Behind that web browser, there are multiple layers that the average user may encounter tangentially or never. The three parts commonly used to divide the web are the Surface Web, the Dark Web, and the Deep Web. Sellers and buyers of the media typically use the term when communicating with each other on the Dark Web.
Here are some notable cases where law enforcement took down criminals doing business on the dark web. Law enforcement officials have an interest in stopping illegal activity on the dark web. In one FBI arrest, the perpetrator traded material on a website with more than 100,000 registered users. A mistaken keystroke or simple curiosity might not be a reliable defense. Here are two examples of dark web content and activities that would raise legal concerns.
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There’s tons of information provided online by security experts, like ExpressVPN, recommending trustworthy.onion links. As long as you don’t engage in illegal activities, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, in countries with high censorship , accessing the dark web is entirely illegal — I strongly advise that you abide by the law of your country to avoid facing legal consequences. This category includes cloud drives, account pages on different websites, medical records, credit card information, reports, etc.
You can even pay for your subscription through crypto in case you want to remain anonymous. CyberGhost has multiple subscription plans, but long-term plans provide better value. The annual plans also offer an extended money-back guarantee (monthly plans only give you a 14-day guarantee). You can get CyberGhost for pretty cheap (from $2.19/month) if you opt for the 3-year plan. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free because it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Once you access the site, you’ll soon notice that the questions touch on various topics. Surfshark Search Ad-free and completely private web searches to avoid tracking. Tor might have had its security problems in the past, but it’s still the safest and most popular way to get on the dark web. There are lots of perfectly legitimate reasons you might want to access all that shady content. Having said that, sometimes, it’s best to steer clear of the dark web entirely. Luckily, Clario is here to give you a worry-free digital experience.
Leaks of personal data can also lead to damage to your reputation via social fraud. The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser. It is used for keeping internet activity anonymous and private, which can be helpful in both legal and illegal applications.
Is Dark Web Illegal?
For accessing the dark web safely, I recommend ExpressVPN — it’s highly secure and keeps your browsing activity private. You can test it out risk-free, since it offers a money-back guarantee. If you decide that it’s not for you, you’re entitled to a full refund when you claim it within 30 days. My advice is to research before entering sites you find through search engines and protect your personal information with a highly secure VPN.
Private photos, medical records, and financial information have all been stolen and shared on the dark web. The rise of cryptocurrencies increased the popularity of the dark web, especially for cybercriminals. That’s because digital currencies often provide a great deal of anonymity for people who buy and sell on the dark web. Also called the darknet, the dark web is much like the broader web was in its early days during the late 20th century.
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Anonymity can have positive effects — like being able to express views that are unpopular, but not illegal. The deep web and the dark web both offer a degree of privacy and anonymity. A website on the dark web may try to get a remote administration tool — also known as a “RAT” — onto your device. That can lead to someone hijacking your webcam — essentially, letting them see what you’re up to through your device’s camera lens. It’s a smart practice to cover your webcam with a piece of paper or tape if you’re not using it.
- It is true, though, that cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Monero, are often used for transactions on the dark web.
- It is important to change these settings because websites often run scripts without notifying you.
- Again, people who live in countries where the freedom of the internet is limited, for example in China, can really benefit from using Tor.
- The dark web, also known as darknet websites, are accessible only through networks such as Tor (“The Onion Routing” project) that are created specifically for the dark web.
- It’s also used by political whistle-blowers, activists, and journalists who may be censored or could risk political retaliation if discovered by their government.
Most of the deep web is heavily encrypted to keep hackers out, so most of the time, you won’t be able to access the kinds of information you might be curious about. There’s a large reading community on the dark web, but the material can be anything from the Invisible Man to The Anarchist Cookbook. However, there are several black markets on the dark web, the largest being The Silk Road, which authorities shut down with the arrest of creator Ross Ulbricht in 2013. While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others.
How to access the Dark Web safely
I strongly advise all users who want to access the dark web on their iPhones to utilize a VPN because it provides additional protection and privacy. The best way a company can protect its information is by ensuring all stakeholders within the organization are aware and complying with all cybersecurity policies. This includes instructions and best practices when accessing the deep web. These people try to spoof the app and make you download a compromised version instead. Whether you’re for or against using the dark web, it helps to know what it is and how to navigate it.
Even if your username and password are already on the dark web, MFA ensures that no one else gains access to your accounts. MFA can take the form of an authenticator app, email, facial recognition, fingerprint, push notifications, or SMS. However, email and text message MFAs are the least secure of all these options.
