The dark web is a part of the internet consisting of hidden sites not indexed by conventional search engines. When you envision the dark web, it may conjure up images of hackers trading stolen Social Security numbers or drug dealers advertising their products online—and that’s not completely wrong. While the dark web can be a helpful tool for sourcing legitimate products or ensuring private communication, it’s also a hotspot for illegal internet activity. The term “dark web" sounds ominous, and there's a reason for that. The dark web is a part of the internet that's made up of hidden sites you can't find through conventional web browsers. Instead, you must rely on the Tor browser—a web browser that anonymizes your web traffic within its internal network—and search engines designed specifically to unearth these hidden sites. Dark websites use encryption software so their visitors and owners can remain anonymous—it’s why the dark web is home to ...