What if you browse the dark web?
The owl will be able to see, hear and move around without making much noise due to its amazing eyesight, sensitive hearing and silent flying. This means you can explore the forest during the night.
The internet is similar. The surface web is a busy place during the day, so you can easily browse websites, social media and online shopping. Whereas the dark web is a darker place with plenty of hidden places, strange routes and possible dangers.
It is interesting to compare the two. You will need to be aware, cautious and know when you are in danger.
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is part of the internet that you cannot view with normal search engines. You will need to use specific programs such as the Tor Browser to browse these websites.
However, it is important to know the difference between the Dark Web, Deep Web and Surface Web.
Surface Web – Public websites that can be easily found with search engines such as news and public blogs.
Deep Web – Private websites such as confidential email accounts, online banking and password protected accounts.
Dark Web – Websites that are intentionally hidden and can often only be accessed with special methods.
Not everything on the Dark Web is illegal. Many journalists, researchers and people wanting to stay private use these services for legitimate reasons. However, there are scammers, stolen data and illegal markets.
1. Owl’s night vision
The owl having good night vision is a great example.
When browsing the surface web you will often find the websites you are looking for using your normal search engine. However, when browsing the Dark Web you may struggle to find genuine sites to visit. Many services will not appear in searches.
Also, just because you find a website on the Dark Web does not mean you will find any hidden secrets. As with many situations there are varying levels of reliability. Some sites may be trying to trick you.
Do not assume that just because something is mysterious or exclusive then it will be safe. Just as you wouldn’t assume everything moving in the forest is harmless.
When researching the Dark Web start with genuine education sources. Do not click on any random links, suspicious downloads or sites offering you access to confidential information.
2. Silent flying
The owl can fly around at night silently due to privacy focussed tech. This can make it difficult to track who you are.
Tor is a network that will redirect your internet traffic to multiple relays. This can help hide your IP address. This can help keep you private.
However, this does not guarantee total privacy.
If you log into an account, download unsafe files, install malicious software or provide your details then you can give away personal information. How you set up your browser, device and behaviour online can also affect this.
If you are visiting a site using privacy tools but are providing your full name, personal email and other details in a public form then you are not protected.
Using privacy tools can help reduce risks but you should be cautious.
3. Hidden routes
Whilst the owl may follow a path through the forest you may follow hidden routes that take you somewhere unsafe. This is the same with the Dark Web.
There are many links on the Dark Web that may not be up to date, fake or imitations of real websites. Some will aim to steal your credentials, install malicious software or ask you for money.
Be extra cautious if visiting sites offering you access to leaked databases, hacked accounts, free cryptocurrency and confidential documents for a small cost.
To help reduce risks:
- Do not click on any unknown links from unreliable sources.
- Do not download any unexpected files from suspicious sites.
- Try not to enter your usual passwords on unknown sites.
- Never provide payment details to unknown services.
- Make sure you have updated your browser, OS and security software.
These tips are useful across the entire internet. Many scams start with a regular email, social media message or misleading search.
4. Be aware
Just as the owl must be aware to survive in the dark you must know what to look out for.
Phishing – Scammers will create fake pages/messages to try and get you to provide your passwords, money and sensitive information.
Malware – Malicious downloads can be used to steal your information, spy on you or cause damage to your device.
Scammers may try to use your curiosity to provide exclusive services or say you can earn lots of money with little effort.
Look out for:
- Requests for your passwords/verification codes.
- Pressure to pay.
- Unexpected file downloads.
- Imitations.
- Guaranteed profits or unlimited access to stolen data.
If anything seems suspicious then do not visit the site. Never let your curiosity get the better of you and risk your personal information.
Find out how practical security measures can help protect your digital systems by looking at our cybersecurity services.
5. Stay safe
The best thing to do when visiting unknown areas online is to make sure you are prepared.
Ensure you have updated your Operating System and browser. This will help with any security updates.
Create strong unique passwords and enable Multi Factor Authentication on key accounts. A password manager can help you avoid using the same passwords.
Try to avoid providing too much personal information online. Do not connect any unknown services to your main email account and avoid providing any sensitive information unless you have a legitimate reason.
If you are researching the Tor network for educational/research purposes download the Tor Browser from their official website. Look at their tips for staying safe and do not change any advanced settings on your browser unless you know what you are doing.
Using privacy software does not mean everything you do online will be safe/legal. You are responsible for your actions.
6. Should I explore the Dark Web?
Not necessarily. Most people can keep their accounts secure, research cybersecurity and keep themselves fairly private without visiting sites on the Dark Web.
If you want to improve your digital safety start with practical steps such as checking your account security settings, enabling Multi Factor Authentication, learning how to identify phishing and checking if your email address has been part of any known data breaches.
Those in research or professional roles may have legitimate reasons to research hidden services but you could be putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
Ask yourself what you want to learn, can you find the information from a safer source and do you know the potential risks?
Conclusion
Browsing the Dark Web can be compared to the owl exploring at night. You will need to be aware and use genuine information, privacy tools and good cybersecurity habits.
The Dark Web is not entirely dangerous but there are scammers, malicious content and illegal activity. There are also legitimate reasons to use it for privacy.
If you decide to research it be careful. Do not click on any suspicious links, keep your credentials safe, keep your devices updated and do not assume you will be anonymous.
The most intelligent explorer will know what they are doing and know when to stop.