Let’s find out…
TL;DR: What is the Dark Web?
It’s predominantly accessed via Tor or I2P.
This makes both the origin and content of the data difficult to trace.
Among the many data systems utilizing this web link is the World Wide Web (WWW).
The remainder, which isn’t indexed, is often termed theDeep Web.
Moreover, the locations and login credentials are exclusive knowledge to specific individuals.
The content hosted on these machines is collectively referred to as the Dark Web.
Specific versions of these systems are typically labeled asdarknetsand are used to do things like peer-to-peer file sharing.
The more relays used, the harder it becomes to track everything within the darknet.
Sites selling cheap pharmaceuticals sit side-by-side with those offering firearms, narcotics, or pornographic material involving minors.
It is these that give the Dark Web its reputation and it’s not hard to see why.
In the case of the latter, something like theTor Browseris required to access content within the Dark Web.
It’s used by thousands of people, every day, for perfectly sensible and legitimate reasons.
This is a collection of thousands of servers, across the globe, maintained by anonymous volunteers.
And given the nature of some (many?)
This portable Linux distribution is designed to run directly off a USB flash drive and comes with Tor pre-installed.
In other words, you boot the computer using Tails, rather than Windows, for example.
Next, if you want to ramp up your privacy further, don’t use your home ISP.
Randomized, throwaway accounts are vital for ensuring you’re not leaving a trail back to your personal details.
Masthead credit:Robynne Hu
