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Dark web websites have gained notoriety for being a haven for illegal activities and criminal behavior. While the dark web can be used for legitimate purposes, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with accessing these sites.
What if my Gmail account was found on the dark web?
If your Gmail address is found on the dark web, you can set up 2-factor authentication to protect your account. This adds another layer of security when you sign in to your devices. On your device, open your Google Account. In the navigation panel, select Security.
What are Dark Web Websites?
Is It Illegal To Access The Deep Web Or The Dark Web?
- Dark web websites are part of the deep web, which is not indexed by traditional search engines.
- They require special software, such as Tor, to access anonymously.
- These sites often host illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and hacking services.
It is also a good idea to employ online security services for active monitoring of identity and financial theft. Not Evil has more than 32 million websites and addresses indexed from Tor servers, as well as more than 14 million onion links. The Not Evil search engine is a not-for-profit operation, and it relies on a community of volunteers who report false results and log “abusive” sites. If you go premium, you’ll lose the ads and gain additional data insights and access to historical versions of websites. Haystak is one of the best dark web search engines on the Tor network.
Why are Dark Web Websites Dangerous?
Is The Dark Web Illegal?
- Dark web websites offer a cloak of anonymity to users, making it easy for criminals to operate without fear of being caught.
- Many of these sites are rife with scams and fraud schemes, preying on unsuspecting individuals.
- Accessing dark web websites can expose you to malware and other security threats.
How to Stay Safe
Can I Use A Free VPN To Access The Dark Web?
Many popular websites, for example, Facebook, have a version of their site hosted on the dark web. But many dark web sites are also dangerous, and their content can be downright illegal. Owenson acknowledges Tor has legitimate uses for privacy and circumventing censorship; however, his research suggests the vast majority of activity is criminal in nature.
- Avoid accessing dark web websites altogether, unless you have a compelling reason to do so.
- Use a secure and reputable VPN when browsing the internet to protect your identity and data.
- Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
In the summer of 2017, a team of cyber cops from three countries successfully shut down AlphaBay, the dark web’s largest source of contraband, sending shudders throughout the network. Dark web search engines exist, but even the best are challenged to keep up with the constantly shifting landscape. The experience is reminiscent of searching the web in the late 1990s.
#1 Install A VPN
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangers of the dark web?
Other illicit marketplaces on the Dark Web
Besides personal information yielded from data breaches and various other types of cyber attacks and online scams, these black markets also offer illegal drugs, access to emerging cyber threats and viruses, and even hitmen for hire [*].
- Can I get in trouble for accessing dark web websites?
- Yes, if you engage in illegal activities or purchase illegal goods/services, you could face legal consequences.
- Are there any legitimate uses for the dark web?
- Yes, journalists, activists, and individuals living under oppressive regimes may use the dark web to communicate securely.
- Is it possible to shut down dark web websites?
- Law enforcement agencies work to take down illegal sites, but new ones always pop up to take their place.
Is it safe to use Tor?
Because of how it operates, Tor is generally safe to use, and Tor onion browser offer several benefits like heightened safety and privacy. Before using the Tor browser, though, users should be aware of any potential legal issues with Tor in their country, and that they could be flagged for its use.
