The Internet is a much larger place than the publicly accessible surface web, which makes up only 4% of the whole online structure. These are the websites indexed and found on standard search engines, which anybody can visit. However, a much larger part is called the Deep Web.
The Deep Web is unindexed by search engines like Google or Bing and requires an IP address, direct URL, or a password to grant access. It can include clandestine websites, but most of the time, these are private records, such as personal medical and financial data or government records.
Underneath it lies the mysterious Dark Web. Although often associated with illegal activities, it also serves as an anonymous discussion platform for journalists, sexual abuse victims, and whistleblowers. On the other hand, criminals widely use the Dark Web to sell illegal drugs, firearms, and pornography, with Silk Road being an exemplary case of Dark Web markets.
But what ensures anonymity on the Dark Web, and why is it so hard for law enforcement to manage it?
Dark Web Structure
The Dark Web is inaccessible via standard search engines and web browsers and requires additional software. The most popular tool to access Dark Web sites is The Onion Router. This browser was developed to provide the user with a level of online anonymity.
It achieves this purpose by rerouting the online traffic through multiple relays and encrypting it. Instead of using its unique IP address, the user connects to the first relay, which assigns a new IP address and forwards the data to the second relay, assigning a new IP address and going through more hops.
Then, IP addresses are sent in an encrypted form, so third-party spectators cannot identify the source and the destination, significantly anonymizing the data exchange. Tor is a similar technology to VPNs, and often both are used to ensure online privacy.
Private servers are often used to host Dark Web websites with specific access rules. It's not uncommon for them to have nonsensical names made of random symbols to avoid identification, and they all end in .onion. Some Dark Web websites are only available if you know an exact URL and a password. Meanwhile, others can be found via unique search engines like DuckDuckGo.
The Dark Web is an unregulated space, and you can find almost anything there. There's a drug counselor named DoctorX that assists drug users on deep web forums. On the other corner, you'll find an illegal marketplace selling LSD. Cybercriminals use Dark Web marketplaces to sell stolen credit card numbers. Ransomware gangs use it to promote their services.
Lastly, wherever you go, there's a chance to catch a virus. You shouldn't mistake anonymity for safety. Because the Dark Web is largely unregulated, infecting unsuspecting users is easier than on the surface web. Here are a few tips to stay safe.
Dark Web Safety Tips
Combining Tor with VPN is advisable for those genuinely worried about online privacy. The main difference between Tor and VPN is that the former only encrypts the information on a browser level. All Internet communication outside Tor uses standard channels through ISP servers and is susceptible to online surveillance. A VPN encrypts data on the device level supporting Tor. Some VPNs have an integrated feature combining these two.
Because Dark Web websites aim to remain private, many are protected by a password. Using primitive passwords is extremely risky. Remember, the Dark Web is filled with advanced Internet users and cybercriminals that break passwords for fun. Subscribe to a reliable password manager to secure Dark Web accounts from unauthorized access. Use long, randomized passwords, and never reuse the same password twice.
Although some may advise adding more security extensions to Tor, it's unnecessary. Tor already has a NoScript extension which limits JavaScript on potentially harmful sites. Adding more security extensions can modify your browser fingerprint and increase the chance of identification.
Lastly, you should have real-time threat protection anytime you're on the Dark Web. Some fully developed VPNs scan the incoming traffic for malicious elements. However, an AntiVirus is typically considered the number one go-to software for virus protection.
Last Tip
No cybersecurity software can save you if you don't act cautiously. When you're going to the Dark Web, you already take a risk, and you should have at least basic cybersecurity knowledge before doing so. The dark Web is full of scammers who will try to trick you into exposing your identity and can even blackmail you. Beware and be aware is the last tip when browsing on Tor.
