Is Dark Web really that DARK?
HISTORY AND EMERGENCE:
The dark web emerged in the late 1990s as a result of the development of the Tor network, which was originally created by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as a way for government agents to communicate anonymously online. During times of war, the American soldiers also needed a medium to communicate efficiently and secretly so that their rivals cannot intercept their plans. So, the government came up with the idea of a part of the web that’s not accessible by everyone and is hidden under the surface web. In the early stages when the war was active, it was introduced as a medium of safe and secret communication between the soldiers and the government but as time passed by, this medium became obsolete as it was no longer needed by the government anymore for communication.
The internet that we normally access through web browsers is only 5% of the whole world wide web and is also known as the Surface Web. The rest of the internet is hidden and is not easily accessible by anybody using the surface web. It can only be accessed using a special type of browser.
“TOR” or “The Onion Router” is a browser that hides the user’s identity so that the user remains anonymous and relatively safe in the deep web from malicious malware and viruses. It does this by sending your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers around the world, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activity back to you. This is especially useful for people who need to communicate securely and anonymously, such as journalists and activists. The Onion Router or TOR basically gives us access to all of the hidden part of the web that is not accessible from the normal surface web. However, it’s important to use TOR responsibly and follow the law. The web links that are hosted in the deep web are different from that of the surface web.
For example:
Surface web link: www.google.co.in
ONION link: www.sfhdjcvy2u63rfvvfwj.onion
The web is divided into three parts:
SURFACE WEB
The surface web covers only 5% of the total world wide web that’s available to us. It is part of the internet that we use normally and is accessed through web browsers such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc. The internet that we surf daily to use social media, blog, stream videos, write emails, etc, comes under the surface web. The links to the websites of the surface web are generally human-readable.
This web is made up of popular .org, and .com domains.
For example: www.google.co.in
DEEP WEB
The deep web refers to parts of the World Wide Web that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This includes any content that is not readily accessible through standard search engines, such as private databases, password-protected websites, and encrypted networks. The deep web is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, or other illicit goods and services, as well as with online black markets and criminal activities. The deep web also includes legitimate and useful content, such as academic and scientific research papers, corporate databases, and government records. It’s important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web, which is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed through specific software or configurations, such as the Tor network. The dark web is often used for criminal activities and illegal transactions and is therefore subject to law enforcement scrutiny.
DARK WEB
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed through specific software or configurations, such as the TOR network. Unlike the surface web (the part of the web that is accessible through search engines like Google), which is indexed and easily searchable, the dark web is designed to be anonymous and difficult to trace.
The anonymity of the dark web makes it a popular platform for illegal activities such as the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods and services, as well as for cybercrime, fraud, and other illegal activities. However, not all activities on the dark web are illegal, and some people use it for legitimate reasons, such as accessing information in countries with strict censorship laws or communicating anonymously for privacy or security reasons.
It’s also important to understand that the dark web is not a single entity or network, but rather a collection of networks and websites that are hidden from traditional search engines. Because of this, it’s difficult to estimate the size or scope of the dark web, and it is often subject to law enforcement scrutiny.
WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DARK WEB “DARK”?
It is said that you can get anything on the dark web from a strand of hair to the nail of a toe. It is important to note that the Dark Web is not inherently “dark” or creepy. However, because of its anonymity and lack of regulation, it has become a space where illegal activities can take place without the fear of being caught.
The Dark Web is home to various illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. It also provides a platform for hackers and cybercriminals to sell their services to willing buyers. Additionally, the Dark Web hosts disturbing content such as child pornography, human trafficking, and other criminal activities that are highly immoral and illegal.
The anonymity of the Dark Web also makes it a breeding ground for extremist groups, such as white supremacists, terrorist organizations, and cults. These groups use the Dark Web to recruit new members, share extremist content, and plan their activities without the risk of being detected by law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, the dark web is not regulated, and its users are often untraceable, making it difficult for authorities to track and shut down illegal activities. This lack of accountability and the prevalence of illegal activities create a sense of “darkness” or mystery around the Dark Web, making it an unsettling and creepy space.
THE ROLE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY
The transactions that take place on the dark web aren’t in any normal currencies that we use on a daily basis such as the USD or INR because it’s very risky to be used on the dark web as the sender and the receiver can easily be tracked using the path that these currencies use. So to avoid being caught, the transactions here take place in cryptocurrency because it is very difficult to track and trace the path of a transaction.
The use of cryptocurrency on the Dark Web is not limited to legal activities. Cryptocurrencies are also used to facilitate illegal transactions such as drug dealing, weapons trafficking, and the sale of stolen personal information. Cryptocurrencies enable these transactions to occur without the need for a central authority or financial institution, making it more difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and identify those involved in illegal activities.
Furthermore, cryptocurrency has enabled the growth of Dark Web marketplaces, where buyers and sellers can conduct illegal transactions anonymously. These marketplaces have become a hub for illegal activities, and cryptocurrency has played a significant role in their proliferation.
BEWARE OF THE SCAMMERS!!
The population and activeness of scammers have significantly increased as they trap users into buying their services using famous crypto mediums such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. So as soon as the scammer gets the amount, he/she just blocks the user’s access to him/her and then by this the user gets scammed.
Scammers on the dark web are unfortunately a common occurrence. The anonymity provided by the dark web makes it an attractive platform for criminals to conduct fraudulent activities.
Some common types of scams on the dark web include phishing scams, where scammers create fake websites or email messages that appear legitimate in order to trick users into revealing their personal or financial information; investment scams, where scammers promise high returns on investments but disappear with the money; and counterfeit scams, where scammers sell fake or counterfeit products.
