We earn commission when you buy through affiliate links.
This does not influence our reviews or recommendations.Learn more.
In contrast, the surface web includes public websites that are easily found using search engines.
The dark web often connotes illicit activities like illegal drug sales and hacking.
However, it also supports legitimate uses like protecting free speech and accessing information in censored regions.
What Is the Dark Web?
The surface web is the open part of the internet, which includes publicly accessible websites and resources.
You just need standard browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari to open websites on the surface web.
For example, your Geekflare.comyour trusted business resource for growth exists on the surface web.
You need a specialized net web client like Tor to access its websites.
It hosts encrypted websites, often used for privacy, anonymity, or illicit activities.
How the Dark Web Works?
Tor, I2P, and Freenet are three common technologies that make up the dark web.
Each technology offers different features.
Freenetis a decentralized, peer-to-peer platform designed for the secure and anonymous sharing of information over the Internet.
It focuses on privacy, censorship resistance, and ensuring free access to content.
To reach the Freenet-based dark web, it’s crucial that you implement the Freenet utility.
It works as a decentralized, peer-to-peer internet that emphasizes censorship resistance and complete anonymity.
Like Freenet, I2P has its own dark web that consists of websites ending in b32.i2p.
You need an anonymous I2P client to access I2P websites.
It works by routing your encrypted traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers, known as onion routers.
Tor was developed in the mid-1990s by the U.S.
Naval Research Laboratory to enable secure and anonymous communication.
Later released as open-source, it became widely accessible for privacy-focused use.
The dark web perfectly fulfills this objective.
The dark web also offers access to blocked resources in countries with strict government censorship on the internet.
Citizens of such countries can use the dark web to bypass firewalls and access global information.
Hackers sell stolen data on the dark web.
you might use thesedark web investigation toolsto test whether your companys data is available on the dark web.
The following are key risks of accessing the dark web you should be aware of.
you could inadvertently download malicious software by visiting these websites, infecting your system.
Knowing aboutvarious types of ransomwareandcommon hackscan help you better prepare to spot cybersecurity threats on the dark web.
As an average Internet user, you may accidentally stumble upon such content.
Your access to illegal content, even if it is unintentional, can violate laws in many countries.
Consequently, you may face serious legal consequences.
You may encounter fake marketplaces promising illicit goods or services but delivering nothing after payment.
Cryptocurrency is the primary payment method, making transactions irreversible and nearly impossible to trace.
This leaves victims with no recourse if they fall for a scam.
Phishing schemes and fake escrow services are also common.
These tactics trick users into revealing sensitive information or paying for non-existent products.
Law Enforcement Monitoring
Law enforcement agencies in many countries monitor the dark web to combat illegal activities.
Cracking down on many illegal marketplaces on the dark web is the result of such monitoring.
So, you risk being flagged or investigated for visiting certain sites, even without criminal intent.
The dark web marketplaces thrive on the demand for illegal services and extreme content.
Also, viewing extreme content available on the dark web can desensitize users to wrongdoing.
That said, you should avoid visiting the dark web.
Is It Illegal To Go on the Dark Web?
People use it for various legitimate reasons, such as bypassing censorship in restrictive countries.
However, while visiting the dark web itself isnt against the law, engaging in illegal activities there is.
Myths vs. Below, we have busted common dark web myths to help you separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: The Dark Web Is Only Used for Illegal Activities.
The dark web is not exclusively used for illegal activities.
Many people use it for privacy-focused communication, whistleblowing, or accessing restricted information in censorship-heavy regions.
Platforms like SecureDrop even allow journalists to receive tips anonymously.
Myth 2: Only Criminals enter the Dark Web.
The myth that only criminals use the dark web is false.
Many people access it for legitimate reasons.
Journalists, activists, and individuals in restrictive countries use it for privacy and free speech.
Myth 3: The Dark Web and Deep Web Are the Same.
No, the deep web and the dark web are not the same.
The Deep Web includes unindexed content like private databases and password-protected sites accessible with standard browsers.
Readdark web vs. deep webto get more context.
Myth 4: The Dark Web Is Inherently Dangerous To Visit.
If you take proper precautions, visiting the Dark Web isnt inherently dangerous.
Malware, scams, and illegal content pose security risks.
However, with the right security measures and cautious browsing, you might minimize these dangers.
While Tor lets you reach .onion sites, many require invitations, passwords, or verification.
Also, URLs often change to evade detection.
Slow speed and prevalent scams also make navigation tough.
Contrary to a widespread misconception, the dark web is a tiny part of the web.
We strongly advise you against visiting it, even if your intentions are good.
The dark web poses severe risks to your security.
But if you must visit the dark web for ethical reasons, here are some safety precautions.
Rely on Secure Browsers (e.g., Tor)
The Tor darknet websites have .onion addresses.
It offers better speed and security than other alternative methods.
Visit the Tor projects website to download Tor.
It is available for various devices, including Windows, Linux, Android, and MacOS.
Malicious actors and government agencies can run Tor nodes, compromising privacy and security.
In fact, there have been instances where attackers controlled hundreds of Tor nodes.
This prevents anyoneincluding your ISPfrom knowing that youre using the Tor internet.
Avoid Using Personal Information
You should never trust websites and forums on the dark web with your personal information.
In that case, there is a high chance that your data will become accessible to cybercriminals.
Then, they can use your data to impersonate you and runsocial engineeringattacks to target your loved ones.
So, you should never share your personal information on the dark web.
If you must make a payment, never use your credit card.
Instead, use anonymous cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Enable Strong Security options
To jump into the dark web safely, you should enable strong security options.
Your Tor net net app offers three security options:Standard,Safer, andSafest.
Before visiting the dark web, double-check you have selected the Safest option.
To do so, go toSettings > Privacy and Securityand select theSafestoption in the security level section.
Additionally, check theBlock pop-up windowsandWarn when websites take a stab at install add-onssettings.
Threat actors also exploit vulnerabilities in your systems and software to gain access to them.
Cybercriminals often disguise malware within legitimate-looking files to trick users into compromising their own security.
If your rig is infected with malware, read our guide toremove malware from your setup.
Be Cautious of Links
The dark web is full of unknown and potentially dangerous content.
Clicking on links there might take you to illegal or harmful material without warning.
Therefore, you should stay cautious and avoid clicking when accessing the dark web.
Doing so will protect you from accidentally accessing illicit content or becoming a victim of malware.
On the surface web, you might contact your credit card company or law enforcement for help.
But the dark web operates like the Wild Westno rules, no protection.
So, always stay extra cautious to avoid falling victim to scams.
A large portion of activities on the dark web involve illegal content, transactions, or services.
Simply accessing certain sites or engaging with the wrong links could implicate you in criminal investigations.
Whats more, law enforcement agencies monitor dark web activities.
Accidentally downloading or viewing illegal materials may result in severe legal consequences.
Conclusion
Though not entirely shoddy, the dark web has a reputation for hosting illegal activities.
It does support whistleblowers by offering them anonymity and secure communication in an oppressive regime.
But navigating the dark web is full of cybersecurity and legal challenges.
Reference
Whos Afraid of the Dark?
Hype Versus Reality on the Dark Web
