The internet is a space for easy information and connection, but it also has hidden areas known as the dark web. Simply put, the dark web consists of websites found on the dark net. By exploring the history and growth of this secret digital space, we can uncover interesting details about where it came from, its purposes, and what’s being done to handle its complexities.
The dark web is the part of the internet where illegal activities like drug dealing and human trafficking take place. Nowadays, the dark web is notorious for these activities and is hidden from the general public. But like a coin has two sides, so does the dark web. Let’s learn about the dark web’s history and important facts that you should know.
The dark web is a small part of the internet, only about 5%. These are not indexed by search engines. It refers to specially encrypted and intentionally hidden networks that require special software tools and applications to access. Due to being an anonymous part of the internet, the dark web has become a hub for both legal and illegal activities.
The servers and data sources of the dark web are untraceable. Reaching it requires special knowledge and skills. Dark web websites can be stored on computers or mobile phones. Then, special browsers and software can be used to reach them.
Generally, the Tor browser and XAMPP are used for hosting. On the regular internet, domain names end with extensions like .com, .org, .net, .in, or .us. But the dark web uses the .onion extension. Also, you can’t find it using search engines like Google or Bing because it is not listed with them. It is hosted on a local computer.
These days, the Tor network is used to access the dark web. Here, activities like drug and weapon trafficking, human trafficking, child pornography, and cybercrime often happen. So, you should use it only after knowing its risks and technologies. Also, don’t share any private information to protect your digital assets like online banking.
Often, the deep web is mistaken for the dark web. But that’s not the case. The internet has three levels: the dark web, the deep web, and the surface web. You already know about the dark web, so let’s learn about the deep web.
Deep Web: The deep web is the part of the internet that search engines don’t index. Examples include password-protected sites, private databases, and intranets. Personal emails, net banking, databases, blogging websites, marketing, and digital documents are usually part of it. It is estimated that the deep web is 90% of the entire internet. But fewer people can access it compared to the surface web. In other words, only the owner or consumer has access to it.
It is used for many purposes, including:
The deep web is a helpful resource for legitimate purposes. But it can also be used for illegal activities like drug trafficking, weapon sales, and child pornography. It’s important to know the risks involved before accessing the deep web.
The Surface Web is the part of the internet that everyone can easily access. You can get to it and use it with regular web browsers. It’s the most popular part of the internet, where all the web pages listed by search engines are found.
It has web pages, pictures, videos, and other information. Often, we can also write our opinions here. In this way, the Surface Web makes our lives easier and more convenient. It lets us get information, talk to others, and work from all over the world. People usually use it to find information, learn, shop, have fun, or use social media.
The table below summarizes the main differences between the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web:
| Feature | Surface Web | Deep Web | Dark Web |
The development of the Dark Web is linked to the invention of the internet. In 1960, the American Department of Defense used two computers as servers through ARPANET. This helped the development of the Dark Web along with the Internet. We can say that the Internet and the Dark Web are twin sons of the same father, ARPANET.
Students from Stanford University were also involved in the ARPANET project. It was here that a student used ARPANET for the illegal payment of marijuana in 1970. However, this project was linked to the government and was under the supervision of the American Department of Defense. In such a situation, in 1983, the government decided to divide ARPANET into two parts, the first Milnet – which would be used by the Department of Defense, and the second Arpanet – which was opened to the general public.
With this, data production started on a large scale and the problem of its storage was discussed. For this, the concept of ‘Data Haven’ was presented, which stores data hidden from the government without any legal obstacles. These were the initial concepts of the Dark Web and Dark Net.
As soon as the Internet became accessible to the general public, data started being exchanged on a large scale. At the same time, the question of the security of the data being transferred also arose. It is believed that the American Department of Defense was very worried about the security of its data. In such a situation, it started developing and using the Dark Web in 1990. America had developed onion routing technology at this time. It was impossible to hack it. This technology later became known and developed as the Dark Web.
But, right now only the data of the Department of Defense was being sent on the Dark Web. In such a situation, there was a greater risk of them being caught. With the aim of hiding this transfer, the door of the Dark Web was also opened to the general public.
The first concept on the Dark Web was given in the year 2000 by Ian Clarke of the University of Edinburgh. He released a thesis project named Freenet on it. It was based on a “distributed decentralized information storage and retrieval system,” which allowed communication and file sharing anonymously.
It is believed that the Tor Project, which was in the development stage since 1990, was provided with technology and facilities for development by Freenet. Then in 2002, the Tor Project was released. In 2008, the Tor browser and in 2009, cryptocurrency made the Dark Web famous among illegal traders and hackers.
In today’s time, payment can be made using cryptocurrency without coming into the eyes of the government. Also, illegal communication can be established on the Dark Web.
The dark web is like a secret part of the internet, hidden under the regular websites we use every day. It’s known for being private and a bit mysterious. It uses special technology called “onion routing” to hide where you are and what you’re doing. To get to the dark web, you need a special setup on your computer and special software.
Think of it like this: you need a special key to unlock a hidden door. The ‘Tor’ browser is like that key. It’s a free and open-source browser that encrypts your internet traffic from start to finish. This means that the data is coded in such a way that it can only be read by the sender and intended recipient, ensuring privacy. Tor sends your data through many different servers, making it very difficult to trace who is sending or receiving information. It hides your IP address by routing your traffic through these servers. We also need a VPN to hide our IP address. This makes it very hard to track what you do online.
