Dark internet is that part of the internet that is not accessed by everyone; access it by configurations or authorization to access. It is used for private communication and other tasks, which a search engine can not access. The dark web is thought to make up only 0.01% of the deep web, whereas the deep web accounts for over 90% of all online content.
The dark web is an invisible and encrypted section of the internet, deliberately hidden from regular search engines, and only accessible using specific software, settings, or authorization.
What Is the Dark Internet? Can We Access It Through Google?
The dark web is an invisible & encrypted section of the internet, deliberately hidden from regular search engines, and only accessible using specific software, settings, or authorization.
We cannot search the dark internet or dark web using Google or other search engines. A special browser called the Tor Browser is used for this purpose.
The Tor Browser is a hidden browser that is not normally visible and is encrypted; it does not save data from searches conducted on it. Most people who want to search anonymously use this browser.
While Google itself cannot directly access the dark web, it offers a "dark web report" feature for Google Account users in certain regions. This feature allows you to monitor the dark web for your personal information and receive notifications if your data is found in breach. This can help you take steps to protect your information, such as enabling 2-step Verification or placing a credit freeze
What Is the Use of the Dark Web (Internet)?
The dark web is like a secret room on the internet where all kinds of activities take place, some good and some bad, depending on the purpose of use. If we consider it for good purposes, the dark web is best for working with privacy. However, it also has a significant presence of cyber criminals who perform illegal activities and use the dark web to evade detection from the authorities, thus protecting their real identities.
Sensitive data, such as customer information, is stored safely in this environment. Cybercriminals steal data from here and sell it on the dark web. Additionally, spreading viruses and various illegal activities occur here. Since the dark web is hidden, detecting these criminals is a challenging task.
On the other hand, it can also be used for many positive purposes. For example, in countries with unfair rules, a reporter can use it to communicate with others without being noticed by the government, thereby raising awareness about unfair practices. People who witness injustices can share information secretly through this medium without attracting government attention.
Why Do Companies Use the Dark Web?
Apart from normal individuals, businesses may also employ the dark web for protection. Through monitoring secret internet forums, businesses can learn about potential threats to their computers and information.
It includes viewing leaked passwords, discovering stolen business secrets, and being informed of new hacker techniques. The alert system allows companies to get ready, strengthen their defenses, and lessen the effect of possible attacks.
How Much Of The Internet Is The Dark Web?
The internet is divided into three components: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. The surface web contains websites that are readily available through search engines such as Google. The deep web comprises private material, including emails, banking sites, and scholarly databases, that are not listed by search engines. The dark web is a secret component of the internet that needs special software, such as the Tor browser, to access.
The dark web comprises less than 0.005% of the whole internet, according to recent research. Others estimate that it may be as much as 5%, though most professionals feel that it is significantly smaller. The dark web is commonly associated with illicit actions, including stolen data sales, drug sales, and weapons sales.
Since dark web sites are continually emerging and being shut down, it is hard to estimate its size. Although it is a minor sector of the internet, its influence is great because of the anonymity it offers.
What You Can Find On The Dark Web? According To People Actual Experience
Illegal Marketplaces
Some people experience dark web marketplaces as " creepy and surreal." From stolen credit card information to phony passports, they saw it all. "It's like entering a black market that couldn't be seen."
These marketplace sites, similar to Amazon but for criminals, sell illegal substances, guns, hacking services, and even murder-for-hire. Some users merely browse to satisfy their curiosity, while others warn that purchasing could result in grave legal consequences.
Disturbing Content
Some people notice websites that contain live torture for pay, called "red rooms.". Despite most people believing these are myths,. "Though some of these things may not be real, the fact that people talk about them in such a free way is frightening.". There have been reports of people finding instructions on how to make homemade explosives and guides to cybercrime on the dark web—proof that some dark web material can be dangerous.
Discussion Forums: A Safe Haven for Some
Not all on the dark web is illegal or frightening. Users discovered forums like Reddit, where people discuss cybersecurity, privacy, and whistleblowing. Dread is a community where individuals share news, discuss darknet market developments, and offer security advice.
Some Strange Incidents On Dark Web
Some users have experienced situations on the dark web where, upon opening a chat, they received a message stating, "We can watch you." This may seem like a scene from a horror movie, but it is indeed possible and happening in real time. Therefore, if you are not aware of the proper tips for using the dark web safely, it is advisable not to engage with it at all, as this could lead to the leakage of your sensitive data.
This raises the question of how someone could potentially see you. It is entirely possible for your webcam to be hacked, and even your screen and keyboard can be compromised, allowing hackers to monitor everything you type.
If a user has unsafe settings and visits the dark web or installs a malicious script on a website or chatroom, then hackers will have access to your webcam and microphone.
How is this possible?
1st Possibility: Browser Exploits
If a user is accessing the dark web on an old browser or an older version of Tor, they are exposed to browser exploits. Hackers exploit security vulnerabilities to access the system without permission.
One of the most prevalent techniques is JavaScript exploits, which enable attackers to run malicious code on the victim's device. Through these vulnerabilities, hackers can take control of system functions, such as cameras and microphones, without the user's permission.
2nd Possibility: Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
Opening malicious links or downloading infected files (e.g., images, videos, or text files) can result in the installation of Remote Access Trojans (RATs). These are sophisticated malware programs that provide hackers with complete remote access to a device. After installation, an attacker can view webcam streams, capture microphone audio, and even monitor keyboard input. This allows them to spy on the victim in real time, resulting in severe privacy violations.
3rd Possibility: WebRTC Leak
Most people believe that using Tor or a VPN ensures full anonymity, but this is not always the case. There is a vulnerability known as a WebRTC leak that can reveal a user's actual IP address if the network settings are not correctly set. If a hacker has placed a tracking script on a dark web chat room or website, they can track a user's actual location, even if the user is using Tor.
4th Possibility: Permission Hijacking
If the user has once allowed permission to the browser accessing the webcam or microphone, then the hacker is able to utilize this permission by means of a malware script. This is normally carried out with the help of phishing attacks or hijacked browser extensions. As soon as they are activated, the hacker can activate the webcam and microphone with no apparent notice and can spy on the user unseen.