Page 27 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

should be careful, though, and keep their security up to date with things like VPNs, private email
addresses, and software that is always up to date.

Things That Are Illegal on the Dark Web

Because the dark web is anonymous, it also draws people who do bad things. People who sell illegal
things like drugs, weapons, and stolen data do very well in this secret part of the internet. Famous
websites like Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa have been shut down by the government after it was found
that they were running illegal businesses. Because people can remain anonymous on the dark web,
hackers and law enforcement continue to face problems.

It's important to know about these parts of the deep and dark web to understand how they affect internet
privacy, safety, and legal activities.

Key Insights About the Dark Web:

Targeted Searching

It's not easy to get around on the dark web. You can't use search tools to find your way around like you
can on the surface web. Vice President at Peraton John M. said, "The dark web requires patience and a
certain set of skills to search for information by hand and make sure it is correct." Websites and platforms
often disappear or change, so users have to take extra steps to find the information they need.

High Risk of Malware

There aren't many rules about the dark web, which makes it more likely that you'll find malware. "Many
sites that can be reached through the Tor browser have malware on them," warns John M. To lower your
risk, he says to use a disposable machine that can be cleaned up after your exercise. Also, accidentally
viewing illegal content can get you in trouble with the law, which is another reason to be careful when
you're browsing.

Used by Organizations to Improve Security Tools like Peraton's Tornado are used to search the dark web
by groups like the government. Every 30 days, this tool searches the dark web secretly for mentions of
the group using specific keywords to find possible threats. This proactive method helps get ready for
cyber threats and lessen their damage before they get worse.

A Refuge for Privacy and Whistleblowing

You can be more private on the dark web than on the open web. It's an important tool for people who
want to blow the whistle on government corruption and get around censorship. For example, in the early
days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese people shared information without being blocked on the "dark
web," which made it much less likely that the government would punish them.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 27
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