your software up-to-date to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Be cautious of the sites you visit; not all are safe.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web is notorious for various activities, including:
- Illegal transactions involving drugs and weapons.
- Forums for hackers and cybercriminals.
- Whistleblower platforms for sharing sensitive information.
- Access to censored content in oppressive regimes.
FAQs
Is the dark web illegal?
No, the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities that occur there are against the law.
Can I browse the dark web safely?
Yes, but it requires implementing security measures to protect your identity and personal information.
What types of websites exist on the dark web?
Websites on the dark web can range from forums and blogs to marketplaces and news outlets.
How can I find links to dark web sites?
Link directories, forums, and guides are available on the surface web to guide you to safe .onion pages.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of a dark web entry is essential for navigating this unique part of the internet.
With the right tools, knowledge, and precautions, users can explore this hidden world while minimizing risks.
