What is the dark web? Can you access it?!
Find out What the dark web is.
i. The dark web is a part of the internet that is hidden from regular search engines and browsers. It is used by people who want to remain anonymous or engage in illegal activities. Some of the things that are for sale on the dark web are:
- Credit card numbers, bank account details, and other financial information. These are often stolen from data breaches or phishing scams and sold in bulk or individually. The prices vary depending on the type, amount, and quality of the data.
- Drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods. These are illegal products that can be bought or sold on the dark web without any regulation or oversight. The sellers may use encrypted communication, anonymous payment methods, and discreet shipping to avoid detection.
- Hacking services and tools. These are services or software that can help hackers to break into websites, networks, accounts, or devices. They may include malware, ransomware, DDoS attacks, phishing kits, or tutorials.
- Voter registration data, identity documents, and personal information. These are data or documents that can be used to commit identity theft, fraud, or other crimes. They may include names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, driver's licenses, passports, or birth certificates.
- Child pornography, hitmen services, and human trafficking. These are some of the most disturbing and dangerous things that are for sale on the dark web. They involve the exploitation, abuse, or harm of children or adults for sexual or violent purposes.
There are many more items and services that can be found on the dark web that are not listed here. The dark web is a risky and unpredictable place that should be avoided by anyone who values their safety and security.
ii. If you want to know if your personal information is on the dark web, you can use a reliable online dark web scanner, such as Aura@ https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-find-out-if-my-information-is-on-the-dark-web. Aura is a free service that scans your email address with the compromised credential databases and alerts you if your information has been leaked in a recent data breach. You can also sign up for a 24/7 dark web scanning service that monitors up to 60 types of personal data and notifies you if any of them are found on the dark web.
To prevent your data from getting on the dark web, you should follow some tips such as:
- Use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts and change them regularly.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks or use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
- Only visit secure websites that have HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Beware of phishing emails or text messages that ask you to click on a link or open an attachment.
- Install a reputable antivirus program and update it regularly.
- Shred any paper documents that contain your personal information.