There’s more to the internet than what we see on the surface. Beneath it lies the Dark Web, a part of the internet that’s often misunderstood.
Many people think it’s only used for illegal activities, but that’s not entirely true. The Dark Web serves different purposes, like protecting people’s privacy and allowing anonymous communication. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and what it’s used for.
The Dark Web is a small part of the Deep Web which includes online content that can’t be accessed through regular search engines like Google. To access it, you need special software, like Tor, which hides your IP address and location. This anonymity makes it appealing to people who want to keep their online activities private.
It exists within encrypted networks like Tor (The Onion Router), I2P (Invisible Internet Project), and Freenet. These networks make the users anonymous by routing their internet traffic through multiple layers of encryption, making it easier to track their identity and whereabouts.
Table of Contents
Major Differences Between the Surface, Deep, And Dark Web
The internet, with its intricacies, has distinct features that users must understand. They are as follows:
1. Surface Web
These are publicly accessible websites indexed by search engines. Some examples include Google, Facebook, YouTube, Wikipedia, etc.
2. Deep Web
This contains content that is not indexed but still legal and broadly used. Some instances are Emails, medical records, subscription sites, academic databases, etc.
3. Dark Web
This is an encrypted part of the internet that requires specialized software to access. Instances include anonymous forums, whistleblower platforms, black markets, etc.
How Does the Dark Web Work?
The most popular way to access the Dark Web is through Tor, a free software that enables anonymous browsing.
Tor routes internet traffic through numerous volunteer-operated servers known as nodes, encrypting data at every step. This layered encryption is why its addresses usually end in Onion rather than the usual domain extensions like .org or .com. Other such networks are Zeronet, Freenet, and I2P.
Legitimate And Illegal Uses of The Dark Web
There are various ways through which the Dark Web is used legally. They are as follows.
1. Privacy Protection
Journalists, activists, and whistleblowers use it to communicate securely in oppressive regimes. Platforms like SecureDrop permit whistleblowers to leak information anonymously.
2. Secure Communication
Encrypted email services and private forums exist to protect user identities.
3. Research And Academic Pursuits
Cybersecurity researchers analyse cybercrime trends, while human rights organisations monitor illegal activities.
4. Uncensored Information
People in countries with strict internet censorship use it to access blocked content. Despite its legitimate uses, it is popular for illegal marketplaces and criminal activities. Some of these are as follows:
- Black Markets: Websites like the now-defunct (used to exist but currently doesn’t) Silk Road and AlphaBay have aided the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and counterfeit money.
- Cybercrime Services: Hackers usually offer services like DDoS attacks, ransomware, and identity theft.
- Illegal Content: Some parts of it host disturbing content including human trafficking and child exploitation.
- Fake Documents and Fraud: Users can buy fake passports, driver’s licenses, and credit card information.
However, law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, are actively monitoring and dismantling illegal operations.
Common Myths About the Dark Web
There are some common myths about the Dark Web which will be cleared below.
Myth 1: It Is Only for Criminals
In reality, it indeed contains illegal activities. However, it is equally a haven for privacy advocates, researchers, and journalists.
Myth 2: It Is Impossible to Monitor
This is not entirely true. Governments and Cybersecurity firms have successfully infiltrated and shut down numerous illegal operations. Law enforcement has even used honeypots (fake marketplaces) to catch criminals.
Myth 3: It is Easy to Get Hacked on the Dark Web
While risks exist, adhering to cybersecurity best practices like using VPNs and avoiding suspicious sites minimizes threats.
Myth 4: Everything On It Is Illegal
There are legal forums, privacy tools, and education resources available, not just the bad ones.
Final Thoughts
The Dark Web remains one of the most mysterious parts of the internet. Although it has a reputation for being a hub of illegal activities, it equally serves as an essential platform for privacy, free speech, and secure communication.
Whether for ethical hacking, research, or staying informed, navigating the Dark Web requires knowledge and caution. So, stay informed!
Read also: The Anatomy Of Cyber Attacks: Understanding Six Tactics Of Hackersckers
