Dangers of the dark web

Before you read this article, I recommend that you read my earlier posts The sinister dark net and How to access the dark web to get a better idea of this article.

It is no secret that the dark web is a mysterious place of the Internet that you might want to avoid at all costs. But this does not keep those curious enough from visiting the dark web and digging out its many mysteries. But as a statutory guide let us see what the dangers accessing the dark web can pose to us.

As I mentioned in my previous articles, hackers and other shady criminals use the dark web on a frequent basis and they are the most obvious threats. Some of them wait patiently to target an unsuspecting user, spread malware, lure them into their traps and gain access to their privacy.

Personal Identity Theft

If you ever do access the dark web, please DO NOT enter any kind of personal data (personal data includes your email address as well). You have no idea who collects your data and what purposes it's being used for. Even major online platforms do collect and sell your data to buyers but this is mostly to show you relevant ads. But data collection on the dark web is entirely different. The last thing you would want is someone using a fake ID or passport including your details and committing something illegal. NEVER enter bank details, unless you want your bank account compromised and emptied the very second.

Webcam/audio recording

Clicking on links in the dark web can be a risky business. Did you know that remote activation of your webcam and microphone can be done by a hacker? To avoid this, it is recommended that you cover your webcam (some laptops come with an in-built cover) and mute/disconnect your microphone.

Auto-malware download

Yes, this is possible. A wrong click on a link can lead to downloading unwanted malware on to your device. An example is Wannacry, a malicious ransomware that targets computers, encrypts their data and demands cryptocurrency.

Threats

Do you really want your search history to be stolen, your credit card credentials to be stolen and blackmailed by some faceless person on the other side of the Internet? Yes, that really happens if you don't stay on the look out.

Friend of Foe?

Did you know that there is a social platform equivalent to Facebook on the dark web? Hackers can identify newbies using data fed into that platform and use the data to their advantage.

Extremely disturbing media

There are excruciatingly disturbing videos and images of live human execution, child pornography, cannibalism that can scar viewers permanently on the dark web. Please stay away from them.

How can I be safe?

However much we try to guard ourselves from these threats using anti-virus, anti-malware software, no one can guarantee anything. it ultimately leads to our self ethics to use our common sense for our personal welfare and that of those around us. But I can give you a few tips that may help

• Use a globally recognized anti-virus and make sure it's constantly updated. Keep scanning your computer whenever possible.

• Make sure to cover your webcam always.

• Make sure your microphone is muted whenever you're not using it.

• Block any pop ups and notifications or any irrelevant downloads, and always reload a page if it starts glitching.

• Never open spam mails or suspicious emails. Delete them immediately.

• Never enter your credit/debit card details into an unverified app or website. Not even your primary email address.

Above all, the best thing is to be vigilant. Make sure you read and check around the Internet before trying out anything new. Learn how to identify malware and botnets and stay away from the dark web. I'll be doing an article on malware soon, so stay tuned.

This article was written by Abdul Adhl Azeez, author of The School Detective Gang. He is also available on Goodreads. Click here to check him out.

Cover image source: www.kaspersky.com