If you spend any time online it’s likely you’ve come across at least a vague reference to the dark web.
It's a part of the internet that isn't indexed by traditional search engines, making it inaccessible to the average user, adding to the sense of intrigue.
We’re going to demystify the dark web, explaining what it is, what's on it, how to access the dark web and if there's a way to remove your information.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web, put simply, is any part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. This means that you cannot find these websites using traditional search engines like Google or Bing. You need specialized software and configurations to access them.
This makes it difficult to access and navigate but it can provide a high degree of anonymity and safety to those that choose to use it.
What is on the Dark Web?
The dark web is vast and can only be accessed with specialized tools. There is more than you may expect on the dark web.
For example, some journalists and activists use the dark web to protect their identities and communicate securely, especially in countries with strict censorship or surveillance. Hacktivists, may use the dark web to organise their targeted strilkes.
Researchers may use the dark web to study online communities, cybercrime, or other specific topics.
However, the dark web is also used for illegal purposes. Due to the anonymity it hosts various marketplaces where illicit goods and services are sold, including drugs, weapons, stolen data, and counterfeit goods.
Hackers and cybercriminals often use the dark web to share information, sell hacking tools, and coordinate attacks.
Extremist groups also use the dark web to recruit members, spread propaganda, and coordinate attacks.
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal. The dark web is technically just sections of the internet that are not indexed by search engines.
However, due to the secrecy and anonymity of the dark web many illegal activities do take place on the dark web.
This includes the leaking of data that is the result of cyber attacks such as Change Healthcare, Hot Topic, or Landmark Admin.
The dark web is also illegally used to sell illegal drugs and weapons as well as for criminals to organise amongst themselves either for a specific operation or to form criminal gangs.
Although accessing the dark well is not technically illegal, obviously participating in illegal activities on the dark web is still a crime and can lead to serious legal consequences.
How to Access the Dark Web?
Although the dark web can sound scary when you don't understand it, it’s a lot easier to access than you might expect.
1. Download the Tor browser. This is a free and open-source software that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a network of servers worldwide.
2. Install a VPN. This weill help you encrypt internet traffic and add an extra layer of security.
3. Using Tor, you can enter any URL including .onion links on the dark web.
Can NordVPN Remove Information from the Dark Web?
Unfortunately, NordVPN cannot actually remove information from the dark web. This is a common misconception likely based on their Dark Web Monitoring tool.
This tool alerts users if their information has been involved in a dark web data leak and then prompt them to take proactive steps to prevent further damage. This could include changing passwords, alerting banks and setting up credit monitoring.
How Can You Delete Stuff Off the Dark Web?
Unfortunately once the information is out there on the dark web it is pretty much impossible to remove it. The decentralized and anonymous nature of the dark web makes it difficult to track and delete specific data, especially since it could have easily been copied across multiple locations.
The best thing to do is to focus on proactive damage mitigation if your data has been compromised. This involves monitoring your accounts, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication
Does the Dark Web Have Most Social Security Numbers?
Although impossible to know for sure, it is highly likely that most social security numbers have now made their way onto the dark web as a result of cybercriminals actions.
In August 2024 all Americans social security numbers were leaked in a massive data breach. The hacking group USDoD sourced the massive database after they infiltrated National Public Data, an information broker that conducts API searches for background checks.
This massive data breach makes it highly likely that more social security numbers than ever before are on the dark web.
