Think you know the World Wide Web? Think again. Besides our common knowledge about the Web, there are two other layers, the Deep Web and Dark Web, where most information is stored. These two areas of the Web are a part of the World Wide Web that requires special software that allows users access through anonymity.
Intrigued?
Even though the idea of the Dark Web and Deep Web is fascinating, we should avoid access to it. Due to many untraced and illegal activities practiced there, it is known as a breeding ground for many hackers and cybercriminals.
TIP
Be careful going to websites offering free Dark Web scans; many are scams designed to get your email and potentially verify that your password is correct and where it’s active.
More on hacking
Hacking has become a popular activity for many people and has also become a for-profit business! You can even browse the internet for hackers for hire. There are different types of hackers we should know about and identify which ones we need to be careful of. But let’s focus on who goes into the Deep Web to steal our information.
Black Hat Hackers
Different hackers have a comprehensive skill set about breaking into our devices. Black hat hackers are those individuals who have gained exceptional knowledge on how to gain access to our personal information. Usually, these mischievous hackers use their skills for personal and financial matters and are the reason why ransomware and other types of malware have corrupted our society.
Accessing the Deep Web and Dark Web
The Deep and Dark Web is where you can find an array of private information such as passwords, bank accounts, and even social security numbers. Due to the amount of confidential data stored there, it’s no question why it has become a hacker’s playground. Users access these networks through unique browsers like Tor, which is also known as The Onion Browser. Tor allows users to access the Deep and Dark Web anonymously, making it harder to trace those who practice illegal activities.
How Safe the Web?
The Deep Web and Dark Web have their own levels of safety. Accessing the Deep Web is relatively “safe” as compared to the Dark Web because of the variations of activities and information presented in each Web. At the same time, your information is kept hidden while browsing, thanks to Tor. However, the Dark Web exposes you to a high-level risk due to the criminal elements it holds. The Dark Web is a more profound category of the Deep Web where many people store stolen information and sell them, which we all know is illegal. Besides stolen data, the Dark Web is also a trading ground for illicit and disturbing substances. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the Deep and Dark Web. You will be held accountable for your activities on those networks and might end up in some serious legal trouble.
How does this affect businesses?
Cybercrime is a very profitable and growing practice that affects many individuals and businesses each year. No matter how small or big you are, hackers will try to steal your information and sell it in the Dark Web. Your business needs someone familiar with the Dark Web to search for your information safely. You can call Captain IT for a free Dark Web scan for your organization.
Let us help you!
Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! Click here to download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself. We work 24/7 year-round to ensure that your business does not fall prey to data breaches. For more information on how your business can best be protected, schedule a FREE 2-hour assessment with Captain IT by filling out the form linked.