Darknet (dark network)

In the vast expanse of the internet, there’s a layer that remains largely hidden from the casual user: the Darknet. Often shrouded in mystery and associated with illicit activities, the Darknet represents a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires special software to access. As digital privacy and cybersecurity become increasingly relevant, understanding the Darknet is crucial for both individuals and organizations.   Would you like to know more about it? At Cronuts Digital, we dig into this intriguing and complex part of the internet, exploring its nuances and implications.  

Definition

  The darknet, dark network or TOR network is a collection of networks and technologies used to share information and digital content that is “distributed” among the different nodes that try to preserve the anonymity of the identities of those who exchange the content or information. In other words, the anonymity of the origin and destination is sought when the transfer of information occurs. To navigate the dark network, users need special software called Tor (The Onion Router). A name that was chosen because the data is moved between the different Tor servers following the principle of the layers of an onion.   Servers know their predecessor and successor, but not the entire chain, so the user remains camouflaged and generally anonymous when browsing. Through the Tor network, users can connect to normal public websites (.es, .com, etc.), but the Tor browser can also be used to access so-called “.onion sites”, where providers also remain anonymous. Experts estimate that nearly half of the roughly 30,000 dark web sites offer illegal content.         Darknet websites can only be accessed in an encrypted form, so search engines like Google or Bing cannot find them. This means that users have to know where they want to access or know the address of the .onion page. However, you can find some help on hidden wikis that group the available links. Users can start an entire journey of discovery and try to find the right page.    

How the Darknet works

Accessing the Darknet requires specific tools and configurations that differ from conventional web browsing:

Tor (the Onion Router)

Tor is arguably the most recognized tool for accessing the Darknet. Its name, derived from “The Onion Router,” reflects its core function: to provide anonymity through layered encryption. When a user connects to the Tor network, their internet traffic is routed through a series of volunteer-operated servers known as “nodes.” Each node only decrypts a layer of the data, so no single server ever has access to the full information about the source and destination of the traffic.

• Multi-layered encryption: this encryption process, often referred to as “onion routing,” involves wrapping the data in multiple layers of encryption. Each node in the Tor network removes one layer, revealing the next destination, until the data reaches its final endpoint. This method ensures that both the user’s location and the destination of their traffic are obscured from any single node in the network.
• Anonymity: by anonymizing the user’s IP address and routing traffic through various nodes around the world, Tor helps mask the user’s identity and location. This makes it extremely difficult for anyone to trace activities back to the individual user.
• Access to .onion sites: websites operating on the Tor network use the “.onion” domain suffix, which is only accessible through the Tor Browser. These sites are not indexed by traditional search engines and offer a level of privacy not available on the surface web.

I2P (Invisible Internet Project)

I2P is another network that provides anonymity but operates differently from Tor. While Tor is often used to browse the surface web anonymously, I2P is designed to support anonymous communication and services within its own network.

• Anonymous communication: I2P focuses on anonymizing communication within its network. Unlike Tor, which routes traffic to and from the regular web, I2P is a self-contained network where all communication and hosting occur within its ecosystem. This makes it particularly suited for anonymous messaging, file sharing, and accessing I2P-specific services.
• Eepsites: websites within the I2P network use the “.i2p” domain suffix. These “eepsites” are only accessible through the I2P software, which creates a private network of encrypted and anonymous communication channels.
• Networking structure: I2P uses a distributed network structure with nodes that both send and receive traffic. Each node encrypts traffic in a manner similar to Tor but within its own network. This system provides an additional layer of anonymity and security for users.

Specialized browsers and configurations

To access and navigate Darknet sites effectively, users typically need specialized browsers or specific configurations tailored to the network they are using:

• Tor Browser: designed specifically for the Tor network, the Tor Browser is a modified version of Mozilla Firefox that routes traffic through the Tor network. It includes features to enhance privacy and security, such as blocking trackers and protecting against fingerprinting.
• I2P Software: to access I2P sites, users need to install and configure I2P software, which can act as a proxy for browsing I2P sites and managing anonymous communications. Popular I2P clients include the I2P Router and I2P Browser, which provide the necessary tools to connect to the I2P network and access .i2p domains.
• Configuration settings: for both Tor and I2P, proper configuration is crucial for maintaining anonymity and ensuring access to the network. This may involve adjusting privacy settings, managing cookies, and using additional privacy tools to minimize the risk of de-anonymization.

