What Is The Dark Web Used For

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If you use the widest definition of the deep web, then it’s a vast ocean of websites. With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access. In reality, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing either, and doing so is surprisingly simple. Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet.

The deep part of the deep web simply refers to the fact that you need passwords or other authentication to unlock it. The surface web makes up only about 10% of the entire internet, and includes anything you can find by entering terms into a search engine like Google. All the websites you visit that don’t require login credentials are part of the surface web. Stay ahead of impending threat trends, dark web or otherwise, by watching our 2022 threat report findings webinar. Arm yourself with education and offer your clients customized cybersecurity protection that’s perfect for them.

• Several years ago, one notable example was when government officials successfully infiltrated The Silk Road – a high-profile marketplace for illegal substances and services.
• Too many data breaches happen, with email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords getting leaked every day.
• In comparison, in 2013 Google estimated that the open web was comprised of over 30 trillion pages.
• When people go on about the so-called dark web, they’re usually talking about onion sites, which aren’t searchable via Google or accessible via standard browsers.

Understanding the Dark Web

Their methods include going undercover (posing as customers in some Dark Web marketplaces), hacking into sites to track or fingerprint users, and tracing financial transactions to identify buyer and seller. The Dark Web is not accurately indexed or searchable, which makes it difficult to quantify the overall safety of Dark Web sites. Some people and groups (like law enforcement agencies) consider the Dark Web to be dangerous. Proponents of the Dark Web disagree, noting the Dark Web is also a safe haven for risky communications. Some major news organizations have Dark Web sites to reach users in countries where Web access is censored or restricted. Sites that  anonymously relay whistleblowing information use the Dark Web to protect their users.

The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It necessitates special software, configurations, or authorization to access, making it a space often shrouded in mystery. Many people are curious about what is the dark web used for, as its purposes can vary significantly.

The items sold on the dark web could harm the public or private businesses, as malicious and illegal actors are often the buyers and sellers. Like any marketplace in the physical world, illicit products, tools, and services are sold, bought, and distributed on the dark web. The Guardian called the dark web markets “the eBay of drug dealing” because drugs are among the most common goods on the dark web marketplaces. They were the most lucrative products on the Silk Road marketplace too. Dark web users can also find and buy other illegal substances, such as banned energy drinks. Most of the dark web’s bad rep comes from all the illegal trade that’s happening there.

This means that the content on the Deep Web is not accessible through regular search engines like Google or Bing. The Deep Web is estimated to be 400 to 500 times larger than the surface web, which is the part of the internet that is indexed by search engines. Although the terms Dark Web and Deep Web are frequently used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct areas of the internet. The Deep Web encompasses the parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through conventional methods. This includes private databases, scholarly resources, and other materials not intended for public viewing.

Common Uses of the Dark Web

Using threat intelligence platforms to analyze the threat data gathered from the dark web also enables organizations to defend themselves against attacks more effectively. Many websites on the deep web avoid showing up in search engine results by blocking the bots that ‘crawl’ the internet to collect information for search engine indexes. Theoretically speaking, it should be impossible to locate dark web servers and track visitors. However, in practice, security flaws in Tor and incorrect server configurations can expose this information to those interested in accessing it. All web pages not indexed by web crawlers are considered to be a part of the deep web. The content is generally more secure and clean than that of the surface web.

While the dark web often receives negative attention, it has a range of applications. Here are some primary uses:

• Privacy Protection: Users seeking anonymity may turn to the dark web for political activism, whistleblowing, or to evade oppressive regimes.
• Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, the dark web is notorious for facilitating illegal transactions, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data.

A version of the surface web search engine DuckDuckGo is also available for the Dark Web. This search engine places a premium on privacy and guarantees that it doesn’t collect or share any of your information. You can use the browser to access the same sites you access on the Surface Web, but you will likely run into two problems.

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• Information Exchange: It serves as a platform for sharing sensitive information and can host forums for discussions that aren’t acceptable on the surface web.
• Marketplaces: Various marketplaces exist where users can trade in goods and services that are often illegal in nature.
• Hacking Services: The dark web is a haven for hackers offering services ranging from penetration testing to more malicious activities.

Reasons People Access the Dark Web

The motivations behind accessing the dark web are diverse. Here are some key reasons:

1. Anonymity: Many users prioritize their online privacy. The dark web allows for more secure communication channels.
2. Political Activism: Individuals living in repressive environments often use it to communicate freely without fear of censorship.
3. Research Purposes: Journalists and researchers may delve into the dark web to study illicit trades and online crime.

Common Misconceptions

Despite its reputation, there are several misconceptions about the dark web. Here are the most prominent:

• It’s entirely illegal: Not all content on the dark web is illegal; many users engage in legitimate activities that require privacy.
• Only criminals use it: While it can facilitate crime, many individuals access it for various ethical reasons.
• Regular users can’t navigate it: With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can safely explore parts of the dark web.

FAQs about the Dark Web

What types of content can be found on the dark web?

The dark web hosts a wide range of content, including illegal goods, forums for political discussion, and educational resources focused on cybersecurity and internet privacy.

Is browsing the dark web safe?

While there are risks associated with browsing the dark web, using a secure connection, like Tor, can enhance safety. Users should exercise caution and be aware of potential threats.

How does one access the dark web?

Accessing the dark web typically requires the installation of specific software like Tor. This software allows users to anonymize their activities and navigate dark web sites ending with the .onion domain.

Can anyone become a vendor on the dark web?

Yes, anyone can set up a marketplace on the dark web. However, this often involves significant risks due to potential law enforcement scrutiny and the need for secure transactions.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding what is the dark web used for involves recognizing its dual nature. While it has a reputation for illegal activities, it also serves as a vital space for privacy, communication, and research. As users navigate this complex realm, it is crucial to remain aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with exploring the dark web.