No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable internet connection as a critical aspect of our daily lives – and a right. For example, we pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, and maintain a presence on social media. In addition, many of us rely on the web for work and entertainment, and seeking out information through search engines is customary. However, it isn’t widely known that today’s most popular search engines – including Google, Bing, Baidu, and DuckDuckGo – only index a portion of the internet. Also: UDP vs TCP: What’s the difference and when do you use them? The area of the internet we access day to day is known as the clear or surface web. However, there is also the deep and dark web, and here’s everything you need to know about the differences.
The deep and dark web
Also: These are the cybersecurity threats of tomorrow that you should be thinking about today The deep web is the second layer of the internet, which is not indexed by search engines. Websites and pages in the deep web might include password-protected content, private forums, and personalized resources. As search engine crawlers do not catalog these pages, you would need to know the exact link to access a website in this area of the internet. This could include government services to access your records, health care services, members-only areas, intranets, or corporate resources. Also: These are the top passwords hackers use against remote access The dark web, however, requires special software to access. You need to install a Virtual Private Network (VPN), (at the least, you should), and you need to use a privacy-central browser such as the Tor network to connect via nodes and proxy servers, which are more secure and aim to anonymize traffic requests. The Tor Browser is able to access the special domain names, with the suffix .onion, used in the dark web. Drugs, weapons, and stolen IP and data are all hot businesses in the dark web, with hundreds of terabytes of information on offer. Traders cash in on stolen credit card data dumps, initial access points to vulnerable systems, credentials, and intellectual property belonging to companies comprised during cyberattacks. According to Kela’s 2022 Threat Intelligence report (PDF), 48% of organizations have no documented dark web threat intelligence policy in place, despite the obvious danger. However, the dark web has far more uses for organizations and individuals than what a small subset of criminals do under its umbrella. To access a dark web address, you must use a VPN and a suitable browser (it should be Tor). The aim is to reduce your online footprint as much as possible, anonymize your traffic, and disguise your location. There are many legitimate uses for dark web services and communication. For example, this can include tools hosted for combating censorship – critical services for individuals in countries with stringent government surveillance and control, as well as privacy-enhancing anonymous email and whistleblower drop boxes. Also: What is torrenting and how does it work? Some media outlets also maintain an online presence via the dark web when their surface websites are blocked, and other websites do the same when they are banned at the ISP level by countries during unrest and protests. Yes, the dark web has an unsavory reputation. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups.
Illegal marketplaces: If you stumble upon an underground marketplace, you will find all manner of items and services for sale including drugs, weaponry, counterfeit documents, stolen information, and malware. However, just because you’re in the dark web and may be using cryptocurrency for purchases, doesn’t mean you won’t be tracked down.Scams: As the Wild West of the web, even if you take the chance and try to buy something illegal, you could be scammed. Sellers are often not what they seem. Visits to extreme content: It’s not that likely, unless you are intending to find it, but if you stumble upon extreme or abusive content, you might find yourself subject to an investigation by law enforcement. It should also be noted that downloading such content is often illegal.Malware: In the same way as the clear web, websites and resources found here may be hiding malicious software designed to compromise your PC or mobile device. Malware can include information stealers, Trojans, ransomware, or exploit kits. You may also be subject to phishing attempts.
ZDNET’s current choice for the best VPN is ExpressVPN. VPNs are also used for accessing geolocked content hosted by streaming services. The best options are paid-for and subscription-based, as many free options will either throttle your speed or collect your data. The Tor Browser uses different layers of encryption to further strengthen your anonymity and has integrated the DuckDuckGo search engine, a system that makes a point of not saving or logging your search queries. You should make sure you check the settings, and if you want a more secure experience, go for the “safer” or “safest” options, which also disable potentially dangerous website functionality, such as rogue JavaScript. The Tor network is operated by thousands of volunteers worldwide who maintain the proxy servers used to protect your identity. You can download the Tor Browser for Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android. Both a VPN and Tor should be used together and it is advisable to connect via a VPN to Tor, rather than vice versa, for the best protection possible. In addition, if you’re concerned about malware or exploits, you could also consider using a virtual machine (VM). There is a number of directories that host .onion links and websites, but you should always demonstrate caution. Some will lead you to commercial sites – ranging from cryptocurrency mixers to drugs and fake passport offerings – whereas others are non-commercial and include legal content, such as education and training workshops, forums, and personal blogs. DefCon, ProPublica, the CIA, various libraries, and open-source software providers also feature in this area of the internet. If you are visiting websites in the dark web and you are not adequately protected, you may make yourself the subject of scrutiny or investigation – even if there is no evidence of illegal activities or purchases. It’s worth noting that some countries (such as China or Iran) more than others may take a dim view of attempts to stay in the shadows. Countries such as China (and its famous “Great Firewall” blocks) may monitor citizens at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level, and so if you are using Tor, the usage alone may appear in your records. A VPN can help disguise your use of Tor and visits to dark web resources. Being hidden doesn’t translate into being completely protected from the possibility of tracking, or, when it comes to illegal activities, of risk. However, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy in a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking – and so, at the least, you should consider using a VPN.
