The dark web, also called the dark net, has been specially engineered to provide privacy and anonymity to its uses through encryption. For this reason, it’s often used by criminals to conduct illegal activities.
We’ve put together this blog article that will give you a bit more information about the dark web, how to find out for yourself if your personal information is on the dark web, and what to do if your privacy has been compromised.
Surface web, deep web and dark web – what’s the difference?
For illustrative purposes, the internet is sometimes likened to a large iceberg. Imagine that at the top of the iceberg, above the water, is what’s known as the surface web. The surface web, also known as the open web, is the name given to everyday internet sites that can be accessed by anyone – for example, pages just like this blog article.
Below the waterline is the deep web. The deep web contains pages that are hidden behind a wall that requires you to login and authenticate your details before you can gain access to the site for internet security purposes. This includes things like banking websites, corporate web pages or news outlets that require a payment for you to continue reading articles. The dark web is a small corner of the deep web and can only be accessed via speciality software. While it’s not actually illegal to access the dark web itself, it does host plenty of websites that are used for online criminal activity.
Dark web pages are not indexed and are not discoverable by search engines. This is why you need specialised software to access the dark web. And because the dark web ensures all users’ anonymity and privacy, it has become a popular place for cyber criminals. Here, you can find online marketplaces that buy and sell illegal items, including stolen personal information, credit card details, illicit substances, hacked streaming accounts and more.
How to find out if your information is on the dark web
Are you concerned that your information may be available on the dark web?
There are a number of ways you can safely check to see if your details are on the dark web. If you find out that a data breach has occurred and your information is on the dark web, then you can take action to help protect yourself online. Norton offer a free dark web scanning tool that anyone can use. Simply enter your details and the tool will perform a scan to confirm if your information can be found on the dark web. Norton also offers dark web monitoring as part of some of their online security subscription services. Dark web monitoring works by constantly scanning the dark web and private forums for your personal information and alerting you should it be found.
The reality of living in the digital age is that we all need to be vigilant when it comes to cyber crimes and scams. Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to steal people’s information, and it’s the job of cybersecurity professionals to try and stay one step ahead of them.
Even if you’re always careful when it comes to your online behaviour, cyber criminals may still end up with your data. Information ends up on the dark web for a variety of reasons, but there are steps you can take to help protect yourself online:
- Unsecured websites
Have you ever noticed that some websites begin with https? The ‘s’ in this thread means that the website is secure. Sometimes, a closed padlock will appear in your search bar to also show that the site you’re visiting is secure. If you’re using an unsecured website, then a hacker can intercept information you input (for example, the details you use to login to your email). This is why it’s always important to confirm a website is secure before you start using it. - Public Wi-Fi
If you join a non-password protected public Wi-Fi, hackers can easily see what you’re doing on the device that is connected to the Wi-Fi. This may allow them to obtain certain key information and personal data without you realising. - Data breaches
Companies must constantly update their security parameters and take measures to ensure their customers’ data is safe and secure. However, even the strictest cybersecurity measures can sometimes fall victim to a calculated cyberattack. If you’ve been notified that a company you use has been breached, your details may end up on the dark web.
What to do if your information ends up on the dark web
While you cannot remove your information on the dark web, you can take steps to try and prevent anyone who has access to your personal information from doing anything with it.
For example, if you find out you’re the victim of a cyber crime and your credit card information is on the dark web, then make sure you call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts or cancel your cards. If your email address or passwords were shared, make sure you change your passwords and instigate two-step authentication. And if you’re aware that your information is on the dark web, be extra vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails, texts or phone calls.
If you need to report a cyber-crime, you can contact ReportCyber.
Why it’s worth investing in online security antivirus software
While there are many steps you can take to help protect yourself online, you can also invest in an internet security subscription from a reputable provider, such as Norton™, to give you extra security while you’re using your device online. Norton 360 provides powerful layers of protection for your devices and online privacy, including Secure VPN and Dark Web Monitoring.
Find out more about adding Norton™ to your Vodafone plan and find a subscription that works for you.
We take cybercrime extremely seriously at Vodafone and continue to make significant investments to protect our customers and their personal information. Our Cyber Defence and Response Centre provides around-the-clock monitoring, threat protection and intelligence to help protect your data.
Find out how we’re working to help keep our customers’ data safe and secure.