There are many risks to accessing the dark web. But one of the most common is that your device can get infected by different types of viruses. While it is true that there are many ways that viruses can enter your computer through the surface web and even through techniques that don’t even require the internet, the risk of your device getting infected by a virus is far greater when you are visiting the dark web. Not only that, but the level of virus that you might get from the dark web links may also be more dangerous.
Getting Virus from Accessing Dark Web: A Real Risk or Just a Ploy to Stop People from Accessing the Dark Web
Many people are not sure if they can get a virus through the dark web or if is it just a way the law enforcement agencies try to keep you away from the dark web; well we are here to tell you that the risk is very much real. When you are accessing the dark web your device becomes vulnerable and can be infected with viruses some of which may be too advanced to get detected by the antiviruses available in the market.
Can I Feel Safe on the Dark Web Links That I Know Are Authentic?
One common misconception that is usually believed by new dark web users is that they think once they have found an authentic dark web link they don’t have to be careful anymore on the dark net. Just because you were able to easily access a dark web link and get what you wanted without any hassle; that does not mean that it would be the case every time.
You may visit a dark web link two times and not get infected but you can still get infected the 3rd time you visit it. So just because you have visited the link before or because it was given to you by someone you trust does not mean that you should let your guard down.
You should never feel fully safe when you are on the dark web. If you start feeling safe and comfortable; that is when you would stop caring about protecting your device. This will make your device more vulnerable to virus attacks.
No Device is 100% Safe
Let us make one thing clear; no device is ever 100% safe for visiting the dark web. Many tech giants like Apple offer strong security features in their devices. This might make people want to buy devices from such developers thinking that it would make them safe on the dark web. However, the truth is that if you are not careful, your device can get infected by viruses no matter how strong your device’s security is.
Having a device with strong security does help but it is just one layer of several layers of security that you would need. If you have strong security on your device but you still go on shady dark web links then the virus might even bypass your strong security.
One should also take into account the advent of AI tools that are being used by dark web cybercriminals to create high-tech viruses that can bypass even the strongest of securities. So whether you are on your laptop, mobile device, or even an iPad you should be careful and understand that there is a chance that your device might get infected by a virus.
Simple Anti Viruses Can’t Do Much As Well
When accessing the dark web it is imperative to use antiviruses. There are a lot of free antiviruses that you can download from the internet. Most of these antivirus programs are designed to fight the virus after your system has been infected so they are not a strong preventive tool. Never put the trust of your device’s security in those antiviruses. Instead, go for premium versions of antivirus that offer a complete security suite. There are many antiviruses like Kaspersky, Avast, McAfee, Norton, and others that offer a range of different security features in their antivirus suites. However as discussed before, having a paid version of antivirus wouldn’t always protect your device. It will only provide a single layer of security and it has to be complemented with some other techniques to ensure maximum security.
The Types of Virus Your System Can Get
There is a wide range of viruses that can infect your devices. All these viruses can affect your device in several different ways. Some of the viruses that can infect your device are;
- Trojan
- File Infector
- Password retriever
- Worms
- Direct action virus
- Polymorphic virus
- Multipartite virus
- Key loggers
- Bots
- Web scripting virus
- SQL slammer
- Conficker
These are just some of the many viruses that can infect your device.
How to Know If Your Device Has Been Infected By a Virus
Some viruses are more visible than others. Several viruses can visibly corrupt your files. Other viruses are quieter and might stay hidden in your system, extract your information, and damage your device over time. However, certain signs point towards an infected device. Judging by the following factors you can easily tell yourself if your system has been infected or not.
Your Device Has Slowed Down
One of the most noticeable signs of a virus infection is a significant slowdown in your device’s performance. Viruses can consume system resources, causing applications to run slow or even freeze. If you notice your computer taking longer than usual to complete simple tasks or boot up, it could be a red flag.
The Device Crashes Regularly
Frequent system crashes or unexpected restarts can also indicate the presence of a virus. The virus can interfere with the normal operation of your operating system, leading to instability and crashes. If your device crashes randomly or experiences blue screens of death more often than usual, it’s worth investigating further.
New Programs in Your Device That You Did Not Install
If you notice new programs, toolbars, or icons appearing on your device that you didn’t intentionally install, it could be a sign of a virus infection. Viruses often come bundled with other programs that install on their own without your knowledge.
Your File Names Are Starting To Get Weird Symbols
Viruses can sometimes modify or corrupt file names, adding strange characters or symbols. If you notice unusual changes to file names, especially in system folders. It could be an indication of a virus infection.
Programs Start and Close on Their Own
Unexplained program behavior, such as applications starting or closing on their own can be a symptom of a virus. This might also indicate that the hacker who infected your device has remote control of your system
Deleted Files
Viruses can delete or corrupt important files on your system, potentially leading to data loss. If you notice files or folders mysteriously disappearing or becoming inaccessible, it could be a sign of a virus attack.
Unexpected Pop Ads
While pop-up ads can be annoying, a sudden influx of pop-ups or advertisements appearing on your device, even when you’re not browsing the web, could indicate the presence of a virus.
The Webcam Turns On Itself
If your webcam turns on unexpectedly or without your permission, it could be a sign that your device has been compromised by a virus designed to spy on you.
