Before checking out the dark web, you need to keep track of various dark web security threats. These illegal activities include malware, denial-of-service attacks, and spying by governments or rogue elements. This guide covers the top threat actors on the dark web and recommends safe browsing habits to keep you protected.
Content
- Top Dark Web Security Threats
- 1. Malicious Software (Malware)
- 2. Scams
- 3. Identity Theft and Stolen Data
- 4. Ransomware
- 5. DDoS Attacks
- 6. Government Monitoring
- 7. Dark Web Criminal Activities
- How to Stay Safe on the Dark Web
- Use Anonymous Browsing
- Avoid Downloads or Purchases
- Don’t Click Links
- Use a VPN
Top Dark Web Security Threats
The Dark Web is an internet within the Internet. It consists of onion link websites that you cannot access from a regular browser and cannot find on Google or other search engines. The top dark web security threats that you need to watch out for include the following:
1. Malicious Software (Malware)
Depending on the dark websites you visit, there can be hundreds of different malware strains you can run into. For example, there’s a malware called “CoinMiner” that can infiltrate your computer hardware to utilize your CPU or RAM for mining cryptocurrency. There are also remote access trojans, such as “Agent Tesla,” that can be launched to steal passwords.
Banking trojans and information stealers are quite common on the dark web. One notorious example is the “Godfather” banking bot that infects devices through unsuspecting advertisements to steal SMS messages and transfer money. Another threat is the “Dark Tequila” virus, a backdoor that targets Mexican and Latin American systems in the Spanish language.
Malware on a computer:
Pixabay
These threats are just the beginning, with new ones popping up all the time, such as “Black Lotus.” It can bypass Windows 11’s secure boot protection. These malware are more common on the dark web, as they would be blocked by Internet providers.
FYI: not all dark websites are unsafe. Check out our list of the top dark web websites that you won’t find on Google and other search engines.
2. Scams
For newcomers exploring the dark web, it can seem like an untamed frontier where you can find things not available on the surface web. You may have read about a popular dark net service, “Rent A Hacker.” There are also malicious actors who claim to snoop on your significant other like a personal detective.
Image source: DALL-E 3
Beyond the illegality of these transactions, a major issue is that almost all of these sites are operated by criminals. Just remember that they’re only out there to steal your money via credit card and cryptocurrency wallet balances that they will then put up for auction -on the dark web itself.
Good to know: discover the worth of your personal information on the dark web.
3. Identity Theft and Stolen Data
The dark web is full of identity thieves trying to steal your information. They can learn personal details, like your name, email address, date of birth, and job history, from social media, as well as the following:
- Typosquatting: It involves creating domain names that look like famous brands. Miscreants use tricks like replacing a lowercase l with an I and copying the design of websites like Gmail to steal your details. It can often be difficult to tell one dark web website from another.
- Account Takeover Attacks (ATO): this is a serious threat, where bad actors try to take over your accounts using tricks like social engineering, malware, phishing, and exploiting app weaknesses. Using your regular email, phone number, and other private details makes you an ATO target.
4. Ransomware
Ransomware attacks on the dark web are used to blackmail governments, institutions, and individuals. Hackers steal personal information, then threaten to leak it or block access to accounts unless a ransom is paid. Even after you make the payment, there is no guarantee that the account access will be restored.
“Mallox” is one example of a long-running dark web ransomware group. They exploit weaknesses on Tor to attack MS-SQL servers, send phishing emails, and use brute force attacks to encrypt data and block access to accounts.
Image source: DALL-E 3
An unknown ransomware attack hit Columbus, Ohio, in August 2024. Hackers from a group called Rhysida broke into the city’s servers and released 3.1 terabytes of personal data to the dark web, which is about 45% of all their data. They demanded $1.7 million, threatening to leak the rest as well.
5. DDoS Attacks
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks target websites and servers. They use botnets and cripple their services by draining an application’s resources. Some of the infamous DDoS threat actors on the dark web include RedStress, KillNet, and the Lazarus Group of North Korea.
Many darknet websites and forums are vehicles for DDoS attacks. If you mistakenly try to procure an illegal service on these sites, your personal device could become part of a global DDoS botnet operation. Tread carefully and do not get lured in to an online service that sounds too good to be true.
Image source: DALL-E 3
Cyber-attackers can be hired to steal secret data and harm the reputation of companies by making their services go offline. In 2023, a Russian hacker named Dariy Pankov was arrested and extradited to the United States after designing a DDoS tool, NLBrute, that stole login details from thousands of companies around the world and sold them to dark web cybercriminals.
Tip: was your sensitive information leaked to the dark web? Find out using one of these dark web scanners.
6. Government Monitoring
The dark web is a place rife with cyber surveillance just to dissuade people from visiting illegal marketplaces. You may run into some of the many federal investigators and remote agents working for the government.
Threats from foreign governments are also a concern. State-sponsored hackers include Emissary Panda (China), APT 28 and APT 33 (Russia), Charming Kitten (Iran), and Midnight Blizzard (Russia). If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’re a high-value target. They can use your device hardware and home internet networks for attacks on defense, aerospace, and other military sectors.
7. Dark Web Criminal Activities
Criminal websites can be found on the dark web, too. Remember that visiting such sites is illegal. If you accidentally end up on such an onion link, leave immediately, and don’t go back out of curiosity. Do note that these websites aren’t easy to run into.
Tip: use one of these deep web search engines to find information that you can’t find on Google.
How to Stay Safe on the Dark Web
To stay safe on the dark web, keep your wits about you, and don’t venture into anything illegal out of curiosity. Always keep your system software up to date to prevent various malware attacks. You can also use Tor alternatives.
Additionally, the following tips will help you avoid any cyber threats.
Use Anonymous Browsing
Browse anonymously by not giving out your regular user credentials. Keep your anonymity and dark web activities very separate from your regular web activities.
Do not use your active Gmail, Facebook, X, other accounts, or a real phone number at any point. Instead, use one of these private email services. Create new anonymous accounts for every activity.
Go to the Hidden Wiki to find anonymous email providers. Its address is paavlaytlfsqyvkg3yqj7hflfg5jw2jdg2fgkza5ruf6lplwseeqtvyd.onion.
Avoid Downloads or Purchases
Downloading and installing software and making purchases on the dark web is a recipe for disaster. While the software can be vehicles for malware, DDoS attacks, and data theft, the purchases can compromise the integrity of your credit cards and other financial information.
If you need to transact on the dark web, there are many Tor Bitcoin wallet services, such as OnionWallet, available on p2qzxkca42e3wccvqgby7jrcbzlf6g7pnkvybnau4szl5ykdydzmvbid.onion.
Don’t Click Links
Clicking on random links on the dark web can make your device vulnerable to unauthorized access. Be very careful, and only click on safe deep web links.
Use a VPN
Most importantly, don’t forget to use a VPN service before investigating the dark web, as ISPs are known to block or slow the Tor traffic. A reputed VPN and Tor used together are enough to keep you private. If you want more protection, try an Onion-based VPN like Cryptostorm via stormwayszuh4juycoy4kwoww5gvcu2c4tdtpkup667pdwe4qenzwayd.onion.
Cryptostorm supports chain VPN, so you can latch on to another VPN provider before using Tor. It further connects the user via hashed tokens, which ensures your client identity remains anonymous. All their servers are public, and the company is rooted in Iceland but doesn’t have any real offices to contact them.
If you’re new to the dark web, follow our detailed guide to learn how to access it.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
Sign up for all newsletters.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and European users agree to the data transfer policy. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe
Sayak Boral –
Staff Writer
Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.
Comments (1)