In a recent G-20 conference which took place in Gurugram, Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister expressed concerns about terrorists utilizing the dark net to disseminate radical material and evade identification. Shah emphasized the need to understand the patterns of these activities and find solutions to combat them effectively. He further highlighted the looming threat of cyber-attacks, affecting major economies worldwide and causing significant losses. He urged for the development of a robust operational system and emphasized the importance of cracking down on the use of virtual assets.
Shah also emphasized the risks associated with cybercriminal activities such as ransomware attacks, the sale of personal data, online harassment, child abuse, fake news, and misinformation campaigns. But what exactly is the dark net? Let us understand detailail the terms line Dark net, Dark web and Deep web?
What is Dark net?
The darknet, also known as the dark net, refers to a part of the internet that exists on encrypted networks and requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It is a subset of the deep web and is often associated with illicit activities. The darknet is not indexed by search engines and offers a high level of anonymity to its users. It provides a platform for individuals to engage in illegal activities such as the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, counterfeit goods, and various other illegal services. However, it is important to note that not all activities on the darknet are illegal, as there are legitimate uses such as anonymous communication, privacy protection, and circumventing censorship in repressive regimes.
What is the Dark web?
The dark web is a portion of the internet that is not searchable through regular search engines and requires specific browsers like Tor to access.
It requires specialized browsers like TOR to access its encrypted content. It hosts encrypted content, including websites and services that are not indexed by conventional means, such as bank accounts, email accounts, and databases.
Users of the dark web can maintain their privacy and freely express their views, which makes it appealing to some individuals.
However, the dark web is also known for its association with illicit and unethical activities, leading to its reputation as a hub for illegal transactions and underground markets.
Is the Dark net and Dark web same?
While the terms "darknet" and "dark web" are often used interchangeably, they do have slightly different meanings. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that consists of encrypted websites and services that are not indexed by search engines. It requires specific software or configurations to access, and anonymity is a key feature. The dark web includes various types of websites, both legal and illegal.
On the other hand, the darknet refers to the overlay networks and infrastructure that enable the operation of the dark web. It consists of private networks, protocols, and technologies that allow users to access the dark web anonymously. The darknet provides the underlying infrastructure that supports the anonymity and privacy features of the dark web.
In summary, the dark web refers to the encrypted websites and services that are part of the deep web, while the darknet refers to the infrastructure and networks that facilitate access to the dark web.
History of Dark Web
The dark web emerged in the early 2000s with the development of Freenet and the creation of TOR by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Freenet aimed to provide users with privacy and protection against government intervention, while TOR offered a secure means of communication, particularly for intelligence sources in hostile areas. The dark web's popularity grew with the advent of cryptocurrencies, which provided a level of anonymity for transactions. However, due to its association with illegal activities, calls for regulation have arisen, with organizations like the G20 and FATF urging cryptocurrency companies to provide transaction information to aid law enforcement in tracking criminal organizations.
What is the Deep Web? How is it different from the Dark web?
The deep web refers to the vast portion of the internet that is not accessible through regular search engines. Unlike the dark web, which requires specific browsers and is intentionally hidden, the deep web consists of all the web pages and content that are not indexed by search engines. This includes private databases, password-protected websites, subscription-based services, academic resources, and other content that is not intended for public access. The deep web is estimated to be significantly larger than the surface web that we typically interact with, as it encompasses a wide range of information that is not easily discoverable through traditional search methods.
How is the Indian government working on protecting the nation from such cyber threats?
The Home Minister also acknowledged the strategic targeting of critical information and financial systems, posing a direct threat to national security, law and order, and the economy. He stressed the need to transcend conventional geographic boundaries to combat cybercrimes effectively. Shah emphasized the importance of digital trust and the legitimacy and sovereignty of nation-states, cautioning against excessive freedom or isolationist approaches in the digital space.
To address these challenges, Shah highlighted the Indian government's efforts under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, including the formulation of a uniform cyber strategy, real-time reporting of cybercrimes, capacity building of law enforcement agencies, establishment of forensic laboratories, promotion of cyber hygiene, and widespread cyber awareness. India has implemented the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) in all police stations and established the Indian Cyber-Crime Coordination Center (14C) to ensure a comprehensive response to cybercrime.
