In recent years, the term “dark website” has become increasingly prevalent in the world of cybersecurity. But what exactly is a dark website, and why should you be concerned about it?
- The dark web is an encrypted portion of the internet not visible to the general public via a traditional search engine such as Google.
- The deep web is about 90% of the internet, while the dark web makes up about 5%.
- That’s “a special-use top level domain suffix designating an anonymous hidden service reachable via the Tor network,” according to Wikipedia.
- But I think it’s a shame how it’s missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection (ExpressVPN has full leak protection) — still, I never experienced any leaks in my tests.
- Significantly smaller than the tiny surface web, the dark web is considered a part of the deep web.
What is a Dark Website?
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A dark website, also known as a hidden service, is a website that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through the Tor network. The Tor network is a decentralized network that allows users to browse the internet anonymously, making it an ideal platform for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, and child pornography.
How Does a Dark Website Work?
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When you access a dark website, your internet connection is routed through several different servers around the world, making it nearly impossible to trace your online activity. This level of anonymity is what makes dark websites so attractive to criminals, as it allows them to operate with impunity.
How Do You Access The Dark Web?
Why Should You Be Concerned About Dark Websites?
Who created the dark web?
The earliest form of the modern dark web arose in March 2000 when Irish student Ian Clarke developed and released Freenet, which offers anonymous communication online via a decentralized network of Freenet's users.
Dark Web websites host illegal activities like drug and weapon marketplaces, accessible via search browser programs like Tor which obscure network addresses. Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused. All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate in the dark web all the time. You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts.
While dark websites may seem like a problem that only affects law enforcement agencies, the truth is that they can have serious consequences for everyday internet users. Here are a few reasons why you should be concerned about dark websites:
Can Tor be traced?
Tor browser does offer encryption at the first two levels, but your ISP still knows you're using Tor, and it can easily track your activity at the exit node. Malicious exit nodes are also a problem, mainly because they have no encryption for your traffic when it reaches its final destination.
Security companies use recaptured Dark Web data to even the playing field against fraudsters. This information comes from infected devices, like smartphones and laptops, that allow access remotely to obtain user passwords or other personal data. In addition, ongoing scanning and checks for impostors are provided by this service.
- Malware: Dark websites are often used to distribute malware, which can infect your computer and steal your personal information.
- Phishing: Criminals on dark websites may use phishing techniques to trick you into giving them your login credentials or other sensitive information.
- Ransomware: Dark websites are a popular platform for distributing ransomware, which can encrypt your files and demand payment in exchange for the decryption key.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Dark Websites?
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of dark websites, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are a few tips:
- Use a reputable antivirus program: This can help detect and remove malware before it has a chance to infect your computer.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails: Phishing emails often contain links to dark websites, so it’s important to be wary of any emails that ask for your personal information or encourage you to click on a link.
- Keep your software up to date: Regularly updating your operating system and other software can help protect against vulnerabilities that can be exploited by dark website operators.
To create an anonymous connection between two communication users, one of them must first download and install a client that is described as an onion proxy. The onion proxy is a support program that connects to the Tor network. As a first step, the client downloads directory data which is digitally signed. The directories act as an authority listing all available Tor nodes on the network. The directory data is encrypted asymmetrically so that the client gets real data. The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines.
In conclusion, dark websites are a growing concern in the world of cybersecurity. While they may seem like a problem that only affects law enforcement agencies, the truth is that they can have serious consequences for everyday internet users. By taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to dark website-related threats.
How to use Tor?
Most of the time, simply downloading the Tor Browser and then using it to navigate to the blocked site will allow access. In places where there is heavy censorship we have a number of censorship circumvention options available, including pluggable transports.
