What is the “Dark Web?”

The “Dark Web” is, in very simple terms, the portion of the internet that the public does not have access to. When people hear about this space, they often assume it’s used for illegal activity like drug trafficking, prostitution or even to watch gore videos and live murders, like the grizzly videos found on US crime. Little do they know, it’s actually developed into much more than that. Researchers now believe there are approximately 100,000 websites on the Dark Web.

It’s important to note that not all of the content on these websites is illegal, and in fact a lot of it is perfectly legal. The dark web has become an avenue for free speech and freedom of information online because it  can’t be monitored by your ISP or government authorities [footnote: “No man should have the right to decide the knowledge of others.” – Edward Snowden].

The dark web is accessed with specific software (like Tor) that makes it very difficult for authorities to monitor. I know what you’re thinking, “how can my business be safe if they are able to do anything without being monitored?”…well there really aren’t any statistics to back this up, but if you are on the deep web for legal reasons it’s best to use Tor or other software that will make your activity untraceable.

It is illegal to access these websites with the intent of committing cybercrime, but there are still some cybersecurity companies concerned about their customers’ safety and security while they’re online. The dark web can pose a threat to your organization, but it’s important to make sure you know the difference between what is legal and what isn’t.

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The dark web can be dangerous for both your online security and your computer, here are some tips you should follow in order to stay safe!

Never download files from websites that are unfamiliar. There’s no way of knowing if the file is what it claims to be, or if there is embed malware into it that will infect your system.

Don’t open suspicious attachments, this is how most viruses are sent to you! If you can’t verify the file’s authenticity don’t risk it, delete without opening.

Hire and IT Company that can handle all of your online needs, from website design to cybersecurity!

The dark web isn’t all about illegal activity, it’s a space for those who want to speak their mind without the fear of being monitored online. It does pose problems for your cybersecurity and online safety though, so make sure you’re not browsing these sites if they are against the law! Hiring an IT company that can help you protect your online security is a great way to stay safe in today’s digital world.