If you choose to pursue exploring any sites on the dark web, you put yourself at risk of being singled out and targeted for hacks and more. Most malware infections can be caught by your endpoint security programs. For government critics and other outspoken advocates, they may fear backlash if their real identities were discovered. For those who have endured harm at the hands of others, they may not want their attackers to discover their conversations about the event. If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal.
When it comes to the internet, there are different layers that most people are not aware of. One such layer is the dark web, a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place. Here is some essential information about dark web news:
What Is Biometrics and How Secure Is Biometric Data
- When you have downloaded the Tor browser, it’s important to configure it to guarantee the highest level of security.
- 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.
- DuckDuckGo’s regular site can take you to the dark web, as it brings up onion sites and dark web links when searched.
- An organization’s most valuable asset is its people, so threat actors leverage human weakness first to compromise an organization.
- Other terms for the surface web include the visible web, lightnet, or indexed web.
- A banner plastered across Genesis Market’s site late on Tuesday said domains belonging to the organisation had been seized by the FBI.
What is the Dark Web?
Hackers are selling stolen user databases of over 73 million people on the dark web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access. This anonymity makes it a breeding ground for illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
Recent Dark Web News
Here are some recent headlines from the dark web:
Deep web content is usually hidden behind paywalls or require authentication and can range from medical records to online banking accounts, to confidential company data and private databases—and includes the dark web. Cybercrime services offered in the dark web can range from destruction of information to theft of intellectual property, breaches of confidential information and fraud. However, according to the Privacy Affairs Index for the first quarter of 2023, the most expensive service available in the dark web market is the acquisition of malware designed to damage digital devices, services or networks. Following closely behind is the sale of login credentials, with prices reaching $4,255 for an ING digital bank account and $4,200 for a HSBC commercial account. Mexican businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, as previously reported by MBN. Most Mexican companies allocate less than 1% of their budget to cybersecurity services, found a study by Alestra.
How to Protect Yourself on the Dark Web
- Dark Web Marketplace Shutdown: Authorities recently shut down a major dark web marketplace selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Hackers Targeting Businesses: Cybercriminals on the dark web have been targeting businesses for ransomware attacks, causing millions in damages.
- Illegal Content Crackdown: Law enforcement agencies around the world are cracking down on the distribution of illegal content on the dark web, leading to several arrests.
Your daily internet activity likely falls within the publicly available and readily accessible portion of the internet (otherwise known as the surface web). However, there are additional “levels” of the internet beyond that top level. The internet has opened up wonderful new possibilities in our world, making life easier on many levels. You can pay your bills, schedule your next family vacation, and order groceries with the click of a button. While the internet offers many positive benefits, it also has some negatives. Although not entirely used for illicit purposes, the dark web is one part of the internet that can be used by criminals for illegal purposes, like selling stolen personal information.
That said, it can be difficult for users to find the material they are looking for on the dark web. Addresses tend to be a mix of random numbers and letters, making them challenging to remember or access manually. Addresses also change frequently due to the transient nature of many dark web actors. Finally, because the dark web routes all traffic through a series of proxy servers, which are operated by thousands of volunteers around the world, the search process is typically very slow. For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN provides you with anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Illegal to Access the Dark Web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
Cybersecurity report identifies top 5 cybercrime rings
How Can I Stay Safe on the Dark Web?
To stay safe on the dark web, it is essential to use a secure VPN, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share personal information.
Stay informed about the latest dark web news to protect yourself from potential threats and stay safe online.