So we should be very cautious and vigilant when using the dark web to avoid falling victim to these scams. Some tips to protect yourself include:
- Use reputable marketplaces and vendors: Look for vendors with positive feedback and a history of successful transactions.
- Use escrow services: Escrow services can help protect your money by holding it until the transaction is complete and both parties are satisfied.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use a VPN: A VPN can help protect your anonymity and encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for scammers to track your activity.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for each account you create and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
SERVICES OFFERED ON THE DARK WEB:
Here’s more detail on the illegal services that can be found on the dark web:
1. Drugs:
The dark web is a hub for illegal drug sales, and vendors offer a wide variety of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These drugs are often sold in small quantities, and buyers can pay with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Vendors often ship these drugs through the mail, and buyers take the risk of being caught by law enforcement or receiving low-quality or fake drugs.
2. Weapons:
The dark web is also a hub for illegal weapons sales. Buyers can purchase guns, ammunition, and other weapons from vendors on the dark web. Some vendors even offer tutorials on how to make homemade explosives. These weapons are often sold without background checks or age verification, and buyers run the risk of being caught by law enforcement or being involved in a violent crime.
3. Counterfeit Goods:
The dark web is also a hub for the sale of counterfeit goods. Buyers can purchase fake passports, driver’s licenses, and credit cards, as well as counterfeit luxury goods such as handbags and watches. These goods are often sold at a fraction of the cost of the real items, but they are also illegal and can result in serious consequences if caught.
4. Stolen Data:
The dark web is a hub for cybercriminals, and stolen data is often sold on online marketplaces. Buyers can purchase credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information that can be used for identity theft. This stolen data is often obtained through hacking and data breaches, and buyers run the risk of being caught by law enforcement or being involved in identity theft and fraud.
5. Illegal Pornography:
The dark web is home to a variety of illegal pornography, including child pornography and bestiality. This type of content is illegal and can result in serious consequences for those involved.
6. Hitmen and Assassins:
While rare, there have been cases of “hitmen” or assassins being hired through the dark web for a price. This is a dangerous and illegal activity that can result in serious consequences for both the buyer and the seller.
7. Voodoo and other Dark Practices:
While not common, it’s been reported that some services on the dark web offer voodoo or other dark practices, such as spells and curses. These types of services can be illegal or dangerous, and buyers should exercise caution and avoid them altogether.
8. Hacking Services:
The dark web is a hub for cybercriminals, and there are a number of services available for hacking and cybercrime. These services may include malware and virus creation, hacking tutorials and tools, and even hire-a-hacker services. It is also home to many financial services, including money laundering and escrow services. These services allow users to conduct financial transactions anonymously, which can be useful for individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services.
It’s important to note that engaging in any of these activities is illegal and can result in serious consequences. The dark web is not a safe place, and users should avoid it altogether unless they have a legitimate reason to access it and take appropriate security measures to protect themselves.
THE DARKEST OF ALL SERVICES: RED ROOMS
“Red rooms” are one of the most disturbing and controversial concepts associated with the dark web. The term “red room” refers to a live-streaming service where users can pay to watch acts of extreme violence or torture being inflicted on a victim. The victim is typically tied up and unable to defend themselves, and the torture is often sexual in nature. The name “red room” is said to come from the fact that the room in which the torture takes place is often painted red to hide the bloodstains.
There is no concrete evidence that “red rooms” actually exist on the dark web, and many experts believe that the concept is a myth or an urban legend. However, there have been reports of similar types of services being offered on the dark web, such as “murder for hire” services, where users can pay to have someone killed, and “torture chambers”, where users can pay to watch videos of real-life torture.
There are several reasons why the idea of “red rooms” has captured the public’s imagination. First, the concept taps into a primal fear of violence and brutality. The idea that there are people out there who would pay to watch someone be tortured or killed is deeply disturbing to most people. Second, the anonymity and secrecy of the dark web make it difficult to know what is really going on, which only fuels speculation and fear.
However, it’s likely that victims are targeted and kidnapped in a variety of ways, depending on the specific operation.
One possible method of targeting victims for “red rooms” is through online grooming. The perpetrators may create fake social media profiles or other online personas to gain the trust of potential victims, particularly vulnerable or marginalized individuals. Once the perpetrators have gained the victim’s trust, they may invite them to participate in a “modelling” or “acting” opportunity that is a ruse to get them into a vulnerable position.
Other possible methods of kidnapping victims for “red rooms” could include abduction from public places, such as parks or shopping centers, or through coercion and manipulation of vulnerable individuals who may already be in a precarious situation, such as drug addicts or those experiencing homelessness.
It’s also difficult to determine the countries from which victims of “red rooms” may be kidnapped, as the perpetrators could be located anywhere in the world and could target victims from a variety of countries. However, it’s worth noting that there are certain areas of the world where human trafficking and other forms of exploitation are known to be particularly prevalent, such as parts of Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. It’s important to note that “red rooms” are a deeply disturbing concept and are illegal in every country in the world.
CONCLUSION:
Surfing the deep web is not at all a crime until and unless you are engaging yourself in criminal or illegal activity.
If you do choose to access the dark web, it’s important to take appropriate security measures, such as using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address, using a secure browser, such as TOR, and avoiding clicking on any links or downloading any files from untrusted sources. It’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with the content that is available on the dark web and to avoid engaging in any illegal or morally reprehensible activities.
That being said, it’s important to note that the vast majority of internet users have no legitimate reason to access the dark web, and doing so can expose them to unnecessary risk. Unless you have a specific reason for accessing the dark web, such as conducting research or reporting on cybercrime, it’s generally best to avoid it altogether.
