The hidden corner of the internet where illicit activities thrive, known as the dark web.
In a concerning development, data belonging to UK Members of Parliament has been discovered on the dark web, a hidden layer of the internet known for its anonymity and association with illicit activities.
The dark web offers anonymity through various mechanisms. Primarily, it uses encryption and onion routing, where users access the dark web through the Tor browser, and their internet traffic is routed through multiple volunteer-operated nodes around the world. Each node decrypts one layer of encryption, ensuring that no single node knows both the source and destination of the data.
Anonymous domains, such as `.onion` and `.i2p`, are also used. These domains are not indexed by traditional search engines and can only be accessed through specific anonymizing tools. End-to-end encryption is another feature, ensuring that all communication is encrypted and identifiable only through cryptographic identifiers.
To access the dark web, users must download a specialist browser like Tor. Dark web search engines like Ahmia and DeepDotWeb can help users find `.onion` sites by crawling the Tor network, although knowing the exact address of a site is often necessary to access it.
While the dark web provides anonymity for privacy reasons, it is also associated with illegal activities such as the sale of guns, drugs, and stolen data. Recently, hackers have listed stolen Snowflake credentials on a dark web forum following high-profile breaches at Santander and Ticketmaster.
Cyber criminals use the dark web to sell stolen data from breaches to the highest bidder. Hackers are even selling botnets for $99 on dark web forums and Telegram channels. Cyber gangs also use the dark web to recruit hackers and to offer access to company networks.
According to Kaspersky data, hundreds of deals happen on the dark web daily. In the US, documents about Pentagon contractors have been discovered on the dark web. Traffic on the Tor network travels through three nodes before reaching its destination, with each node having limited visibility of the path the traffic takes, adding another layer of complexity for anyone attempting to trace traffic.
However, the dark web is not entirely illegal. It includes legal areas such as government databases and academic research. It also provides a place for whistleblowers to communicate securely without being monitored by oppressive regimes or corrupt organizations.
As the investigation into the UK MP data breach continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of online security and the need for users to exercise caution when exploring the dark web.
- The discovery of UK Members of Parliament's data on the dark web underscores the importance of cybersecurity, especially as hackers often use this hidden layer of the internet to sell stolen data from breaches.
- Dark web infrastructure, such as encryption, onion routing, and anonymous domains, offers anonymity, but it is also associated with general-news instances of crime and justice, including the sale of stolen data and illegal activities.
- As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to understand and address the risks posed by the dark web, with its association with illegal activities and its role as a marketplace for stolen technology and other sensitive information.
