Bankers Life—Retirement Solutions Provider—Faces Member Data Breach
Introduction to the Dark Web
The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, hidden services, and a layer of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines.
Alternatively, users can connect in opennet mode, which automatically assigns peers on the network. Unlike darknet mode, opennet uses a handful of centralized servers in addition to the decentralized peer-to-peer network. Then there’s the less popular VPN over Tor, which is advised against by the official Tor Project. Only two VPN providers that we know of, AirVPN and BolehVPN, offer this service, although neither of these score highly for speeds. Internet traffic first passes through the Tor Network, and then through the VPN.
As privacy becomes more of a concern in our digital world, more people may want to take advantage of the anonymity of the Dark Web. We think of the stories we’ve heard in the news about individuals buying drugs, financial information, organs, or even people through anonymous sources. While there’s no way to ensure all your information stays private, putting protective measures in place can help. Knowing if and when your information is compromised can also help you respond quickly—before too much damage is done. Experian offers a free, one-time dark web scan for your Social Security number, email and phone number. If you want ongoing dark web surveillance, it’s one of the many benefits included with an Experian IdentityWorksSM subscription.
To understand how do you get to the dark web, it’s important to grasp its structure and the necessary tools to access it safely.
Bitcoin solved the problem that previous versions of cryptocurrency couldn’t − it had a special accounting ledger in place that prevented users from copying money. With the release of private browsing networks like Tor, collections of dark websites and a subsequent community of followers began to emerge in full force. In 2002, Tor, a private Internet browsing network, was finally released to the world. By creating an environment in which people could browse online freely and anonymously, Tor’s creators opened the door to the underbelly of the Internet.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different things. Deep web content — which isn’t picked up by search engines, either — includes pages that typically require additional credentials to access. Your online banking accounts and email accounts, for instance, are examples of deep web content. According to Internet Live Stats, the World Wide Web passed the one billion website benchmark in 2014 and is still hovering around that figure.
Understanding the Layers of the Internet
In addition to the possibility of making big money on these Dark Web marketplaces, people seek the Dark Web for other reasons as well. This part of the internet also hosts vast amounts of child pornography, with some websites reaching tens or hundreds of thousands of users. By using the Tor browser, internet users can access the Dark Web to communicate and share data in confidence, without the risk of being traced. Most users on the Dark Web are logged into a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to further conceal themselves.
The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor. The dark web contains much of the internet’s illicit content, ranging from drug trafficking to child pornography sites. Tor over VPN requires you to place some trust in your VPN provider but not your ISP, and is best if you want to access .onion websites.
DeepDotWeb has tons of useful information including news, tutorials, and status reports of top markets and forums in the dark web. If you have to, use a USB drive, format it, transfer files, and reformat it right after. Unless you’re a security expert, never open files retrieved from the dark web.
The internet can be divided into three main layers:
- Surface Web: This is the part of the internet that is publicly accessible and indexed by search engines like Google.
- Deep Web: This layer includes databases, private corporate sites, and other content not indexed by search engines.
- Dark Web: A small section of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.
Requirements to Access the Dark Web
- You must use tools like Tor to hide your identity and get to the dark web.
- While NordVPN is undoubtedly a great service, it’s not without fault.
- The dark web is full of insecure data and tools, which might put you in trouble if you access it without precautionary measures.
- Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate in the dark web all the time.
To safely navigate the dark web, you need specific tools and precautions:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common tool used to access the dark web. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address.
- VPN Service: A reliable Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of anonymity and security.
- Security Measures: Ensure your device has up-to-date antivirus software and firewalls enabled.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Access the Dark Web
If you wish to explore the dark web, follow these steps:
- Download and Install Tor: Visit the official Tor Project website to download the Tor Browser.
- Use a VPN: Before opening Tor, connect to a trustworthy VPN. This will help hide your IP address further.
- Open the Tor Browser: Once everything is set up, open the Tor Browser. It may take a moment to connect to the Tor network.
- Explore Dark Websites: Use .onion sites that are specifically designed for the Tor network. Be cautious and of which sites to visit.
Safety Tips for Surfing the Dark Web
To ensure a safer experience while exploring the dark web, consider the following tips:
- Avoid Personal Information: Never share personal details like your real name, address, or financial information.
- Beware of Scams: The dark web is rife with scams. Do not engage in unfamiliar transactions.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge about threats and security measures related to the dark web.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the dark web?
The dark web serves various purposes, including privacy-focused forums, secure communication for activists, and unfortunately, illicit activities.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it can lead to criminal charges.
Do I need special skills to navigate the dark web?
While navigating the dark web is relatively straightforward with tools like Tor, staying safe does require knowledge of cybersecurity practices.
Are there legal uses for the dark web?
Yes, there are legal uses, such as whistleblowing, privacy-centric communication for journalists, and social activism in oppressive regimes.
Conclusion
Understanding how do you get to the dark web empowers individuals to navigate it safely and responsibly. With the right tools and knowledge, one can explore this hidden part of the internet while minimizing risks.