   

Risks and implications

While the Darknet offers certain advantages such as enhanced privacy and a platform for free speech, it also presents a range of risks and challenges that users must carefully consider:

Legal and ethical concerns

Engaging in or facilitating illegal activities on the Darknet can result in severe legal consequences. The Darknet’s anonymity attracts a variety of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, illegal arms sales, and other forms of organized crime. Law enforcement agencies around the world are increasingly focusing their efforts on monitoring and investigating these activities.

• Law enforcement monitoring: agencies such as the FBI, Europol, and various national cybersecurity units actively monitor Darknet forums and marketplaces to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities. Operations like the takedown of Silk Road and AlphaBay demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to combating illegal operations.
• Legal risks: users who engage in or facilitate illegal activities can face serious charges, including fines and imprisonment. Even individuals who inadvertently come into contact with illegal content or services may find themselves under legal scrutiny.
• Ethical dilemmas: the Darknet also presents ethical issues, particularly when it comes to the use of its anonymous platforms for illegal or harmful activities. While the Darknet can support free speech and privacy, the potential for abuse raises important moral questions.

Security threats

The Darknet’s anonymity makes it a fertile ground for various security threats. The lack of oversight and accountability on these networks contributes to an environment where malicious activities thrive.

• Hacking and cybercrime: the Darknet is a known haven for hackers and cybercriminals. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime are prevalent, often targeting individuals and organizations who are lured by promises of anonymity and untraceable transactions.
• Scams and fraud: numerous scams and fraudulent schemes proliferate on the Darknet. From fake marketplaces to phishing schemes, users may encounter deceptive practices designed to steal personal information, money, or both. The anonymity of the Darknet can make it challenging to recover from such scams or hold perpetrators accountable.
• Phishing and malware: the risk of phishing attacks and malware infections is significant on the Darknet. Unsuspecting users might download malicious software disguised as legitimate tools or services, leading to compromised systems and stolen data.

Data privacy

Despite the anonymity that the Darknet provides, users should be aware that they are not entirely immune to surveillance and data breaches. The Darknet’s own security measures and the tools used to access it do not guarantee complete protection from privacy violations.

• Surveillance risks: even though the Darknet aims to offer anonymity, sophisticated tracking methods and surveillance technologies can sometimes breach this privacy. Government agencies and advanced cybercriminals might employ techniques to unmask users and monitor their activities.
• Data breaches: just like on the surface web, the Darknet is vulnerable to data breaches. Compromised databases, leaks, and breaches can expose user information, including sensitive data shared within the network. Users must be vigilant about protecting their personal information and using secure methods of communication.
• Protection measures: to enhance data privacy, users should employ robust security practices such as using encrypted communication channels, regularly updating software, and utilizing strong, unique passwords.

Regulation and policy

Governments and organizations face significant challenges in regulating and policing the Darknet. The inherent anonymity and decentralized nature of Darknet networks complicate efforts to enforce laws and policies effectively.

• Regulatory challenges: crafting regulations that address Darknet activities without infringing on legitimate privacy rights is a complex task. Governments must navigate the balance between protecting public safety and upholding individual freedoms.
• Global coordination: the global nature of the Darknet means that cross-border cooperation is essential for effective regulation. Different countries have varying legal frameworks and levels of enforcement, making international collaboration crucial yet challenging.
• Privacy vs. security: the debate over how to regulate the Darknet often centers on the tension between privacy and security. Policymakers must consider how to address illegal activities while respecting individuals’ rights to privacy and free speech.

 

The Silk Road example

Silk Road was a marketplace founded by Dread Pirate Roberts or Ross William Ulbricht, operated as one of the hidden Tor network services known in computer terms as Darknet and that only supported transactions in BitCoins. Everything was digital, safe and a little cloudy due to the nature of the merchandise that was for sale, which was mostly drugs and weapons. However, its sales revenue of 9.5 million bitcoins (1.2 billion dollars) with a profit of 80 million dollars attracted the eyes of law enforcement officers. In 2012 Ross William Ulbricht was arrested by the FBI on charges of conspiracy to traffic narcotics, conspiracy to hack computers, and conspiracy to launder money.