The dark net is known as a marketplace for drugs and weapons and a home for hackers, but cybersecurity expert Dr Dennis Desmond says it can help oppressed groups.
The dark net is a highly encrypted section of the web. Unlike the ‘surface web’ that most people use daily, it can only be accessed by an ‘onion browser’ such as Tor, named for the layers of encryption it provides.
In this episode of Crime Insiders, Dr Desmond reveals how the sinister side of cryptocurrency and the dark web is creeping into the lives of ordinary civilians:
According to Dr Desmond, this browser is run by a not-for-profit group that “is all about protecting privacy and protecting the rights of individuals.”
Desmond is a former FBI special agent and counterintelligence expert who’s seen the darkest corners of the digital world.
The dark net has gained notoriety for its use in criminal activities, such as selling illicit drugs and weapons, as well as how it facilitates scams.
Dr Desmond said the dark net is often used to sell identity credentials and ransomware and has “levelled the playing ground” for criminals by giving wider access to dangerous software.
Describing it as “ransomware as a service, ” Dr Desmond said even a lone hacker could pay for ransomware and use it to access the files, individuals, or organisations.
The hacker would then hold the files hostage and threaten to delete or publicly release them if the ransom isn’t paid, usually in cryptocurrency.
However, while the dark net is often associated with criminal activity, Dr Desmond said it has beneficial uses. Free libraries, news sites, and even Facebook are available on the dark net, so people can access them in places that monitor internet usage.
“I often encourage people to use Tor if they want to access sites that have information that might be illegal in their state or country because it anonymises access.”
By Zack Goutzoulas, a Master of Journalism student at the University of Melbourne.
Delve into the dark web with Dr Dennis Desmond on the full episode of Crime Insiders. In groundbreaking interviews, explore the world of policing and forensics through stories from the world’s most experienced and decorated experts.