Sunday 8 November 2015

There be Basilisks...



Are you aware of the 'dark web'? Until relatively recently I had no idea that an alternative internet existed. It is not to be found using conventional browsers and requires a download for its perusal. Apparently, the stuff you can access by the likes of Google accounts for less than 1% of the web sites out in the aether. The rest is hidden to Google's search bots and as you might expect, some of the websites on the 'dark web' are not for the faint-hearted. To gain entry you need to download a browser  called, TOR, which stands for 'The Onion Router'. Your location is not revealed and browsing habits are not monitored, maybe. Apparently the system is set up so your browser experience is totally anonymous. This is achieved by routing your search through a series of network nodes and each stage of the process is encrypted. Therefore, in theory, the whole browsing experience remains unassailable.  

So what sort of sites can you find on the under web? Government agencies use it to place files not meant for common readership. Obviously, you can't access this sort of stuff. I suspect, like the conventional web, much of what you can access is fairly harmless and banal. However, there are sites which might be considered as gnarly. The 'Silk Road' was particularly notorious and sold drugs and guns. Interestingly, the site was recently closed down and the owner prosecuted by the FBI. So much for anonymity. I suppose there is a measure of 'privacy' and most folk will not warrant close attention and be exposed. Although if you gain the attention of the 'authorities' then there is no such thing as total 'un-traceability'; browser beware. There are sites where you can hire a hit man; sites supposedly showing 'snuff' videos and other extreme stuff that we can all imagine but can't comprehend.

If you do decide to access the 'Dark Web', the watchword should be, 'prudent surfing'. Some things once seen can't be unseen. Take care. Although I have downloaded TOR, I haven't used it yet. There are some really sick bastards out there and they all have internet access. For all my bluster, I'm fairly conventional in my browsing tastes and have no wish to stray into the dark, horrid abyss. My nightmares are florid enough as it is.

No terrorist purchase allowed!

12 comments:

  1. I've no knowledge of this "Dark Web" of which you speak, but I am familiar with the existence of special browsers to access different areas of the Information Super Highway. For example, to access and gain entry to this website, I had to download a browser called, YYCC, and initialism which represents the phrase, 'Yawny Yawny Cunt Cunt'. Youse can't half spout some boring bollix, Saxon.

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  2. http://sterculianrhetoric.blogspot.ca/2015/11/fashion-tip.html

    Now do you believe me when I tell you The Tutor is not that lucky at all. I just could not imagine sharing time with a person like that.

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  3. She doesn't get me, does she? But I'm having sport and will draw it out until she catches on. May take some time- she doessn't strike me as a MENSA chick.

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    1. You are quite mistaken.
      We all get you well enough.

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    2. Have sport over on her blog. George and I are not amused.

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    3. You didn't tell me Deirdre had a blog- should have told.me. Well you should be amused- and if not, why should I care?

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    4. Have you never 'clicked' on an avatar in a Handy Comments Facility? Click on my Avatar and it takes you to my profile, which in turn is a conduit to my blog. In my comments Facility, click on Leslie's Avatar of the grey cat in the top hat and you'll be magically transported to her blog.
      Jaysus, yins are thick!

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    5. Wait, I'm mistaken, click on my name, not my picture. Sorry

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    6. I suppose she didn't strike me as the type to have a blog. Perhaps I shouldn't have made that assumption. Anyway M (and G): 'Nicht Argern, Nur Wundern'.

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    7. 'Nicht Argern, Nur Wundern'

      I don't speak Chinese.
      And you forgot the umlaut
      Ä

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    8. I apologise for the lack of umlaut. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to import the symbol. Also I thought you might mention it...Still working on the Etruscan.

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    9. Import?
      I use ascii

      http://www.edlazorvfx.com/ysu/html/ascii.html

      Delete