Keeping your personal information off the Dark Web

When you scour the internet using a search engine like Google, you're just scratching the surface when it comes to what's out there.

The other 95 percent is what's called the "deep web.”

"Only about 5 percent of the internet is actually indexed by search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing," said Justin Yapp, a PhD student in cyber security at Embry-Riddle University.

Think of it as an iceberg; most of it is underwater, hidden behind passwords or search boxes not reachable with search engines.

The "dark web" is a smaller portion of the "deep web" that is intentionally hidden from the average user.

It requires special software that encrypts data and keeps the searches anonymous.

The dark web is notorious for drugs, weapons, child porn and for selling stolen personal information. It requires special software that encrypts data and keeps the searches anonymous.

Using a computer with special software, Yapp took us into the dark web to show us some of the tamer content.

He started with a dark web version of search engine "Duck Duck Go."

“So if somebody is trying to do something bad, and they want to know how to do it, they could use websites like this," said Yapp.

There are hidden webmail accounts, places to buy Bitcoin and even something called Hidden Wiki. Anything one might find on the surface web, there is likely a dark web version.

The most popular site is called TOR, or “The Onion Router.”

The name comes from the way the data is wrapped in layers of encryption, like layers of an onion.

That information is then relayed through a series of computers all over the world. At each point, one layer of encryption is peeled off, revealing just enough to send it to the next point until it reaches its final destination.

That makes it nearly impossible for anyone, including law enforcement, to find out where the information or search started.

Even internet service providers don't know it's going through their systems.

"There's a lot of illegal activity that goes on," said Yapp.

Protecting your information

Experts say, with evolving technology and scams, there's no fail-proof way to keep your information *off* the dark web, but you can minimize the impact if your personal information does fall into the wrong hands.

Credit sites like Experian recommend you:

• Monitor your accounts and statements for any information that looks off
• Check your credit report regularly
• Use strong passwords, and change them often
• And respond immediately to suspicious activity.
  

With all the pitfalls, cybersecurity experts warn, it's best for the average person, to avoid the dark web if possible.

"I would not encourage anybody to go and try it unless they know what they're doing,” said Yapp.

Federal agents are making progress, cracking down on dark web activity. Last year they shut down one marketplace site alone that had a quarter of a million listings for illegal drugs and dangerous chemicals.

>> New law offers credit protections after data breaches

Cox Media Group