A Guided Look at Dark-Web Sites and Safer Browsing

Summary

Huntress describes a dark-web browsing expedition using a virtual machine, Tor, and JavaScript disabled. The walkthrough found sites advertising hacking services and offers tips for reducing risk, including avoiding personal accounts and unknown downloads.

Key points

• The article distinguishes the dark web from the surface and deep web, describing it as a part of the internet accessed with specialized software and commonly using .onion sites.
• Huntress says its team used a virtual machine and Tor Browser, with JavaScript disabled, during its browsing expedition.
• The team observed sites advertising hacking services, with packages, tiered pricing, customer reviews, and cryptocurrency payment requests.
• The article notes that dark-web use can have legitimate purposes, such as anonymous research, as well as criminal ones.
• Safety advice includes avoiding personal accounts and unknown downloads, and being aware that anonymity is not guaranteed.
• The article closes with general security advice to be cautious with unfamiliar email and keep devices updated and patched.

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