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Deep web content includes email messages, chat messages, private content on social media sites, electronic bank statements, electronic health records (EHR) and other content that is accessible one way or another over the internet. The deep web is an umbrella term for parts of the internet not fully accessible using standard search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo. The contents of the deep web range from pages that were not indexed by search engines, paywalled sites, private databases and the dark web. There are numerous directories that host .onion links and websites, but you should always exercise caution.
If you are someone who is always curious about the hidden corners of the internet, then you must have heard about the dark web. This mysterious part of the internet has been a subject of fascination for many, as it is often associated with illegal activities and shady dealings. Here are some of the latest updates from the dark web:
Top cybersecurity predictions of 2024
By contrast in Sweden, most measures taken were merely recommendation based, with no major restrictions imposed upon either individuals or industries, except for some limited business hours and travel restrictions. Only after the second wave of the pandemic were broader restrictions implemented in a legally enforceable manner, after a pandemic law was finally passed by the government. Neither Finland nor Sweden ever went into an official lockdown, whereas the United Kingdom went through a total of three lockdowns between 2020 and 2021 [34,35]. The three countries chosen for our analysis (Finland, Sweden, and the UK), represent technologically advanced European countries with cultural similarities. Finland and Sweden, as neighboring Nordic countries, are culturally and socially close to each other.
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Recent Developments on the Dark Web
It’s important to note that just because this type of content isn’t on the surface doesn’t mean it’s nefarious or has ill intent. A lot of the time, this content isn’t indexed because it includes pages that are meant to be hidden to protect consumer privacy, such as those that require login credentials. Despite using a VPN, accessing the dark web still leaves users exposed to cyberattacks. When navigating the dark web and visiting different sites, avoid downloading any files, as they likely contain malware and highly increase the chances of devices getting infected.
Using Onion over a VPN — all you need to know in 2024
- Marketplace Shutdowns: Recently, there have been several high-profile marketplaces on the dark web that have shut down unexpectedly. This has caused panic among users who rely on these platforms for various illegal transactions.
- New Threat Actors: There is a growing concern among cybersecurity experts about the presence of new threat actors on the dark web. These individuals or groups are constantly evolving their tactics to evade law enforcement and carry out malicious activities.
- Data Breaches: Reports of data breaches and leaks are becoming more common on the dark web. Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities in systems to steal sensitive information and sell it on underground forums.
In this case, signing up for credit monitoring and checking your rating regularly is also a good idea. It’s also a good idea to take it a step further and leverage a dark web monitoring service. If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It’s a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number. The real harm, said Wilson, is that once your data is for sale on the dark web, it’s likely to remain there for years to come.
The company allows patients to compare copay pricing, get status notifications on pill orders, and request refills. Hosting over 5,300 stores across North America alone, AutoZone is a recognizably local option for car owners stateside. Line Messenger is a communication app that allows users to communicate for free by sending messages and making voice calls. Delta Dental of California (DDC), Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and other subsidiaries may have exposed data; the compromised data is not a product of the organizations. Xfinity is the name of Comcast Communications’ internet, TV, and phone service; it is the most significant cabled internet service in the states, with more than 32 million residential customers. LoanCare is a sub-servicing entity that assists mortgage loan providers with finance and data functions; they service over 1.5 million customers across the states and beyond.
FAQs About the Dark Web
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access and is known for its anonymity and privacy features.
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Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities or purchasing illegal goods and services on the dark web is against the law.
How can I stay safe on the dark web?
To stay safe on the dark web, it is important to use secure and encrypted communication tools, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share personal information with strangers.
- But onion sites can also serve nobler goals, like providing access to information and independent journalism in countries with government censorship.
- This is because other entities you engage, like employers, healthcare providers, insurers, retailers, and even government agencies, can fall victim to a security event and leak your data.
- The dark web’s anonymity not only encourages illegal activities, it keeps many law enforcement agencies largely unaware of its existence, even while their jurisdictions are impacted by online transactional crimes.
- The marketplaces are usually managed by an admin or a small group of admins, and the typical users of the marketplaces are cybercriminals who search for illegal products online that will help their own illicit activities.
- “The actors behind an attack may not access the organization’s network directly themselves.
Stay informed about the latest developments on the dark web to protect yourself from potential threats and risks. Remember, curiosity can be a powerful tool, but it should always be accompanied by caution when exploring the depths of the internet.
