These Are the Risks of Using the Dark Web—Even If You’re Not Breaking the Law
1 min read
Summary
The dark web might seem like a mysterious and exciting place, but it can be far more dangerous than people realise
Even if users don’t intentionally seek out illegal content or activities, they are still at risk of exposure to disturbing content, malware, scams and frauds, and surveillance.
Disturbing and illegal content is prevalent on the dark web, and users can accidentally click on harmful material, which can haunt them psychologically and lead to legal consequences.
The risk of malware and cyberattacks is high, with hackers targeting unprepared users with malicious files and links, and vulnerable sites hosting malicious content intentionally.
Law enforcement agencies monitor the dark web and users’ activities, and users can be flagged as suspicious, recorded, and interrogated even if they haven’t carried out any illegal activities.
The dark web is also a hotbed for scammers, who use phishing pages, fake login portals, and malware-laced services to harvest users’ data and siphon cryptocurrencies.
Anonymity tools like Tor and VPNs can protect users’ identities, but they are not foolproof, and one small mistake can expose users’ actual identities and locations.
