Everything You Need to Know About the Dark Web

The dark web is a term cloaked in mystery and intrigue. It’s often assumed to be a hub riddled with illicit activities and cybersecurity threats. While these are, no doubt, a major chunk of the dark web, it’s important for both businesses and individuals alike to know what it is, why it exists, and what you can do to keep information, both personal and professional, safe.

What is the Dark Web?

Broadly speaking, the internet is divided into three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web.

The surface web is the publicly accessible part of the internet, with search engines like Google indexing them. The sites on this part of the web are easily recognizable: Wikipedia, social networking sites, and e-commerce websites.

The deep web refers to the parts of the web that search engines do not index. This includes private databases, company intranets, and academic resources.

The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access, such as TOR (The Onion Router), which allows for highly anonymous activities.

This portion of the internet has a range of uses, some of which are legitimate, while others are far from legality. Examples of legitimate uses include:

• Whistleblowers share information securely.
• Activities operate under oppressive regimes without the censorship of government interference.

On the other hand, the dark web is also used for a variety of illegal activities, such as:

• Buying and selling stolen data.
• Drug and weapon trafficking.
• Fraudulent services such as fake documents, hacking tools, and so on.

How to Access the Dark Web and What It Looks Like

To access the dark web, users often turn to specific anonymizing software such as TOR, which masks the user’s IP address and encrypts their activities. Websites on the dark web are much more likely to have a “.onion” URL and are not organized in the same way as regular sites on the surface web.

What Does the Dark Web Look Like?

Unlike the websites on the surface web that are designed to be both functional and appealing, websites on the dark web usually have incredibly simple signs that err toward basic functionality. These sites often look like basic forums or e-commerce sites but with an emphasis on anonymity.

It’s important that you don’t attempt to access the dark web without reason. Doing so can open the door to various issues, such as:

• Malware: Clicking on the wrong link could result in malware on your device.
• Surveillance: The police monitor dark web activities, and their software flags suspicious behavior.
• Scams: Many transactions on the dark web involve fraudulent vendors who take your money but don’t deliver products or services.

Is the Dark Web Inherently Dangerous or Illegal?

Visiting the dark web isn’t considered an illegal activity. However, when you cross into the territory of buying stolen data or prohibited drugs, it becomes a legal issue.

Perusing the dark web isn’t inherently dangerous, but it does pose serious risks for untrained or unwary users. Using the dark web could lead to:

• Malware and cyber threats: Many dark websites contain malware and other scripts created to hack into your system.
• Scams and frauds: The dark web is teeming with fake vendors and phishing scams, making it a breeding ground for financial losses.
• Legal consequences: If you stumble into or involve yourself in any illegal activity, you may face serious consequences, which may include fines and imprisonment.

So, while using the dark web isn’t illegal, nor is it intrinsically hazardous, it’s best to avoid it unless you have a legitimate purpose to be on it.

What Does It Mean If My Email Was Found on the Dark Web?

Finding your email or other personal information on the dark web typically points to a larger data breach. Cybercriminals often sell or share information they’ve stolen, which might include:

• Email addresses and passwords
• Credit card details
• Social Security numbers
• Personal identification documents

Your information ending up on the dark web can happen in a few ways, a data breach being the most common. This happens when hackers break into an organization’s database, stealing and leaking information about its clients.

It can also happen due to phishing scams, where users are tricked into sharing their data, or through credential stuffing, where cybercriminals use stolen credentials to hack multiple accounts.

How to See If My Info is on the Dark Web

If you’re wondering whether your information has been compromised and somehow made its way to the dark web, you have a few options. First, you could try a dark web scanning tool or identity protection services. These can provide insights into whether or not your email or any other information has been compromised.

Alternatively, you can use credit monitoring services. These services notify you when people try to access financial information linked to you. When this happens, and there are no logical explanations that could explain it, it could mean that your data has made its way to the dark web.

If you find your data on the dark web, it’s important to take action and protect yourself or your business. You can do this by:

1. Changing compromised passwords: Swap out old passwords for strong, unique passwords for each account.
2. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an additional layer of security to your accounts.
3. Monitoring financial activity: Periodically check bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.
4. Alerting relevant parties: Inform your bank, employer, or similar parties (such as stakeholders) that may be directly affected in the event your sensitive data has been compromised.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself from Dark Web Threats

Prevention is the best strategy for guarding against the dangers of the dark web. So, to keep your information safe, implement these best practices:

• Secure your accounts: Use strong, elaborate passwords, never using the same one for different accounts or sites. Implement two-factor authentication whenever possible for an extra layer of security.
• Be wary of phishing schemes: Do not click on links from any unsolicited emails or messages, and always verify the identity of those requesting sensitive information.
• Keep your software updated: Old, outdated software can leave your information vulnerable. Regularly update your operating systems, browsers, and antivirus to reduce vulnerabilities.
• Educate employees and family members: Train others who have access to sensitive information on cybersecurity awareness and provide good practices that can help identify and avoid scams and threats.
• Monitor your digital footprint: Configure credit card monitoring services and periodic scanning for your details in data breach databases.
• Invest in cybersecurity tools: Firewalls, VPNs, and endpoint security solutions can help keep your data safe.

Stay Vigilant in the Face of Dark Web Threats

The dark web is complicated, and while it’s not exactly illegal, it is a high-risk and often dangerous corner of the internet. It’s important to understand its structure, risks, and what it entails to ensure that you can protect yourself from its effects. Integrating good practices, such as monitoring your digital footprint and implementing strong cybersecurity measures, can go a long way in limiting the risks of the dark web and safeguarding your personal and business information.

If you’re concerned about your online safety, partnering with a trusted IT service provider is a wise move. Our experienced team at Safepoint IT can help secure your data and protect your personal and professional information against emerging threats. Contact us today to learn more about how our security solutions can help.