In the 21st century, the Internet is the digital universe that gets updated every nanosecond. Only a handful of people understand the real playgrounds of the web, along with its facilities. Let us dive into the details of it.
Types of web
There are classifications to the way you browse and access information. Each category has its trump card and limitations.
Open Web: This is like air, available to all with no boundaries. It is the surface web that you regularly use, such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Equal information is within everyone’s reach. It works on the domains, links, and the history can be accessed easily.
Deep Web: A more precise arena of information, not accessible to all. The deep web has specific details which are not linkable and, thus, are not on the radar of the surface web. It is covered by security authorities that require passwords and recently introduced fingerprints or facial scans for retrieving the information.
It is mostly used by businesses that prefer to keep their data under curtains, individuals who want to access their personal information such as emails, credit card details, medical records, and social media accounts. This also includes academic research papers and legal accounts.
So, anything on the web that demands user authentication is considered as part of the deep web. It ensures the privacy and safety of information. If not secured with strong passwords, the data is prone to cyber-attacks.
Dark Web: This is the platform for most encrypted information and datasets. The dark web offers anonymity. It provides access to content and websites that are subject to censorship in a certain country. Many agencies offer guide to dark web services without revealing their original identity, and the dark web makes such information available to its users.
The dark web has gained a lot of negative attention for promoting drugs, sex abuse, crimes, the sale of weapons, human trafficking, organs, and dead body auction, and terrorism. It is considered as a space to execute all kinds of illegal things that are under constant scrutiny by the governments.
It is a suitable space for people who want to express their controversial opinions without repercussions and also fosters secured communication within undercover agencies of various nations.
How to access the dark web safely?
The identity on the internet is labeled by the IP addresses. The dark web functions with this particular trait. It requires software named “The Onion Router” (TOR) to function on a device.
The TOR works by encrypting information in security layers that conceals its original contents and makes it difficult for middle operators to decode. There is a network of nodes that are checkpoints that decipher the information in a stepwise manner.
But, the interesting nib here is that TOR nodes are unequipped to unwrap the complete information, which serves the purpose of anonymity. Since there is no route established in the dark web, this makes it impossible to trace the point of origin and destination of the encrypted data.
How to protect yourself while using the dark web?
While on the dark web, it is important to be aware of your actions and take extra measures for protection from unwanted authorities. Following is a list of tips you can take to guard yourself.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): TOR defends your address on the dark web, but there is no cloak over the fact that you are using TOR. Your IP address easily gives a permit of your history to the ISP. Therefore, it’s important to hide it.
The VPN services allot you a counterfeit IP address and make you invisible from the radar of digital investigators. This protects from cyber threats and encrypts your data with advanced security locks.
- Protect your device: The dark web is a malicious forum full of websites that work with vengeful intentions. Install antivirus and software that protect your device from uninformed malware. Test your system for vulnerabilities and exposed access points that may be used by hackers to infect your system.
- Hide your identity: There are still no laws that clearly distinguish the legal or illegal use of the dark web. Never login by your original email address and web accounts. Stay as lowkey as possible.
Make transactions of money and information only when you are provided with sufficient identity proofs by the opponent agency or website. Trust is not a word used in this dark space.
- Be aware: There is a working code to everything. Educate yourself about the consequences of using the dark web and the provision for its right and wrong usage. Be acutely conscious about legal actions towards the dark web and the penalties done by the jurisdiction of your area.
Conclusion
Well-informed citizens can change the world. The web offers the stage. So, you need to be very well acquainted with the benefits and risks of using the web and embrace the wider perspective to increase social security amidst the plethora of shortcomings of the internet.
