Table of Contents
What is the Dark Net?
The Dark NetThe Dark Net is a concealed portion of the internet, deliberately hidden from conventional search engines and inaccessible using standard web browsers. It's a subset of the deep web, which..., also known as the Dark WebThe Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, such as Tor or I2P, to access its..., is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is a network of encrypted, anonymous websites that cannot be indexed by search engines like Google, making its activities largely unseen and untraceable.
When was the Dark Net Established?
The Dark Net’s origins can be traced back to the 1990s with a project by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Their goal was to create an internet space where U.S. intelligence could communicate in complete anonymity. This project, known as The Onion Routing Project, or TOR, was eventually released to the public, and it forms a significant part of the Dark Net today.
What Software Does the Dark Net Use?
As mentioned earlier, the Dark Net is most frequently accessed through TOR (The Onion Router), a software that enables anonymous communication by bouncing internet traffic across a worldwide network of servers. The idea is to mask a user’s activity and location by layering the encryption, like the layers of an onion. This layering obscures the source of the data, making it almost impossible to trace back to the user.
I2P (Invisible Internet Project) is another software used for accessing the Dark Net. While TOR focuses on providing anonymous access to the Internet, I2P specializes in creating a hidden network within the Internet. It’s a network within a network.
What Activities Happen on the Dark Net?
The Dark Net hosts a variety of activities, both legal and illegal. Here’s a glimpse:
- Legal Activities: There are those who use the Dark Net for legitimate, privacy-focused purposes, such as journalists communicating with sources, activists avoiding government surveillance, or individuals accessing blocked websites.
- Illegal Activities: Unfortunately, the Dark Net also harbors criminal activities due to its anonymous nature. This includes illegal trade (such as drugs, firearms, and stolen data), hacking services, counterfeit money operations, and even more heinous activities like human trafficking or child exploitation.
Why Does the Dark Net Appeal to Cyber Criminals?
The primary appeal of the Dark Net for cybercriminals is the anonymity it offers, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to trace illegal activities back to the individuals responsible. This lack of traceability provides a relatively safe environment for illicit trade and activities.
Another attraction is the community it provides. Cybercriminals can connect with others in their field, exchange knowledge, and even collaborate on larger operations.
Lastly, the Dark Net hosts numerous black markets, which serve as platforms for trading illicit goods and services, including stolen data, hacking tools, drugs, and weapons. These markets operate on an eBay-like system with reputations and ratings, ensuring trust in transactions.
In conclusion, while the Dark Net does provide avenues for legitimate privacy and freedom of speech concerns, its anonymous nature also serves as a hotbed for cybercrime. Understanding the Dark Net, its operations, and its appeal to cybercriminals can provide valuable insights into the ongoing battle for cybersecurityCybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. It encompasses techniques to prevent cyber threats....
