Are dark web hackers still popular in 2022? First, we need to discuss what we mean by ‘dark web’ and how it differs from the ‘deep web’. The deep web is made up of anything that is behind a paywall, requires authentication, involves logins or passwords, or is hidden from view. Email, financial accounts online, private social media accounts, and subscription services are all examples of material that the typical person uses on the internet. You don’t want your email history visible on the surface web and discoverable by everyone.
The words “deep web” and “dark web” are sometimes used interchangeably, although they refer to different things. The deep web refers to anything on the internet that has not been indexed by a search engine like Google. Paywall-protected material is a form of deep web content. Sign-in details are also included in this category. It also includes any material that its owners have expressly instructed web crawlers to ignore. Hackers for hire are found on the dark web, not the deep web.
Because it is possible to circumvent authoritarian states on the dark web, due to its inherent privacy protocols, these same governments will continue to fight against the dark web and its threats to legitimacy by silencing dissidents and activists. This goes for dark web hackers as well, whose activities may be less altruistic compared to those of human rights advocates. Still, there are exceptions, such as those hacking activities that are directed toward uncovering systemic corruption in governments, NGOs, and corporate activities. No one is above the law, and sometimes hackers play an essential role in informing the public about what is going on behind the scenes of their elected officials.
However, not all governments are against privacy. The natural impulse of free-market liberal democracies confronted with this danger will be to call for Tor to remain unmonitored and unregulated in order to safeguard liberty of expression and privacy.
The dark web is a lot more complex than many people think, necessitating a customized strategy from bosses and law enforcement agencies to prevent activities that are illegal and unethical in free societies while also safeguarding the real advantages of an anonymized network. How hackers will play a role in this arena in 2022 remains to be seen.