What Is TOR And Onion Routing?
Exploring the Dark Web: What is the Dark Web Used For?
- An IP address enables networks to send the right information to the right place – for example, making sure an email reaches its destination.
- The dark web was estimated to contain 205,000 web pages by “The Darkness Online” report in 2016.
- The Dark Web is a complicated and frequently misinterpreted aspect of the internet.
- Each dark web service can be accessed via self-installed software or a dark web browser from the services themselves.
- To access Dark Web sites, it is necessary to use a Tor-enabled browser.
The Dark Web is known for being a hub of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, pornography, and other illicit activities. On the other hand, the Dark Web is a smaller part of the Deep Web, deliberately concealed and only accessible through specific software. It comprises encrypted websites that aren’t indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using specialized browsers like Tor.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is only accessible through specific software, configurations, or authorization. While often portrayed in a negative light, the dark web serves various purposes beyond the illicit activities commonly associated with it.
Common Uses of the Dark Web
The Dark Web is more commonly used by sex offenders to openly discuss ‘tactics’ to exploit young people and share material generated as a result of their offending. It is also harder for law enforcement to investigate online abuse that takes place in the anonymous parts of the internet. Adults may be concerned about young people visiting the ‘Dark Web’, especially as press reports often link them with dangerous or illegal online activity. However, there are some positive aspects to them – like everything online, problems do not come from the technology itself, but instead are caused by the ways in which people use it. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more.
It’s considered much larger than what can be accessed using regular web browsers alone. This surveillance is the practice of monitoring activities & information exchanged over the dark web, a section of the internet accessible only through specialized software. This is done primarily by law enforcement agencies & intelligence services, who seek to detect & disrupt criminal & terrorist activity conducted through this web. The dark & deep web has been demonized by the media as a haven for illegal activities & cybercriminals. But, it could also be an irreplaceable tool for cybersecurity professionals. The responsible use & ethical considerations are crucial in utilizing this resource to combat cyber threats.
In addition, all domains on the Tor network end with the top-level domain .onion (instead of .com). The many layers of an onion represent the multiple layers of encryption in the Tor network. The dark web’s anonymity accommodates illegal activity and contributes to its reputation as being a haven for criminals. This anonymity, coupled with access difficulties and a high barrier to entry, facilitates all manner of illicit activities such as drug and human trafficking, weapons deals, and money laundering. Despite what the name implies, it isn’t illegal to access the dark web.
Here are some of the primary uses of the dark web:
- Privacy Protection: Many users turn to the dark web to protect their privacy, especially in countries with oppressive regimes or where surveillance is prevalent. It allows individuals to communicate without the fear of being monitored.
- Whistleblowing: The dark web provides a safe platform for whistleblowers to disclose sensitive information about organizations or governments without revealing their identity.
- Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, a significant portion of the dark web is used for illegal activities. This includes the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and even human trafficking.
- Forums and Communities: Various forums on the dark web support discussions on a wide range of topics, including politics, technology, and hacking. These communities often value anonymity.
- Accessing Banned Content: The dark web allows users to access content that may be censored in their countries, including websites, news articles, and forums.
- Research and Journalism: Journalists and researchers use the dark web to gather information and conduct investigations, particularly in areas where it is difficult to obtain data through conventional means.
However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there. However, the dark web has far more uses for organizations and individuals than what a small subset of criminals do under its umbrella. You could consider the clear or surface web the “top” and visible layer of the internet, easily accessible using a browser such as Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
The US Supreme Court has indicated that even casual browsing could lead to legal consequences. If you’ve ever checked your medical results online through a portal that required a login, you were navigating the deep web. It’s huge, making up about 90% of the internet, but it’s mostly mundane, hidden behind login screens for privacy and security. Onion routing encrypts data, including the next node destination IP address multiple times by sending it through a virtual circuit of successive, randomly selected relays. Freedom fighters avoiding mass surveillance of an oppressive political regime may opt to use Tor to protect their identities.
As governments continue to crack down on its usage and illegal activity scares innocuous users away, we could potentially see major shifts in the dark web in the coming years. The Silk Road’s popularity highlights how large the demand for illegal drugs was during this time as well as how governments across the world were beginning to crack down on the dark web. A man named Satoshi Nakamoto “mined” the first Bitcoin, effectively starting a revolution in illegal transactions online.
For added peace of mind, your Aura plan comes equipped with a $1,000,000 insurance policy that covers eligible losses resulting from identity theft. The reality is that you won’t realize how extensive your personal data exposure is until you look at the hard data. While no one can pinpoint the origins of the Dark Web, it’s now referenced in mainstream conversations about technology and digital security as the seedy source of many security issues. This colossal amount of information exists on the Deep Web (or “hidden web”), where almost all online activities take place. Because not all the information you can access online belongs in the public domain.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Although the dark web has legitimate uses, it is imperative to be cautious. Some risks include:
- Legal Issues: Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Users may be exposed to malware, hacking attempts, or scams when navigating the dark web.
- Exposure to Disturbing Content: The dark web can contain inappropriate or disturbing content that may be psychologically harmful.
FAQ: What is the Dark Web Used For?
Q: Can the dark web be used for legitimate purposes?
A: Yes, people use the dark web for legitimate purposes such as privacy protection, whistleblowing, and accessing banned content.
Q: Is everything on the dark web illegal?
A: No, while illegal activities are prevalent, the dark web also hosts forums, research discussions, and communities focused on various topics.
Q: How can one safely explore the dark web?
A: To explore the dark web safely, it is advisable to use a reliable VPN, secure browser like Tor, and to avoid engaging in illegal activities.
Q: What should I be aware of before accessing the dark web?
A: Be aware of the legal implications, potential for encountering disturbing content, and cybersecurity risks associated with using the dark web.
Conclusion
Understanding what the dark web is used for goes beyond its negative reputation. While it is a space that can facilitate illegal activities, there are also multiple legitimate uses that highlight the need for privacy and free expression. As with any part of the internet, caution and awareness are paramount when navigating this shadowy realm.
