Deep Dark Web

Is Tor Illegal To Use?

Understanding the Deep Dark Web

Facebook’s onion version lets people access Facebook in countries where access to the social network is otherwise restricted. Onion sites are websites on the dark web that use the “.onion” top-level domain instead of “.com,” “.net,” “.gov,” etc. Onion sites use The Onion Router (Tor) software to encrypt their connections and enable anonymous communication. While criminal activity does occur on the dark web, how people choose to use the dark web is what matters. There isn’t any one way to access the deep web — it just depends on what you’re looking for.

As mentioned above, much of the content on the dark web is the same as you might find on the normal internet (news, message boards, web services) but made accessible on a more anonymous platform. While technically not an onion site, we’re including Sci-Hub (sci-hub.se) as an interesting example of a site you can access via Tor. Sci-Hub gives access to millions of scientific papers, mostly ones from behind paywalls. However, due to copyright infringement, Sci-Hub is considered illegal and banned in many countries.

In this instance, too, it is important to use a logless VPN and pay with Bitcoin if you can to stay anonymous. The VPN over Tor technique is also susceptible to an end-to-end timing attack, though it’s highly unlikely. Based on Firefox, the Tor Browser lets you surf both the clear web and the dark web. Make sure to download the Tor Browser only from the official website so as not to risk downloading malware, spyware, or some other virus to your device. The easiest way to access Tor is through a special browser, known as the Tor Browser.

Stolen data often ends up on the dark web for sale, giving cybercriminals the incentive to target organizations with sensitive customer data (such as financial institutions). It is worth noting that some pages on the deep web contain valuable personal data to cybercriminals. Securing this data prevents it from being compromised and possibly showing up for sale on the dark web.

Check out the video below to find out exactly how and why you should use a VPN with Tor. The security that makes Tor so anonymous resembles the layers of an onion. So essentially, you’re looking for onion websites (links ending with .onion), and I’ll hook you up. These dangers can interrupt business operations, defraud a company and devalue a brand’s integrity. The best way to avoid these dangers is to avoid using the dark web entirely.

The term deep dark web often evokes images of shadowy figures and illicit activities. However, the deep web is much broader and encompasses a variety of hidden resources on the Internet.

Most of the Dark Web requires access through ‘Tor’ — free software for enabling anonymous communication. Hyperion Gray, a research company,  counted, mapped and clustered 6,608 dark web sites in January 2018(3),(4). There is a 1 in 3 chance that you have been DOXed – ie your personal details have been stolen and are stored in the Dark Web(1). The majority of criminal data that is bought and sold on the dark web are breached databases, drugs, weapons, and counterfeit items. Users utilize crytpocurrency to make every currency transaction decentralized and anonymized as well.

What is the Deep Dark Web?

These include the buying and selling of illegal drugs, weapons, passwords, and stolen identities, as well as the trading of illegal pornography and other potentially harmful materials. Several sites hosting illegal material have been discovered by government agencies and shut down in recent years, including Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa. The dark web’s anonymity has also led to cybersecurity threats and various data breaches over the last few decades. While the deep web sounds mysterious, it’s extremely common and makes up over 90% of the internet.

Abuse and persecution victims, whistleblowers, and political dissidents have been frequent users of these hidden sites. But of course, these benefits can be easily extended to those that want to act outside of the constraints of laws in other explicitly illegal ways. Darren Guccione is the CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security, the world’s most popular password manager and secure digital vault. Keeper is the first and only password management application to be preloaded with mobile operators and device manufacturers including, AT&T, Orange, America Movil and HTC. Keeper has millions of consumer customers and the business solution protects thousands of organizations worldwide. If you want to learn all about privacy protection or cryptocurrency, the dark web has plenty to offer.

The deep dark web refers specifically to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This section consists of:

• Hidden Services: Websites that require specific software to access, often associated with anonymity.
• Private Databases: Academic articles, private records, and subscription-based content.
• Anonymous Communication: Platforms and forums that prioritize user privacy and anonymity.

• By using the dark web version of Facebook, people can attempt to stay anonymous and speak freely.
• You never know when a minor negative comment about another user will trigger them to cyberbully or hack you personally.
• Although the data may be publicly available on social media or in business directories, it’s scraped and reposted.
• There are other browsers that are able to access these pages, but the Tor Browser is the most common by far.

Layers of the Internet

Understanding the concept can be assisted by visualizing the internet in layers:

1. Surface Web: The visible part of the internet – accessible via standard browsers.
2. Deep Web: Larger than the surface web, consists of content not indexed by search engines.
3. Dark Web: A small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden, requires specific tools like Tor to access.

Accessing the Deep Dark Web

Accessing the deep dark web requires specific software, most commonly Tor (The Onion Router). This tool allows users to browse anonymously by routing traffic through several servers.

Risks and Considerations

While the deep dark web offers anonymity, it also holds significant risks including:

• Illicit Activities: Many hidden services involve illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and hacking services.
• Scams: Users may encounter various scams or fraudulent schemes.
• Malware: The risk of downloading harmful software is elevated.

How to Stay Safe on the Deep Dark Web

To navigate the deep dark web safely, consider the following precautions:

1. Use a reputable VPN service for an additional layer of security.
2. Stay anonymous by avoiding sharing personal information.
3. Be cautious of links and downloads; validate sources before engaging.

FAQs about the Deep Dark Web

Q: Is everything on the deep dark web illegal?

A: No, while there are illegal activities, many resources are legitimate and can include academic research or forums discussing various topics anonymously.

Q: Do I need special software to access the deep dark web?

A: Yes, access usually requires software like Tor to protect your identity and help reach hidden services.

Q: Can I get caught while browsing the deep dark web?

A: While the deep dark web provides anonymity, engaging in illegal activities can still lead to legal consequences.

Conclusion

The deep dark web is a fascinating yet perilous section of the internet. Understanding its structure, purpose, and risks is crucial for anyone considering exploring its depths. With the right precautions, it can be navigated safely, revealing a wealth of information and interactions hidden from the broader internet.