What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is often shrouded in mystery and fear, with stories of illegal activities and hidden corners of the internet. But what exactly is it? Kiran Chinnagangannagari, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Securin, explains it best:
“Think of the internet as an iceberg. The part visible to everyone, accessible through search engines, is the surface web. Below it lies the deep web, including databases and private networks not indexed by search engines. At the deepest level is the dark web, accessible only with specialized software like Tor.”
To access the dark web, you can download and install the Tor browser, which routes your traffic through the Tor network, giving you access to the internet’s deepest layer. However, this is where much of the nefarious activities occur, such as drug trafficking and cybercrime.
Despite its notorious reputation, the dark web is a blend of both good and bad. While it hosts criminal activity, it also offers a haven for privacy advocates and activists. Let’s dive into some surprising facts about the dark web.
10 Things About the Dark Web You May Not Have Known
1. It’s Big and Small
When considering the unindexed deep web, the dark web seems massive. ExpressVPN estimates its size at around 7,500 terabytes compared to 20 TB for the surface web. However, the true dark web is much smaller, making up less than 5% of the total internet. A King’s College London study found that about 60% of dark web sites host illicit content.
Valuable Tip: Be mindful of the distinction between the deep web and the dark web; the deep web includes non-criminal, private content not indexed by search engines.
2. It Was Initially Good, Much of It Still Is
The dark web isn’t all bad. Many journalists, activists, and privacy advocates use it for anonymity in oppressive regimes. Originally, Tor was designed to protect the identities of US agents and dissidents. Freenet (now Hyphanet), another dark web network, aimed to protect free speech and combat censorship.
Valuable Tip: If you need to communicate anonymously for legitimate reasons, the dark web can be a valuable tool.
3. AI Is Making Its Mark
Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are being used on the dark web for criminal purposes. Kaspersky’s 2024 report found over 3,000 posts discussing AI tools like FraudGPT and WormGPT, used for phishing and other cybercrimes.
Valuable Tip: Stay updated on how AI tools are being misused to better protect yourself from emerging cyber threats.
4. It Operates Without Central Control
The Tor network’s decentralized structure makes the dark web difficult for authorities to control. Tor obscures users’ IP addresses, offering a level of privacy unattainable on the surface web.
Valuable Tip: Understanding how decentralization works can help you grasp the challenges in combating dark web activities.
5. It’s Highly Organized
Contrary to popular belief, the dark web is a structured ecosystem. It mirrors the surface economy with its supply chains, from initial access brokers to ransomware operators.
Valuable Tip: Recognize the organizational structure of the dark web to better understand how cybercriminals operate.
6. It’s Evolving
Cybercriminals are now using encrypted messaging services like Telegram, Signal, and Tox to conduct their activities. These platforms offer new ways for dark web actors to communicate and share stolen data.
Valuable Tip: Be cautious of encrypted messaging services being used for illicit purposes and monitor any suspicious activities.
7. The Definition Is Expanding
The term “dark web” now sometimes includes websites hosted in jurisdictions with little international law enforcement influence. Cybercriminals also use normal web browsers to access these sites.
Valuable Tip: Broaden your understanding of what constitutes the dark web to include these newer, harder-to-reach sites.
8. It Has Automated Agents
‘Bad Bots’ are automated agents that exploit vulnerabilities and steal information. They account for a significant portion of internet traffic and are becoming more sophisticated in evading detection.
Valuable Tip: Invest in advanced security tools that can detect and mitigate bot attacks effectively.
9. Drug Sales Are Prevalent
Illicit drug sales dominate the dark web, with prescription drugs and cannabis being the most commonly sold items. LSD and MDMA make up another significant portion.
Valuable Tip: Awareness of the types of goods traded on the dark web can help in understanding its risks and impacts.
10. Cryptocurrency Is the Currency of Choice
Almost all dark web transactions are conducted in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum due to their anonymizing features. Despite a revenue drop in 2022, the market is rebounding.
Valuable Tip: If dealing with cryptocurrency, be aware of its use on the dark web and the associated risks.
The Biggest Threats
Despite some myths, like the existence of Red Rooms, the real threat of the dark web lies in its facilitation of cybercrime. Businesses must stay vigilant, as cybercrime-as-a-service (CaaS) has lowered the entry barriers for fraudsters.
Valuable Tip: Implement strong cybersecurity measures and regularly update them to protect against evolving threats from the dark web.
Proceed With Caution
Should you venture into the dark web? For most casual users, the answer is no. While it has legitimate uses, the dark web is fraught with dangers.
Valuable Tip: If you must use the dark web, do so with extreme caution and stay aware of the potential risks and threats.
The dark web is a complex and multifaceted part of the internet. Understanding its dynamics can help you navigate its risks and benefits more effectively.