Bankers Life—Retirement Solutions Provider—Faces Member Data Breach
You may already be aware that malicious actors can use these to harm your credit, engage in financial theft, and breach of your other online accounts. Leaks of personal data can also lead to damage to your reputation via social fraud. Tor (“The Onion Routing” project) network browser provides users access to visit websites with the “.
Understanding the Deep Web
It is technically not illegal to access the dark web through the Tor browser. The United States government and military partially fund the search engine and in order to share information and protect their agents and informants. It is also seen as a right to privacy and encryption, as well as a safe space for journalists and whistleblowers. While we don’t recommend you access the dark web, if you do decide to, make sure you take all the steps above to keep your data safe from cybercriminals. For most of us, the internet begins and ends with websites we can find on Google. Sure, we understand that there are websites that are hard to find because they’re unlisted.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can access the dark web safely on a phone — both iPhone and Android. The Dark Web is a fascinating place where you can find all sorts of illegal activity going on. From drug dealing to arms trafficking, the Dark Web is a hotbed of criminal activity.
The week began with a report of 132k records compromised from an Indiana healthcare system. Nowadays, digital transactions and virtual interactions aren’t exactly optional. People can’t keep their information off the web due to professional reasons, and many processes are exponentially more convenient through an online profile. Effectively responding to cyber threats is all about speed and information. Defense specialists must react quickly to repel attacks and mitigate damages. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a non-profit organization that minimizes and mitigates the risks of identity threats.
Whistleblowers often come to the dark web to find allies who can take their secrets and share them more publicly elsewhere. Knowing what types of exploits are being performed on one’s organization allows leaders to plan damage control before something happens. For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted. If a data breach happens, it is better to be aware of it and be proactive before it goes public.
Connecting to the Tor network might raise eyebrows depending on who and where you are. Although data sent through Tor can’t be tracked or decrypted, your internet service provider and network administrator can still see that you’re using Tor. The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor. Like I2P, Freenet is a self-contained network within the network that can’t be used to access sites on the public web. It can only be used to access the content uploaded to the Freenet, which is a peer-to-peer distributed data store.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. Unlike the surface web, which is accessible to anyone with a standard internet connection, the deep web requires specific tools and knowledge to access.
What Sets the Deep Web Apart
Be wary of buying services or products, even those that aren’t illegal, because the dark web’s anonymity makes it a haven for scammers. Be wary of sites that may infect your computer with viruses or other malicious software that could give hackers access to your passwords, or, say, your webcam. So, there are plenty of reasons to log on to the deep web, but are there legitimate reasons to seek out the dark web? Accessing the dark web requires a connection to the Tor network.
You don’t need any special tools or a dark net browser to access most of the deep web; you just need to know where to look. Specialized search engines, directories, and wikis can help users locate the data they’re looking for. The deep web is generally safe and secure to use; owners of private websites or services are responsible for maintaining their security. That said, cybercriminals increasingly target this part of the internet because of the lucrative personal data lying within. That’s why basic online hygiene has become critical to protecting yourself online.
While many people might confuse the deep web with the dark web, they are not the same. The deep web includes:
- Private databases: Educational institutions, libraries, and government resources.
- Intranet sites: Internal company servers that require credentials.
- Medical records: Secure systems that protect patient information.
The dark web is just a small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and often associated with illegal activities.
How to Access the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web involves a few key steps and the use of specific tools. Here’s a detailed guide on how to access deep web content safely and effectively:
Step 1: Download the Tor Browser
The most popular way to access the deep web is through the Tor browser. This browser provides anonymity by routing your internet connection through various servers. Here’s how to get it:
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Select the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Follow the installation instructions.
Step 2: Set Up the Tor Browser
Once installed, follow these steps:
- Open the Tor browser.
- Connect to the Tor network when prompted.
- Adjust security settings as needed; higher security may restrict some websites.
Step 3: Explore .onion Sites
Websites on the deep web often use the .onion domain. These sites can only be accessed through the Tor browser. To find .onion links:
- Consult deep web directories.
- Look for communities discussing deep web topics.
- Use reliable sources to avoid harmful sites.
Step 4: Maintain Security and Anonymity
While exploring the deep web, it’s essential to protect your privacy. Here are some critical tips:
- Do not share personal information.
- Use a VPN service to add an extra layer of privacy.
- Disable plugins and scripts in the Tor browser.
FAQs About Accessing the Deep Web
Is accessing the deep web illegal?
- While ProtonMail has a solid commitment to privacy, its location has caused problems for users in the past.
- LoanCare is a sub-servicing entity that assists mortgage loan providers with finance and data functions; they service over 1.5 million customers across the states and beyond.
- While this is good advice for any type of web browsing, be particularly careful not to offer up any personal details, such as your credit card info or email address.
- This makes it impossible to track down the physical server under ordinary circumstances.
The deep web itself is not illegal; however, some activities conducted within it may be. Always stay on the right side of the law.
Can I use regular search engines to find deep web content?
No, traditional search engines cannot index deep web content. You will need specific links or a directory to access deep web sites.
What are some risks of accessing the deep web?
Risks include encountering illegal activities, falling victim to scams, or downloading harmful software. Always exercise caution.
Are there safe ways to explore the deep web?
Yes! Using the Tor browser, combining it with a VPN, and being cautious about the sites you visit can help ensure a safer experience.
By following these guidelines on how to access deep web, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet while maintaining your privacy and safety.
