What is the “Dark Web?”

Unlike the surface web we use to browse various websites and stream our favorite TV shows, the dark web is part of the internet that’s not indexed by search engines.

The dark web can only be accessed with special web browsers.

A few widely known networks include Tor, I2P, and Riffle. 

The dark web is a breeding ground for criminal activity to take place.

Researchers Daniel Moore and Thomas Rid of King’s College in London classified the contents of 2,723 live dark websites over a five-week period in 2015 and found that 57% host illicit material.

A study conducted in 2019 shows that things have gotten worse. The number of dark web listings that could harm an enterprise has risen by 20% since 2016. Of all listings (excluding those selling illicit drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises.

Cybercriminals can sell, trade, and browse on the dark web with complete anonymity.

Because of its highly layered encryption system, hackers can communicate without giving away their location, IP address, or identity.  

How Does Information End Up on the Dark Web?

Data can end up on the dark web in several ways, including through data breaches, using public Wi-Fi, visiting a non-secure website, or leaving an offline paper trail with sensitive information.  

A cybercriminal may hack into company databases and take personal data, such as email account addresses, passwords, and phone numbers. 

Using a virtual private network (VPN), which comes with bank-grade encryption to scramble your data, is a great way to protect your information. 

To prevent data breaches, it is best to visit encrypted webpages when browsing online — keep an eye out for URLs beginning with HTTPS rather than HTTP. The “S” means added security for you.

Lastly, always shred paper containing your personal information.

➡️ READ MORE: The Importance of Choosing the Right Location For Your Business

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Elena Patestas is a journalist and writer for Valuetainment media. She attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and Adelphi University on Long Island, New York. She was born and raised in Roslyn, New York, and currently lives in Miami, Florida.

Elena is passionate about bringing positive change to our world and believes education is the root to solving many societal problems. After overcoming a chronic health condition, Elena became passionate about health and believes food is the key to preventing dis-ease and achieving optimum health.

Amongst her many goals, she hopes to bring positive, impactful change to our world to create a healthy, financially sound, and unified society.