The darknet is an underground portion of the internet not accessible via search engines and requires use of an anonymizing browser like Tor. This cybercriminal-rich zone houses everything from drugs and guns, to stolen subscription credentials, counterfeit money and software used for cybercrime.

If you suspect your information might be on the darknet, get comprehensive cybersecurity software to check.

Anonymity

The dark web allows users to exchange information anonymously without fear of surveillance or retaliation from government authorities or third-party retaliation. Forums such as IntelExchange provide spaces for discussion on current events while whistleblowing platforms like WikiLeaks’ dark net counterpart offer safe channels to share sensitive documents.

The dark web, as the hidden layer of the internet is sometimes called, contains websites selling illegal drugs and weapons, stolen financial data, false government documents and child pornography. But it also hosts legal websites run by human rights activists and journalists who take advantage of its anonymity to promote their activities and remain untraceable online.

But online anonymity remains contentious. While VPNs, Tor and proxies can help hide identities online, law enforcement can still uncover user activity through traffic analysis, browser flaws or malicious software.

Security

Cybercriminals take advantage of the dark web to buy, sell and exchange stolen data and hacking tools as well as discuss new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP). It also serves as the main location for threat actors discussing new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP).

Due to its anonymity, the dark web can be challenging to monitor or track; however, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity professionals can use monitoring conversations on this platform as a source of intelligence on potential threat actors.

To safeguard themselves against hidden threats, organizations must implement comprehensive operational security practices and foster an environment which supports cybersecurity best practices. This should include creating strong passwords, two-factor authentication and conducting red and blue team exercises to identify gaps or weaknesses in cybersecurity systems. Furthermore, it’s imperative that they maintain strong firewalls and VPNs to help guard against cyber attacks.

Privacy

The darknet’s anonymity provides criminal elements with an ideal environment in which to engage in unlawful activities ranging from purchasing stolen credit card numbers and counterfeit ID documents to trading illicit drugs and arms. It’s also used by activists in authoritarian countries for communicating freely about their experiences without fear of reprisals from authorities.

Cybersecurity professionals delve deep into the darknet to research cybersecurity threats, monitor data breaches, and keep abreast of new hacking techniques. This intelligence can then be used to strengthen defense strategies against potential attacks that could occur. Tor software provides access to this network. Sites located there feature addresses ending in.onion as part of Tor’s unique domain suffix system.

Content

Darknet is an overlay network that sits atop the internet and is accessible through Tor (The Onion Router). Tor operates by routing user web traffic through decentralized “nodes”, encrypting their activity and making it nearly impossible to trace where an online search originated from.

Content on the darknet includes anything behind a paywall or that requires login credentials, as well as websites and services that prohibit web crawlers from indexing them – usually indicated by URLs ending in.onion.

Many associate the darknet with illegal activities and content; however, it also provides many legitimate benefits. For instance, journalists in autocratic nations can utilize it securely communicate with colleagues.

Commerce

Whoever is willing to take the risk can use Tor Network to purchase illegal items such as guns, drugs and credit card details stolen by cyber criminals – paying with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin for anonymity purposes.

Since 2021, Abacus Market has served as an English-speaking darknet marketplace accessible via Tor. The marketplace features various illicit goods ranging from fraudulent ID cards and prepaid credit cards to drugs and chemicals – as well as hacking services as well as software designed to break into other computers.