Security Implications of Dark Web

Dark web is one of the three layers of web on the world wide web; other are surface web and deep web. This article highlights some of the activities on dark web and their overall security implications.

Surface web: also known as clean or visible web is a part of the web for public use. This is where most people routinely use every day for their online needs through search engines like google, Bing, yahoo, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and company websites. One of the unique features of surface web is that its web resources are indexed by search engine, thereby making them searchable and accessible. It is a powerful but fraction part of the web which is said to constitute about ten percent of web resources. No login credential is required to access most websites on surface web.

Deep web: this is the web beyond surface web. The web resources on deep web are not searchable by search engines; and they require authentication (that is, login credentials) for access. Deep web play host to reserved and protected data which is not for public consumption. Such reserved data may include but not limited to government record, medical record, financial record, classified military records, online library resources, organization websites for internal use and other related data. Deep web is reported to playing host to about ninety percent of entire web resources.

Dark web: also known as darknet is a subset of deep web. The striking features of this layer of web is that it is the deepest part of the web and it is only accessible through a special web browser known as TOR (The Onion Router); and overlay networks such as I2P. The strongest attraction of dark web is its anonymity (secrecy) For instance, TOR resources loudly guaranteed users of protection against tracking, surveillance and censorship. Dark web is also reported to constitute about five percent of deep web.

Dark web, generally known as underground web market for criminals and other merchants of illegality is also used by genuine and law-abiding people for purpose of information gathering and sharing while remaining anonymous.

See below, some type of information mostly traded on dark web and their security implications:

Stolen information: confidential and personal information such as login credentials, passwords, codes, pin, social security number, payment card details, etc. are exchanged on dark web for facilitation of cybercrimes.

Breached data: stolen information like classified government records, account details, company trade secrets, customer details, payrolls, medical records, intellectual properties, company financial records, etc. are traded on dark platform and used to commit various crimes against the owners and sometimes the public.

Fraud guide: various cyber criminal forums use dark web to recruit and train cyber fraudsters through sharing fraud guide resources. These guides further drive s and promotes multiplication of criminals.

Hack guide: cyber criminals use dark web as hands-on academy to train hackers. This in turn drives and promotes multiplication of cyber criminals who prowl the internet to carry out crimes against individuals and organizations.

Malwares: different types of malicious wares such Ransomware, DDoS, Trojan horses, infested USB and other plug-n-play devices are sold on dark web. These malwares are then used to lunch attacks against the public.

Drug peddling: drug cartels across the globe use dark web as a market place for sourcing, distribution and retail of control substances. The substances then spread with wide implications for both users and non-users,

Gun running: illegal trade of guns and ammunitions amongst criminal merchants have identified as one of the notable trades on dark web platform. Illegal use of guns inevitably drives violent crimes and leads to destructions of lives and properties.

Human trafficking: criminal merchants also carry out trade of humans for purpose of forced labor and sexual exploitation through dark web. This inhuman criminality is a huge assault on humanity and a drain on human resources.

In conclusion, dark web is a special kind of web, used by special kind of people and for special kind of purpose. While its original intent for creation was genuine however; like other resources, its been overtaken by criminals who hide under its anonymity to engage in trades that holds so much risks to individuals and corporate organizations.

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About Author

Azubuike Nwenewo

is a seasoned Security Practitioner; Police Officer, Security Coach, Blogger and Author. He is passionate about peacebuilding and value protection. He is an advocate for positive peace and demilitarization. He likes reading and writing.

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