Dark Web is the name given to sites that cannot be indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through other private web browsers.
Dark Web emerged in the early 2000s with Ian Clarke's development of Freenet, which aimed to protect against government intervention and cyber attacks. Dark Web protects the privacy of its users and helps them express their opinions freely. It is also used by users interested in cryptocurrency transactions due to its ability to provide anonymity.
Dark Web is a network that can only be accessed by a small number of people and is considered a hidden part of Deep Web. It contains information that cannot be found on traditional search engines, such as personal account content, databases, and bank accounts. Dark Web is also known as the "Darknet".
When the structure of Dark Web is broken down, four fundamental layers emerge:
- Cannot be indexed by traditional network search engines. Traditional search tools cannot find and display Dark Web pages.
- Created with a randomly generated network infrastructure.
- Dark Web is hidden with network security measures such as a firewall and encryption.
- Although Dark Web is thought to be used for illegal content and services, it is also used by legal parties.
How to Access Dark Web?
Before the development of Dark Web, it was used by hackers and cybercriminals. However, with new technologies such as Tor, encryption and anonymizing web browser software, it has become a network that anyone interested can access.
To access Dark Web, first, the Tor network browser is installed on the computer via an online private network. The Tor network browser is a web browser like Google Chrome. Tor prefers to access encrypted servers called nodes, which allows the user to remain anonymous. Dark Web sites are created with the .onion extension instead of extensions like .com or .org, and access to Dark Web sites can be achieved with the .onion extension.
What Is the Relationship Between Dark Web and Deep Web?
Dark Web is a part of the Deep Web. In other words, Dark Web is a hidden section of Deep Web.
Special web browsers like Tor are used to access Dark Web, while passwords, encryption, or special software are needed to access Deep Web.
Information found on Deep Web is encrypted and includes pages that do not appear in traditional search engines. Deep Web also includes online banking, paid subscription services like Netflix and Disney+, and hidden websites.
What Are the Advantages of Dark Web?
- Dark Web allows users to express their thoughts freely and openly.
- Dark Web helps users protect their privacy.
- Since Dark Web has become popular among criminals, it provides a favorable environment for security officers to communicate with them.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dark Web?
- Dark Web can be used by some users to engage in criminal activities.
- Even if Dark Web helps protect the privacy of the user, it can be used to violate someone else's privacy.
Is It Legal to Access Dark Web?
Accessing Dark Web is not illegal. Dark Web provides users with privacy and anonymity that traditional websites do not offer. For example, it allows users to freely express their thoughts without the fear of being suppressed by any group.
Is Dark Web Dangerous?
Accessing Dark Web and using the services or tools available there carries a high degree of risk for users. Users should consider several risks before accessing Dark Web:
- Users may encounter malicious software such as viruses or keyloggers, as well as other cyberattacks.
- Users may encounter identity theft or phishing.
- Users may encounter spying or webcam hacking.
These dangers can put users' information security at risk or disrupt their business activities. To use Dark Web safely, users need to use security software such as antivirus software. The Tor browser, which helps users access Dark Web, should also be kept up to date.