Ransomware Hits Kentucky Healthcare Network, Exposing Data Of 25 Million
Understanding the Dark Web
Misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data intended for the Deep Web to the Surface Web is one of the most common sources of data breaches. Context on the various levels of the web is also valuable when responding to an incident affecting an election office or reading media or intelligence reporting regarding malicious cyber activity. Yet it is also true that the Dark Web is an opaque, sometimes twisted, reflection of the clearnet. Black markets enable the morally libertine to profit handsomely in Bitcoin. The site was raided and shut down by the FBI in 2013, but the idea of an anonymous, encrypted black market spread rapidly.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It represents a small segment of the larger deep web, which encompasses all parts of the web not indexed by search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The dark web is often misunderstood, shrouded in myths and misconceptions.
Like DuckDuckGo, Haystak prioritizes privacy, ensuring that your data remains untainted by tracking and profit-seeking practices. This further solidifies Haystack’s reputation as a privacy-friendly choice on the Tor network. The deep web is defined as the internet section that is not indexed by web crawlers. The dark web, on the other hand, is defined as a subsegment of the deep web that can be accessed only with special tools. While the former is used chiefly for legitimate day-to-day online activities, the latter is more anonymous and known for illegal transactions.
Get Avast BreachGuard for PC to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. If you become a victim, report the identity theft as soon as possible. And remember that there are better (and safer) ways to prevent identity theft than being forced to buy back your data off the dark web. Because privacy and anonymity are the hallmarks of the dark web, it’s easy to assume that everything that happens there is illegal. And while plenty of cybercrime does take place, the dark web is used legally as well. With the right tools, online habits, and safety measures, you can make yourself a much harder target for identity thieves and online scammers.
What is the Dark Web?
The high volume of unlawful activities and explicit content on the dark web also creates a risk of suffering psychological harm. Exposing oneself to such content can be deeply unsettling; venturing into the dark web should be done with extreme caution. Similarly, they determine the specific interests of visitors’ navigation and present appropriate content. For example, they prevent the same advertisement from being shown again to the visitor in a short period. As a deep web subsection, the dark web shares many characteristics. However, noteworthy differences exist in operation, scope, size, access methodology, applications, and security.
Robeson Health Care Corporation (RHCC) is a healthcare network serving North Carolina residents. They offer behavioral, dental, general, and outreach services in nine locations across six counties. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. Electrostim Medical Services Inc. (EMSI) is a healthcare servicer in Tampa, Florida.
Essentially, the dark web is an array of websites that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Most commonly, users employ Tor (The Onion Router) to reach dark web sites. This software is designed to anonymize users, providing them with privacy and security.
DuckDuckGo can be used to view dark web sites because it also shows .onion links. Thus, services like Google won’t bring you anywhere on the dark web, whereas DuckDuckGo will allow you to visit dark websites. The dark web is a part of the internet hidden from search engines. It allows you to access and browse websites anonymously, using masked IP addresses. You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting. The dark web, also known as the “darknet”, is a portion of the internet that lies outside the boundaries of traditional search engines.
When data brokers get hacked, the stolen data can include compromised credit cards, social security numbers, and other data, depending on what was exposed in the breach. This is a common way for identity theft and doxing attacks to occur. The Hidden Wiki is a surface website offering a collection of dark web links — but the links don’t always work, and they may not be safe.
Characteristics of the Dark Web
- Anonymity: One of the core purposes of the dark web is to provide anonymity for users and website operators.
- Specialized Software: Access typically requires software like Tor or I2P to connect to dark web sites, which use unconventional domain names.
- Hidden Services: Many sites operate as hidden services and are not directly accessible via standard browsing mechanisms.
Common Misconceptions about the Dark Web
The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, but not every aspect of it is illicit. Some misconceptions include:
- It’s Only for Criminals: While illegal activities do occur, many use the dark web for legitimate purposes, including privacy-conscious individuals and activists in oppressive regimes.
- All Information is Untraceable: While the dark web offers anonymity, it is still possible to trace IP addresses and user activities under certain circumstances.
- Dangerous by Nature: While there are dangers, such as scams and hackers, there are also legitimate communities and support networks on the dark web.
Uses of the Dark Web
The dark web serves various purposes, including:
- Privacy Protection: Individuals seeking to maintain their privacy and freedom of speech often turn to the dark web.
- Whistleblowing: Platforms like SecureDrop allow whistleblowers to communicate with journalists while remaining anonymous.
- Political Activism: Activists use the dark web to organize and communicate securely.
- Research: Some researchers explore the dark web to study cyber threats and online criminal behavior.
Accessing the Dark Web Safely
If one chooses to explore the dark web, there are essential safety measures to consider:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network can add an additional layer of security and privacy.
- Stay Anonymous: Avoid sharing personal information and use pseudonyms.
- Familiarize with Reputable Sources: Only access sites that are well-reviewed or reputable to minimize risks.
- Beware of Scams: Many scams exist on the dark web, so proceed with caution.
- Unlike Tor, it encrypts via a peer-to-peer model instead of a single thread.
- So your dark web use may draw unwanted scrutiny from your ISP or law enforcement.
- For example, two months ago a Russian national was arrested in Arizona for allegedly deployed LockBit, Babuk, and Hive ransomware.
- A VPN encrypts traffic and minimizes a user’s chances of being realized, securing levels of privacy.
FAQs about the Dark Web
1. Is the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, many activities conducted on it can be illegal, such as drug trafficking or illegal weapon sales.
2. How do you access the dark web?
Access typically requires the use of Tor or I2P, as well as knowledge of specific dark web URLs, which often end in .onion.
3. Can the dark web be used for legal purposes?
Yes, the dark web is utilized for various legal activities, including political activism, journalism, and privacy protection.
Understanding the dark web requires a nuanced perspective. While it has gained notoriety for its connection to illegal activities, it also serves as a vital tool for privacy and freedom in a digital world. As with any aspect of the internet, being informed and cautious is crucial for safe exploration.
