Dark Web Definition: What Is the Dark Web? And How Does It Work?

When the Internet was being developed, researchers realized that information needed to be protected from prying eyes. The solution was a new network called the Darknet.

The darknet has grown exponentially since its creation. Even though the government tries to suppress its growth, it’s still expanding rapidly.

Dark Web Definition

The term 'Dark Web' refers to websites or services accessible only through special Tor software (the Onion Router). These sites are often used for illegal activities such as buying drugs, weapons, child pornography, and other illicit goods.

Tor is a free browser extension that allows you to access these hidden websites without revealing your IP address. This makes it possible to browse anonymously and securely.

The Dark Web is also known as the Deep Web or Hidden Web. It’s part of the World Wide Web (or WWW) — but only accessible through special software and websites.

According to Wikipedia, the term ‘Darknet’ was created by John Perry Barlow when he wrote his famous Declaration of Independence for Cyberspace in 1996. At the time, it was believed that the Internet should operate in a free and unrestricted manner.

It’s safe to say that the Dark Web is the last place you want to visit before you go to bed at night. It’s where hackers hide out to commit crimes like identity theft and credit card fraud. If you really want to dive into the depths of the Dark Web, you’ll find plenty of information about how to access it.

Why You Should Avoid Dark Web

The dark web is not anonymous

The dark web is not anonymous. While browsing the dark web is free, if you want to buy something anonymously then it is going to cost you money. You need to pay first before you get what you want and once payment is done, you need to provide details of your contact information so that the seller can reach you.

The dark web is full of scammers

If you don’t know how to do research, you might fall victim to scams, especially on the dark web. Once you start searching for something that you require, sellers will ask for personal information like name, address, phone number, etc. Scam artists use these details to steal your identity.

The dark web is full of viruses

Some viruses infect computers while others affect people physically. The biggest advantage of using the dark net is that you have no way to trace back anyone who might take advantage of you. A person can easily download malicious files and programs on the dark net without any security measure measures.

dark dark web is unsafe

The dark web does not protect you from hackers and cybercriminals. If you use the internet to search for goods or services, make sure that you are completely safe even though you are online.

The dark web is expensive

You should expect to spend some money when buying items on the dark web since they aren't listed anywhere else. However, once you find what you're looking for, you should also expect to pay even higher prices than regular websites.

The dark web isn't secure

The dark web is not secure at all. There is no guarantee that you won't run into problems. Hackers can access your data and expose private information about you in case you're careless enough to give them your personal info.

The dark web is illegal

Using the dark web is illegal in many countries. Using it for selling drugs, child pornography, weapons, or anything else which is banned is considered to be a crime.

How does the Dark Web Work?

The Dark Web can be divided into two parts, the Deep Web and the Surface Web. The Deep Web comprises sites that have been intentionally hidden from the general public and includes things like file-sharing websites, video streaming sites, online black markets, etc. 

The Deep Web links directly to the Tor network. The Surface Web is the visible portion of the Internet and everything else. The Surface Web does not link to the Tor Network. All websites on the Surface Web have a domain name that is registered with any standard registrar. These websites do not require special software or a specific protocol to access them. In fact, many major websites are hosted on the Deep Web.

Dark Net Markets (DNM) are websites that sell illicit products and services. The DNM's main purpose is to provide a platform where people can buy and sell anything they feel without fear of being caught. 

There are three types of drugs sold on the Dark Net Markets: Cannabis, Cocaine, and Opiates. As with other drug dealers, the DNM owners set their own prices and use shipping services to send packages out.

There are several tools on the Dark Web that people use to communicate with each other and conduct business. One of those tools is the Onion Routing Protocol or ORP. Each time someone connects to an onion website, the website randomly generates a long string of letters and numbers. 

When an individual wants to connect to a site, he/she enters these random codes and the connection is established. Once the communication between individuals is done, they disconnect and the website owner never knows who was connected to him/her. Another tool that people use to communicate is PGP encryption. 

Encrypted messages help users hide private information. So, if you’re trying to sell something on the Dark Web definition, you should always encrypt your message before sending it to potential buyers.

Although there is no way to know how much money is spent on the Dark Web, experts say that between $500 million and 60 billion dollars per year are spent on buying and selling goods and services on the Dark Web.

Written By: Aniket Dubey