What Is the Dark Web?

You hear the term Dark Web frequently, but what is the Dark Web really?

The Dark Web is World Wide Web content that exists on darknets, overlay networks that use the Internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Content on the Dark Web is not indexed by regular search engines. Users of the Dark Web can communicate and conduct business anonymously without divulging identifying information, such as the user’s true identity or location.

What Data Is On the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is commonly used by cybercriminals to publish hacking information and hacking tools, lists of Personally Identifying Information (PII), such as names, dates of birth, email addresses and more, financial data, and other stolen data.

Accessing the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web requires the use of an anonymizing browser called Tor. The Tor browser routes your web page requests through a series of proxy servers operated by thousands of volunteers around the globe, rendering you and your IP address unidentifiable and untraceable.

Is the Dark Web Illegal?

Not everything on the dark web is nefarious or illegal. The Tor network began as an anonymous communications channel, and it still serves a valuable purpose in helping people communicate in environments that are hostile to free speech. People use it in countries where there’s government eavesdropping or where internet access is criminalized.