Whenever we surf the net we can have problems that affect our security. We can come across sites loaded with malware, programs that we download that are fraud, Phishing attacks that reach us by email … Then there is the Dark Web , a part of the Internet where cybercriminals can buy tools to attack or where the data stolen from the users. In this article we are going to talk about how this part of the network affects our security and privacy.
How the Dark Web Affects Security
We can say that the Dark Web is a hidden part within the network where there is a hidden business where malicious software, personal data of users, relevant information of companies or manuals are exchanged to carry out those attacks and make them successful.
All this makes the Dark Web really an active threat for users and also businesses. Anyone with the right knowledge could access this part of the network and buy a kit to carry out an attack against a computer. For example tools to send a ransomware.
Precisely this accessibility , the fact that a malware, a kit to finally achieve an attack, is available to anyone who wants to buy it, puts our security at risk.
The Dark Web makes everything related to cyber attacks more accessible than ever. Also, prices have dropped in recent years. Anonymous forums abound with all kinds of details on how to carry out an attack or how to profit from a user’s stolen personal data.
Personal information has great value on the web. In case of being victims of some type of attack in which our data could be stolen, we could have significant problems. This data can end up on the Dark Web and be used to impersonate our identity, carry out criminal acts on our behalf, create accounts, etc.
It is clear that our security and privacy are at risk due to this hidden area of the network. That is why we must constantly take precautions to avoid making mistakes.
How to prevent the Dark Web from affecting us
Without a doubt, the best option we have to protect ourselves from the Dark Web is to prevent our data from ending up there. How do we do this? We can name different key points that will allow us to navigate the Internet in a safe way and without compromising security.
Use a good antivirus
The first thing is to have a good antivirus . Security tools will protect our computers and thus prevent us from being the victims of attacks with different types of malware that can collect information and, ultimately, compromise our systems. This is something that we must apply regardless of the type of operating system we use.
Have updated equipment
Another important issue is having the devices updated correctly. Sometimes vulnerabilities arise that can put our security at risk. These flaws can be used by an attacker to access our computer or sneak malicious software in some way.
Always protect our personal data
Of course it is essential to protect our personal data . The objective is that they are not available on the net for anyone who could use them for criminal purposes. You have to take care of some details, such as not speaking in forums or open pages and giving our email address or phone number and making them available to anyone.
Use legitimate software
We must also always make use of software that is reliable . Here we must mention both the programs we use and the means from which we obtain them. It is important to download from legitimate websites that do not pose a security threat.
Common sense
Lastly, common sense . Many of the attacks come after mistakes made by users. We must always avoid failures such as opening an attachment that comes to us by email from an unknown source. It is essential to prevent our data from ending up on the Dark Web.
Ultimately, these are some essential tips to prevent the Dark Web from becoming a problem for our security. We leave you another article with a comparison between Dark Web, Deep Web and Darknet.