VPNs, Digital Security, Deep Web vs Dark Web, and Linux

VPNs/SECURITY

In this era, I'm sure most here have at least heard of a VPN (sometimes called a Firewall), if not use one regularly. If not, I highly recommend you use one (especially if in public places/using public WiFi).

A gentleman can never be too careful. In this era of mis/information, social engineers, and hackers, it's more important than ever to protect yourself with digital security.

Not just by using a VPN (many are free, such as those used in conjunction with their Protonmail email accounts, or the old school TOR VPN, or the paid commercial ones like SurfShark or NordVPN), but also using strong passwords, and using search engine alternatives to Google (such as DuckDuckGo).

There's no "silver bullet", as any system has exploitable flaws. However, the use of multiple layers of encryption means it makes it that much harder/more frustrating for a potential hacker to break.

I'll go into some explanations below, but if you'd rather just watch a video, I've included it.

WHAT DOES A VPN DO?

Basically, it masks your internet signal, often assigning a temporary IP address, and through triangulation, can make your location appear to originate from almost anywhere else in the world.

It is the basis of blockchain encryption technology, on which cryptocurrency was built. Not going into that rabbit hole, don't worry.

Apart from increasing security, it also allows you to watch content that normally wouldn't be available to people in the U.S.

VPNs AND THE DEEP VS DARK WEB

For at least the last 15ish years, pop culture has made references or entire plots around the "dark web".

Again, for those not in the know, this all started with TOR, or "The Onion Router". Named so because of the multiple layers being like an onion (and maybe the deeper you go, the more you cry).

The deep web is older than even internet 1.0, as it preceded it. Think of the "surface web" as a large floating city on the ocean; the former has recognizable structure to navigate with little skill, whereas the latter requires special equipment and training to explore (unless you count your email inbox, for example).

To remove the "mysterious veil", the deep web is basically anything beyond the surface web, often which can't be accessed/found via traditional search methods, or even indexed by search engines. Often, you need a specific alphanumeric .onion address to find it (".com" or ".org" doesn't usually apply there).

The difference between the deep and dark web is, well, the dark web is part of the deep web. It just refers to one sector of the deep web.

What is the deep web used for? Mostly extensive databases, such as academic, scientific, geographical, medical, legal, business/residential property, infrastructure systems, etc. Systems of information used by companies and governments where a far more vast amount of information is stored. It is also used by many journalists who are reporting from active war zones, or those who generally don't want their communications intercepted due to consequences of being caught by enemy military forces.

THE DARK WEB

This is usually the over-represented and fiction-twisted part of the deep web you mostly hear about.

Bluntly put, it's where all the criminal activity happens. Black markets for multiple illegal goods and services (though many of the "services" are fictionalized and blown way out of proportion, though awful things do exist in reality). Any serious user would have a P.O. Box instead of ever using their home address.

The biggest threat, though, is trying to navigate such pages without picking up a hacker who's just looking to exploit whatever they can. More often, it's newbie hackers trying to test their skills. The more advanced hackers tend to target bigger fish, like high-profile individuals, corporations, investment firms, banks, security systems, sensitive government databases, etc.

There are also multiple kinds of hackers; white hats, red hats, and black hats to name the core concepts. Basically, the color reflects their ethics and reasons for hacking.

LINUX

One alternative operating system to Windows or Mac/Apple I've dabbled in are the many flavors of Linux.

What is Linux?

Again, for those interested, I've added a video for that, too, if you prefer.

If you wish you had a computer operating system you could get into the code of and totally customize yourself, Linux is for you. Sadly, unless you're using something like "Play On Linux", you won't be able to use traditional Windows programs. They do, however, have absolutely free alternatives to things like "Office".

Speaking of free, that's why Linux is great - everything is free to download. It's open-source, which means you can access and change the source code. That's why there are so many different "flavors", or "Distros" of Linux out there. The "cost" is how much you need to learn about coding, how to navigate through files, and the general differences in terms compared to Windows.

For a beginner-friendly version to learn with, I recommend Kubuntu or MX.

Why use Linux?

Apart from ultimate customization and specific use for the scientific or programmer fields, most viruses out there are aimed at Microsoft and Apple/Mac systems, since they're the most commonly used. Plus, many would argue Linux is a far better protected OS/better encrypted, and because there are so many different versions, it's difficult to narrow down; unlike figuring out someone's current Windows version.

CYBER FORENSICS

Even some of the best tools for ethically hacking into something like a criminal's laptop is conducted via Linux-based OS, like Kali Linux. If you have at least one other person who is into it, you can practice what's called "penetration testing" to take turns hacking each other's computers to grow in skill. While a class would be helpful, there exist plenty of sites and videos if you want to teach yourself.

CONCLUSION

Before I lose any more attention spans, I've given enough basic info points to pursue on your own if interested. Just figured it a good idea to share, especially with our younger members who aren't aware/are curious of the basics of digital security.

Also - I recently mentioned to @Frank Baumgartner that this post would be of his area of interest/expertise, so I look forward to some feedback when possible.

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