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This week, the cybersecurity environment continued to be rocked by the global MOVEit data breach. Various Stanford Health groups had information taken in the MOVEit event, up to 1.6 million patient records. 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.
The dark web is also home to legitimate sources of information that may not be available through traditional means. Whistleblowers, journalists and political dissidents may use the dark web to share information that would otherwise be censored or suppressed. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate. This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage. Second, shutting down or controlling access to the dark web would be a huge undertaking and could have unintended consequences. Finally, many people see the dark web as a necessary tool for privacy and freedom of speech.
Understanding the Dark Web
Nathan is an internationally trained journalist with a special interest in the prevention of cybercrime. For VPNOverview he conducts research in cybersecurity, internet censorship, and online privacy. He contributed to developing our rigorous VPN testing and reviewing procedures. From our experience, these servers aren’t as fast as regular VPN servers or double VPN servers. If you want to stay safe online, get NordVPN now at a 67% discount. However, you also need to protect your system against malware you might encounter on the dark web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines, making it a space where privacy and anonymity reign supreme. It is often used for both legal and illegal activities.
Do not make the mistake of thinking the TOR browser guarantees full anonymity and safety, the Reality is far from that and very complex. I will write about the dangers of compromised exit nodes in the TOR Network in a future. That’s why many people today prefer an identity theft protection service in combination with a financial and credit fraud protection solution. It’s much more effective to catch early signs of fraud when you find out about new inquiries on your credit file, like new credit cards or bank loans, in near-real time.
What You Need to Know Before Accessing the Dark Web
Sites like ProPublica and Secure Drop are fundamental to investigative journalism. To access deep web pages, you need the specific link to the page you want to access. Often, you also need to provide some kind of authentication, such as a password.
If an activity is deemed illegal by the governing bodies you fall under, then it would be illegal. Understanding that the nature of the internet meant a lack of privacy, an early version of Tor was created to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been made public in the form of the browser we know today. The dark web, however, is a very concealed portion of the deep web that few will ever interact with or even see. In other words, the deep web covers everything under the surface that’s still accessible with the right software, including the dark web. The dark web continues to be a valuable tool and exchange network for many groups around the world.
While it is possible to use iPhone’s Lockdown Mode for extra security while browsing the dark web, we don’t necessarily recommend this. It will impact your device’s performance and your VPN and other Tor apps may not function properly with Lockdown Mode enabled. Accessing the dark web on an iPhone is a little more complicated than on an Android device.
Accessing the dark web requires special tools and knowledge to ensure safety. It’s essential to understand what you’re diving into.
- Privacy and Anonymity: The dark web is known for its anonymity, but users must take precautions to protect their identity.
- Legal Risks: While browsing the dark web isn’t illegal, many activities conducted there are. Always ensure compliance with local laws.
- Security Risks: The dark web can expose users to hackers, scams, and harmful content. Taking security measures is vital.
How to Get to the Dark Web
Follow these steps to safely access the dark web:
- Download and Install Tor Browser:
To access the dark web, you’ll need the Tor Browser, which anonymizes your web traffic.
- Use a VPN:
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of privacy by masking your IP address.
- Stay Anonymized:
Don’t share personal information, and avoid accessing personal accounts while on the dark web.
- Accessing .onion Sites:
To explore the dark web, navigate to websites that have the .onion extension, which is exclusive to Tor.
Best Practices for Dark Web Browsing
To ensure a safer experience while browsing the dark web, consider these best practices:
- Regular Updates: Always keep your Tor Browser and VPN updated to safeguard against vulnerabilities.
- Secure your Device: Use effective antivirus and security measures on your device before accessing the dark web.
- Practice Safe Browsing: Avoid clicking on unknown links and be aware of potential scams.
FAQs
Q: Is it illegal to access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities is against the law.
Q: What can I find on the dark web?
A: The dark web hosts a range of content, including forums, marketplaces, and blogs, some of which may involve illegal activities.
Q: How can I ensure my safety on the dark web?
A: Use a VPN, keep your identity anonymous, and refrain from engaging in illegal activities to ensure safety.
- Tor shares similarities with VPNs and proxy servers in that all these tools enable some level of anonymous browsing.
- However, you can still access the Tor network using alternate browsers, like OrNet or Onion Browser.
- ZeroNet is a decentralized, peer-to-peer network that allows users to create and host websites without the need for a centralized server.
- Credit cards are highly attractive to hackers, and they often get away with using multiple credit cards with charges (usually small amounts) that go unnoticed.
Q: Do I need special software to access the dark web?
A: Yes, the Tor Browser is the most common software used to access the dark web.
Conclusion
Exploring the dark web can be intriguing but comes with significant risks. By understanding the necessary precautions and using the right tools, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more safely. Always prioritize your privacy and legality when delving into the shadows of the web.