In simple words, dark web uses a very strong box for exchanging information and data that can only be opened with a special key. And this key is only available to the sender and receiver. This key cannot be copied, or box can be opened without the key.
1. To use the dark web safely, you need to know a lot about computers and internet security. Before visiting any website on the Tor browser, it’s important to use a good, paid VPN service.
2. There are many fake links, hacking attempts, and viruses on the dark web. Before clicking on any link, make sure it’s safe.
3. Even though you can find Facebook and other well-known websites on the dark web, there’s no guarantee that the content or links on those sites are safe. Using the dark web requires expertise and extra technical knowledge.
The price of data on the dark web depends on what it can be used for. Some data is worth more than others. Data can range from 50 to 2000 dollars. Sometimes data is sold for million dollars, like drugs such as heroin or formula for any harmful substance.
A person’s data can be worth up to $1500. Regular usernames and passwords can sell for $50 to $100. Credit and debit card information costs between $20 and $150. Online banking login details can cost about $80. A regular Facebook account is priced around $45, while cloned VISA details, PINs, and stolen PayPal accounts are available for $20 to $30. Hacked user data for websites and entertainment services like Uber and Netflix sells for $35 to $45.
1. Privacy: Unlike the regular internet where your information is easily accessible and shared, the dark web provides complete privacy. Websites like Google have a lot of your data, compromising your privacy, but the dark web keeps your activities private.
2. Secure Communication: Sharing sensitive information on the regular internet can be risky. The dark web offers secure technology for this purpose, which is why defense and other departments in countries like the USA use it.
3. Freedom of Speech: In countries where governments restrict freedom of expression, the dark web allows people to share their thoughts and messages without censorship.
4. Protection for Whistleblowers: Whistleblowers, journalists, environmentalists, and activists are often seen as threats. On the regular web, their data can be stolen, which is a big loss for society. The dark web allows these individuals to exchange information and ideas safely, away from government or other agencies.
5. Research: Students often need a lot of data for in-depth research. This information can be expensive on the regular market, but it’s often easily available on the dark web, making it beneficial for students and researchers.
Lack of Awareness: Without proper awareness, your banking and digital assets can be stolen through things like fixing, malware attacks, and hacking. Clicking on certain links on the dark web can make you a victim.
1. Hacking: Many hacking incidents are linked to the dark web. These cases are hard to track, posing a threat to overall web security.
2. Extreme Content: On the dark web, you may encounter far-right or far-left ideologies that are not common in the normal world. This can be disturbing and cause significant psychological changes or trauma.
3. Illegal Activities: Except for a few specific purposes, the dark web is largely a black market where illegal activities occur to avoid government agencies. This includes trafficking, child pornography, drugs, weapons, explosives, and prostitution.
4. Dangerous Goods: The dark web can be used to trade everything from endangered species to atomic bombs, posing a serious threat to humanity’s safety.
5. Terrorist Communication: Terrorists and other illegal groups use the dark web to communicate, making it very difficult for law enforcement to stop them.
If you are aware of the dark web hazards and still want to use it, you can use it as described below.
Step 1 – Use a VPN for Your Security
The first and most important step to using the dark web is to use a good quality VPN. VPN, Virtual Private Network, can help you access the dark web by greatly alleviating your privacy and security concerns. So choose a good VPN service and install it on your computer.
Step 2 – Install or Update Anti-Malware
Many websites available on the dark web are hotbeds of malware. Therefore, using it without full protection can cause you financial, mental or digital harm. So stick to the links you are familiar with. Do not click on any new or unknown links.
If you are the victim of cyber attacks, a strong and up-to-date anti-malware equipped with real-time protection can save you from it or help you get out of it. But this also does not guarantee hundred percent protection.
Step 3: How to browse Tor safely
These extra steps can help keep you safe on the dark web:
Step 4: Install the Tor Browser
To get to the dark web, you need to download and install the Tor Browser on your computer. Normal search engines like Google and Bing don’t work on the dark web. Tor helps you get there.
Step 5: Use the Tor Browser
After installing Tor, open it and click “Connect.” This sends your internet traffic through the Tor network, which hides your location.
Step 6: Change your IP address.
After a while, Tor will connect to the dark web and change your IP address (your computer’s location). This helps keep your online activity private.
Step 7: Browse the Dark Web
Now Tor is ready to use the dark web. You need to know the specific web addresses (URLs) of dark web sites. These addresses are hard to find, but you can learn how to find them with practice.
Step 8: In Short
Using the dark web can be risky. Take all needed safety measures. Use a VPN and the Tor Browser for security. If possible, have an expert guide you. You can gradually become skilled at understanding and navigating the dark web.
Governments don’t block the dark web. This is because government and large companies use it. The military, intelligence services, and defense departments use it. Big companies also use it to share confidential information securely.
However, you should not access the dark web. Criminals and intelligence services are always there. If you break the law, you might become their victim.
To send secure messages, you may use Telegram or WhatsApp with a VPN. This makes your online communications safer.
Here are some examples, including ones where social media platforms ensure uncensored speech:
The dark web hides your data, website links, and identity, making it hard to trace. The dark web isn’t likely to disappear soon because it is hard to shut down completely. Governments may increase monitoring. However, this mainly threatens those involved in illegal activities.
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