![What is Dark Web and what is there on this dark side of the internet? What is Dark Web and what is there on this dark side of the internet?](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2022/02/25/1017762-dark-webbbb.jpg)
Did you know that over 90% of cybercrime worldwide happens via the dark web? From human trafficking to the sale of illegal drugs, firearms and credit card details, everything is available in this “dark” corner of the internet. According to one report, there were over 4,65,000 cyberattack incidents in 2020, and the growing number of data breaches has made it easier to buy personal information on the dark web in recent years.
Let’s take a closer look at the dark web.
What is Dark Web?
The Internet has undergone many evolutions since its inception, and the Dark Web, made up of hidden pages, is also part of this evolution. Websites on the Dark Web use encryption software that prevents unauthorized access to digital information.
Put more simply, this encryption software allows dark web users to remain anonymous and hide their locations. This would now give you a clue as to why the dark web is known to be home to multiple illegal and criminal activities.
How do I access the dark web?
An internet user can only explore the dark web with the help of search engines specially designed to uncover these hidden pages and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers such as Google Chrome, Yahoo, and Mozilla Firefox.
The dark web uses what is known as “The Onion Router” (TOR), a hidden service protocol that creates a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The ‘TOR’ servers are not visible to search engines and allow users to remain anonymous.
While website addresses on the surface web, the part of the web most people use, end in .com, .in, .org, or .gov, dark web addresses end in .onion. It is notable that some dark web markets claim to have as many as 10,000 visitors each month.
What is available on the Dark Web?
“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master” they say, and this is true in the context of today’s internet use. While groceries, clothing, medicines, books, and various other similar items are easily available on the surface web, the dark web is used to obtain illegal drugs, firearms, credit and debit card numbers, child pornography, and other items, among others.
According to a 2016 report by Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid, researchers at King’s College London, dark websites are most commonly used for crime. The researchers examined 5,205 live websites, of which about 1,547 hosted illegal material.
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Since the dark web is a part of the internet that is out of the reach of search engines, visitors to this black market mainly pay with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin to remain anonymous.
Is Accessing the Dark Web Illegal?
Browsing the dark web won’t get you in jail, but buying illegal drugs, firearms, or downloading child pornography is illegal.
(See Zee News for more information on Cyber News)