Managers should run phishing simulations and train users to be wary of Tor-based web addresses that end with “.onion” instead of .com, .net, .edu, or .gov. Reports show cybercriminals obfuscating dark web links in social media URLs, luring unsuspecting users to enter. Organizations should update their cybersecurity policies and caution against use of the dark web. Educate employees that downloading a Tor application is against company policy and actions such as posting confidential data can lead to suspension or litigation. Tor hidden services, which hide the IP address of a web site and thus its administrator’s identity, have been widely used for online narcotics sales like the Silk Road and even child pornography.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, and as such, it is important to stay informed about the latest dark web news.
What is the Dark Web?
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The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. These websites are often used for illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Sites on the deep web also use Tor (or similar software such as I2P, the “Invisible Internet Project”) to remain anonymous, meaning you won’t be able to find out who’s running them or where they’re being hosted.
- SecureDrop is one of the most reliable file-sharing sites on the deep web.
- Rhysider saw a post from someone who said they worked at Taco Bell and was offering to help access someone else’s personal information by resetting that user’s account (as long as they have a username for that account) for $60.
- The internet has made it easier for people to buy and sell a huge variety of wildlife—from orchids, cacti and fungi to thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as insects, corals and other invertebrates.
- It’s divided into commercial links (from crypto services to gambling sites) and non-commercial links (like social media).
- Therefore, it is highly advisable that businesses educate employees on the dangers the dark web poses.
Dark Web News: Recent Developments
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In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases involving the dark web. Here are some of the most notable dark web news stories:
- The Silk Road: The Silk Road was an online marketplace that was used to sell illegal drugs. It was shut down by the FBI in 2013, and its founder, Ross Ulbricht, was sentenced to life in prison.
- The Shadow Brokers: The Shadow Brokers is a hacking group that stole and leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA). They have been active on the dark web since 2016.
- The Celebgate Hack: The Celebgate Hack was a data breach that occurred in 2014, in which hackers stole and leaked nude photos of several celebrities. The hackers used the dark web to distribute the stolen photos.
It’s further important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web — as the next section explains. It’s important to note that just because this type of content isn’t on the surface doesn’t mean it’s nefarious or has ill intent. A lot of the time, this content isn’t indexed because it includes pages that are meant to be hidden to protect consumer privacy, such as those that require login credentials. Dark web monitoring should always be done with the goal of high ethics and intelligence gathering only. Organizations should aim to set an established baseline of goals, key areas to monitor, and rules of engagement. They should also ensure that they are gathering the necessary information to help aid identifying and tracking of exploits and actions taken by cybercriminals.
How to Access the Dark Web
Accessing the dark web requires the use of a special browser called the Tor browser. The Tor browser encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a series of servers, making it difficult to trace. However, it is important to note that accessing the dark web can be dangerous, as it is often used for illegal activities.
Dark Web News: Safety Tips
It’s a hidden collective of sites that you could only access through a special browser. Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default, it is definitely where the murkiest transactions on the internet take place. A study by researchers at King’s College London that examined the contents of over 2,700 darknet sites found that approximately 60% of them hosted illicit content. To make its journalism more accessible to readers around the world, the New York Times launched its onion service in 2017. You won’t find any “hidden” stories here—it’s the same content as the normal web edition—but users in countries with government censorship will appreciate having a secure way to access it. In the digital era, it is necessary to recognize the role of various online platforms and how they can shape perceptions, opinions, and even behavior in the time of a global crisis.
If you do decide to access the dark web, it is important to take certain precautions to protect yourself. Here are some safety tips:
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.
- Do not use your real name or personal information when creating accounts or interacting with others on the dark web.
- Do not download or install any software from the dark web, as it may contain malware or viruses.
- Be cautious when clicking on links or visiting websites, as they may be malicious or contain harmful content.
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FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
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The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, but it is still accessible through standard web browsers. The dark web, on the other hand, is a collection of websites that are intentionally hidden and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers.
Is the dark web illegal?
See how to report identity theft if you notice something off about your email or financial accounts. The Farmer’s Market was the first known dark web marketplace, followed by the infamous Silk Road dark web market. Both were meeting places to buy illegal narcotics before morphing into full-blown illicit trade.
No, the dark web itself is not illegal. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web, such as the sale of illegal drugs or stolen data, are illegal.
Can the dark web be shut down?
It is difficult to shut down the dark web completely, as it is decentralized and operates on a peer-to-peer network. However, law enforcement agencies can and do take action against specific dark web sites and marketplaces that are involved in illegal activities.
How big is the dark web?
It is difficult to estimate the size of the dark web, as it is a hidden part of the internet. However, it is believed to be a small fraction of the overall internet.
Is it safe to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web can be dangerous, as it is often used for illegal activities. If you do decide to access the dark web, it is important to take certain precautions to protect yourself.
