The Dark Web Explained: Everything to Know!

Many people think the dark web is only used for illegal activities, cybercrime, and privacy risks. While it does have underground markets and forums, it also serves legal purposes, like protecting free speech and allowing activists to stay anonymous.

Regardless of your reasons for exploring the dark web, prioritizing your security is important, even on the surface web, since personal data can be exploited in many ways throughout the layers of the internet.

What is the Dark Web, and How Can We Access It?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, such as Bing or Google. You can only access it using a specialized browser, such as Tor.

The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, but it is an option for people with legitimate uses, such as whistleblowers, journalists, and people who require privacy more than anything else.

How to Access the Dark Web Safely

1. Install the Tor browser to access .onion sites.
2. Enable PureVPN to keep your sensitive data encrypted.
3. Do not click on unknown links, and never give your personal information to anyone.

Surface Web vs Dark Web vs Deep Web: What is the Difference?

Why Does the Dark Web Exist?

The dark web comes with curiosity, fear, and controversy. To many, it is a lawless platform. But is that the full picture?

No, there is another reason for the dark web being there.

The dark web offers more privacy and freedom. In addition, it gives unrestricted access to information. While some exploit its anonymity for illegal activities, many rely on it as a platform against censorship and surveillance.

Governments have control over all the information. They control what people can see, hear, and believe. The dark web lets people escape this control by providing access to platforms like SecureDrop, where whistleblowers can expose corruption without revealing their identities.

Journalists rely on encrypted platforms to communicate with sources, ensuring that important stories reach the world without interference.

Many cybersecurity experts and ethical hackers explore its depths to understand cyber threats, improve security, and develop solutions against hacking, fraud, and data breaches.

5 Reasons Why the Dark Web is Risky

The surface web is reinforced by regulations, security protocols, and moderation. On the other hand, it operates in a largely ungoverned space, lacks oversight, and has both cybercriminals and law enforcement agencies.

1. Cybercrime and Illegal Activities

The dark web is known for hosting black markets, where everything from stolen credit card information to illicit drugs and hacking services is sold. Although not every dark web site is illegal, many platforms operate illegally.

What is at risk?

• If you accidentally visit or interact with an illegal marketplace, you could become a target of a criminal investigation.
• Although the identities are hidden, law enforcement agencies monitor illegal transactions on the dark web, and you could attract unwanted attention if you visit these sites.

2. Scams and Fraud

Scams are common online, but they are even harder to spot on the dark web. The worst part is that if you get scammed, there's no way to track it.

Common scams include:

• Fake escrow services
• Identity thefts
• Phishing
• Exit scams.

3. Malware and Hacking Threats

The dark web is a playground for hackers. Here, simply clicking the wrong link can expose you to malware, ransomware, and trojans. Many dark web sites contain hidden scripts that can:

• Steal your credentials and financial data.
• Infect your device with viruses or spyware.
• Turn your computer into a botnet, making it part of a larger hacking operation.

4. Lack of Regulation and Law Enforcement Monitoring

While the dark web is a hub for anonymity, it is also heavily monitored by law enforcement agencies like the FBI, Europol, and cybersecurity firms. 

Why are you at risk?

• Simply visiting illegal sites could raise red flags, even if you do not engage in illegal activities.
• Undercover agents and honeypot websites are common traps for criminals.
• If a site gets raided, your data could be exposed.

5. Data Leaks and Identity Theft

Stolen personal data is bought and sold on the dark web. If your data is leaked, it’s likely already there.

Some common types of data sold on the dark web:

• Credit card details
• Social Security numbers (SSNs)
• Login credentials (emails, passwords, banking info)
• Medical records and personal addresses

Is My Data on the Dark Web If I Have Not Accessed It?

Your data might be on the dark web, even if you’ve never used it. It’s a marketplace for stolen information, often leaked from hacks, data breaches, and phishing scams.

How to Scan If Your Data Is on the Dark Web

PureVPN offers a Dark Web Exposure Scan to all subscribers through the dedicated feature page. Here is how to access it:

1. Enter your email address.

Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web

Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

Please enter a valid email.

Scan Now

2. Click on Scan.
3. You will get a breach summary of your email address’s vulnerability.

Prevent Data Leakages While Accessing the Dark Web

If you want to explore the dark web, safety should be your top priority. With PureVPN, you can encrypt your essential data, including your IP address, sensitive information, financial data, and more.

Plus, by enabling Dark Web Monitoring, you can track and manage your data without any hassle! Get PureVPN Dark Web Monitoring as a go-to privacy feature with the Max plan and:

• Monitor your data 24/7 for any leakages.
• Get real-time alerts if your information is exploited.
• Implement steps to secure what is vulnerable.

How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN

1. Download PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
2. Visit the Members Area to get access.
3. Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.

4. Select Add Assets to Monitor.
5. Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.  
6. Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.

7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach. 

8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.

What Should I Do If My Data Is On the Dark Web?

Instead of panicking, you can take immediate action to minimize damage and protect yourself from fraud or identity theft.

1. Before taking action, determine what type of personal information has been exposed using PureVPN dark web monitoring.

https://youtu.be/FNAD6iC3OJo

2. If your email, passwords, or login credentials have been exposed, reset them ASAP.
3. If your credit card, banking details, or Social Security number are leaked, you must check your bank statements, notify your bank or credit card provider, set up fraud alerts, and freeze your credit report.
4. Regularly check your credit reports for new accounts you did not open.
5. Be cautious of suspicious emails or calls from scammers pretending to be banks, government agencies, or tech support, and report identity theft to the FTC.

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Get Dark Web Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I find my data on the dark web?

  

  Yes. You can check for your leaked credentials using PureVPN dark web monitoring to get real-time updates about the leaked data.

• Can someone sell my data on the dark web?

  

  Yes, cybercriminals often sell stolen personal data on dark web marketplaces. This includes email addresses, passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card details, and medical records. Once your data is leaked, it can be sold multiple times and used for fraud, like identity theft or phishing scams.

• Is my identity at risk on the dark web?

  

  Yes. If your PII (Personally Identifiable Information) is leaked, criminals can use it to impersonate you, open financial accounts in your name, or even commit fraud using your identity. Even if you have never accessed the dark web, your information may have been exposed through data breaches, phishing attacks, or hacked services.

• Can I remove my information from the dark web?

  

  Unfortunately, once your data is on the dark web, it is nearly impossible to remove it. However, you can minimize the threat by:
  Changing your account passwords immediately.
  Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
  Freezing your credit report if sensitive financial data has been leaked.
  Use PureVPN dark web monitoring to track further exposure.
  Requesting data removal from data broker sites to reduce public exposure.

• How do cybercriminals monetize the dark web?

  

  Cybercriminals profit from stolen data by selling credentials of bank accounts, streaming services, and social media in bulk; credit card and banking details are used to make fraudulent purchases; your stolen personal information is used to apply for loans, file fake tax returns, commit insurance fraud, and more.

• What types of services can cybercriminals offer on the dark web?

  

  The dark web hosts many illegal services, including fraud services, Cybercrime as a Service (CaaS), malware & exploit kits, illegal drug and weapon sales, and many more.

Prevent Data Exposure & Leakages Today!

Your passwords, phone numbers, SSN, and other identifiers, when exposed, can cause damage you might not be aware of! Prudence is the key to staying safe today.

Enable PureVPN dark web monitoring to manage, track, and avoid ending up on the dark web!