Inability to Download or Update Antivirus Program
Viruses can sometimes prevent you from downloading or updating your antivirus software, leaving your system vulnerable to further attacks. If you’re unable to install or update your security software, it could be a sign that your device has been infected.
Your Hard drive Is Getting Full
Viruses can consume disk space by creating and storing unnecessary files or duplicating themselves. If you notice your hard drive filling up rapidly without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of a virus infection.
Spam Emails Are Being Sent From Your Email Address
If you start receiving complaints from friends or contacts about spam emails being sent from your email account, it could indicate that your device has been compromised by a virus designed to spread spam or carry out phishing attacks.
What Can Happen If Your System Gets Infected?
Many things can happen if your device gets infected by a virus and none of them are good.
Viruses Can Corrupt the Files and Even the Entire Device
If your device gets infected by a virus, it can corrupt your files as well as system files which can end up causing problems for the device itself. The device might no longer be able to run properly. Some viruses are designed to simply delete files, folders, or entire hard drives, resulting in the permanent loss of important documents, photos, videos, and other data. Other viruses may corrupt or modify data in a way that renders it unusable or unreadable. This is why it is important to regularly back up your data especially if you are a regular dark net user.
Some viruses may cause the system to crash or freeze frequently, making it difficult or impossible to use the device for any productive tasks. Other viruses may consume a significant amount of system resources, such as CPU, RAM, or network bandwidth, causing the device to run slowly and lag during everyday use. In severe cases, a virus can render a computer or device completely unusable, requiring a complete system reinstall or replacement.
Once Your Device Is Infected the Virus Can Transfer To Other Devices
Some viruses are designed to spread to other computers, devices, or networks that they can access. This can happen through various means, such as email attachments, shared network drives, and USB drives. Once a virus has infected a single device, it can quickly spread to other devices within the same network or organization, potentially causing widespread damage.
Viruses Can Allow Hackers to Get Remote Access to Your Device
Some viruses are designed for the sole purpose of taking control of the victim’s computer. Once the hackers have control of your device through these viruses they can install password retrievers on your device. Which will show them all the passwords that you have used on the said device. This can be very troubling if you have confidential information on your device. Or if you have used the same device to log in to your online bank portal. This is why it is always recommended to use such a device to access the dark net. Which has not been used to access your accounts. Another dangerous aspect of this virus is that when the hacker has control of your device they can also turn on the webcam or front camera. And see you and your movements and may even know about your location.
Deactivate Antimalware
Your device can also get infected by a specific type of strong virus that can enter your system and deactivate the antimalware tools installed on your computer which then allows the hacker to infect your system with dangerous malware like ransomware where your access to your files is blocked and the hacker demands money to unblock them.
You Can Start Getting Spammy Advertisements
Viruses themselves are pretty damaging. But combine them with something as annoying as pop-up ads and you have a recipe for disaster. Some viruses are designed to display unwanted pop-up ads that redirect users to malicious websites. Often without the user’s knowledge or consent. These ads can be annoying and disruptive. But they can also pose a security risk if they are used to trick users into downloading additional malware or exposing them to phishing scams or other types of online fraud.
How to Save Your Device from Viruses When Accessing the Dark Net
Accessing the dark net is a slippery slope and you never know how or when your device might get infected by a virus. However, you can take certain steps to protect your device from viruses.
Invest In a New Device Solely For Accessing the Dark Web
One of the most effective ways to protect your data and accounts is to use a device that has never been used before or does not contain any of your files. Consider using cheap, disposable devices solely for accessing sensitive information or accounts. This way, even if the device becomes infected, your main personal devices and data remain uncompromised.
Invest In Premium Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is a fundamental line of defense against viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. You should always opt for well-known and reputable antivirus solutions that offer comprehensive protection and regular updates. Premium antivirus software typically provides more advanced features, such as real-time scanning and proactive threat detection. Make sure to update your antivirus as soon as the new update is released.
Avoid Downloading Anything from the Dark Web
The dark Web is a place full of malicious software, pirated content, and illegal activities. It’s crucial to steer clear of downloading anything from the dark net. These files are highly likely to be infected with viruses designed to compromise your device and steal your data.
Enable Firewall Protection on Your Device
A firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. Enabling your device’s built-in firewall or using a third-party firewall solution can help prevent unauthorized access and protect against potential threats.
Use Ad Blockers
Malicious and spammy ads can be a source of a range of different viruses. Ad blockers can help prevent these malicious ads from loading and potentially infecting your device. Choose a reputable ad blocker browser extension or application that regularly updates its filter lists to ensure maximum protection.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient and ideal for privacy but you never know who else is on the same network as you. Public networks are the preferred place for hackers to find vulnerable targets. This is what makes public Wi-Fi so insecure. Cybercriminals can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks, leading to potential data breaches and virus infections. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online activities.
Final Words
No matter what device you are using, visiting the dark web can very much infect your device and destroy it. There are several steps you can take to make your device more secure. But you should remember that there is always a risk of getting infected. Even if you have a good security mechanism in place. And if your device is infected the results can be catastrophic. The best advice would be to steer clear of the dark web altogether. If are concerned about getting your device infected. But if you are a curious dark net user and you still want to do it then follow the safety steps mentioned above. These steps would provide you with multiple layers of security for your device. Which is greatly needed when you are accessing the dark web.