Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC. Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide. Law enforcement officials are getting better at finding and prosecuting owners of sites that sell illicit goods and services. 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. Medical records, fee-based content, membership websites, and confidential corporate web pages are just a few examples of what makes up the deep web. Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is often misunderstood and inaccurately portrayed in popular culture. It refers to a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. This hidden part of the web is only accessible using specific software, configurations, or authorization, making it a haven for both anonymity and illicit activities.
At the same time, Tor became an effective shield for the illicit sale of heavily controlled goods, such as guns and drugs. The Tor network also gave hackers, terrorists, and distributors of illegal pornography a secure method of communication. The term dark web first appeared in print in a 2009 newspaper article describing these criminal applications. With billions of indexed pages of dark websites, Haystak proves itself as a dominant player among dark web search engines.
Not Evil serves as a dark web search engine accessible through TOR, making it an excellent gateway to TOR-specific search tools. The name “Not Evil” cleverly alludes to Google’s former motto, “Don’t be evil,” and unlike Google, it does not engage in advertising or web tracking practices. It is also advisable for users to look for phishing scams, where criminals share communications that seemingly originate from a reputable source. Unwitting users then share sensitive personal information by falsely believing that these communications are legitimate. As discussed above, user profiles on the deep web are home to valuable personal data to criminals. It is important to use strong, unique credentials for every account.
What is the Dark Web?
We continuously monitor activities or policy violations providing cloud and network virtualized containment, as well as threat hunting SOC Services, and 24/7 eyes on glass threat management. The chance that some of your information is on the dark web is high. Too many data breaches happen, with email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords getting leaked every day.
Onion sites are considered hidden in the deep web, and they use Tor to encrypt connections to them, keeping visitors and the site creators anonymous. It can be challenging to keep track of all your dark web login information, and using the same password for multiple sites is a significant security risk. By using a secure password manager, you can keep your login information safe and secure while accessing the dark web. If you are looking for a search engine to use on the dark web, consider using Duck Duck Go.
However, when you start exploring the deep web, things can get dangerous. The dark web, or black web, on the other hand, is the “unsavory” part of the deep web. Access to the dark web is only possible with specific browsers, such as Tor, because most platforms establish an anonymous connection and mask IP addresses. It’s a place for black markets and scammers who will often use these sites to steal your info or money.
The site was raided and shut down by the FBI in 2013, but the idea of an anonymous, encrypted black market spread rapidly. These ‘onion layers’ help protect the user’s anonymity and provide access to similarly protected websites. These sites range from forums to wiki pages to blogs and function much like clearnet sites.
The dark web is a part of the internet that requires special software, such as Tor, to access. Unlike the surface web, where most users spend their time, the dark web hosts a variety of hidden websites, forums, and services that prioritize privacy and anonymity.
Is It Illegal To Go On The Dark Web?
Key characteristics of the dark web include:
- Anonymity: Users and website operators can remain anonymous, which can be both beneficial and detrimental.
- Accessibility: Requires specialized tools like Tor or I2P to access.
- Limited Regulation: Many dark web sites operate outside the bounds of law.
Legal and Illegal Activities
The dark web is infamous for facilitating illegal activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes.
Illegal activities commonly found include:
- Drug trafficking
- Illegal arms sales
- Human trafficking
- Stolen data exchanges
However, the dark web also hosts areas for:
- Whistleblowers to share information securely.
- Political activists to communicate without censorship.
- Forums for discussing privacy and security issues.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you typically need to download specific software such as:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common method for accessing the dark web. It enables users to browse anonymously.
- I2P: This allows for anonymous hosting and browsing.
- VPN Services: Using a Virtual Private Network enhances privacy when accessing the dark web.
Remember, while anonymity can protect you, it can also attract unwanted attention, so caution is essential.
Risks of the Dark Web
Engaging with the dark web comes with significant risks, including:
- Exposure to Illegal Content: Unintentional access to illegal material can have severe consequences.
- Scams and Frauds: Many services on the dark web are scams designed to exploit unsuspecting users.
- Malware Risks: Downloading files or visiting certain sites could infect your device with malware.
FAQs about the Dark Web
Is everything on the dark web illegal?
No, while there are many illegal activities, the dark web also offers resources for privacy advocates and dissidents.
Can I access the dark web on my regular browser?
No, you need to use specific software like the Tor Browser to access dark web sites.
Is using the dark web safe?
While there are safe practices to follow, there are significant risks. Users should remain cautious and secure.
- It comes with advanced features like full leak protection, RAM-only servers, and perfect forward secrecy, and it also has a no-logs policy that has passed several independent audits.
- Law enforcement officials are getting better at finding and prosecuting owners of sites that sell illicit goods and services.
- In some countries, it is unlawful to access the Dark Web because it is a haven for criminal purposes.
- You can access sites either if you know their address or use a Dark Web search engine.
Conclusion
The dark web is a complex and multi-faceted component of the internet, offering both challenges and opportunities. Understanding its nature and the potential dangers can help individuals navigate this enigmatic space more safely.