Dark Web Sites: How are they distinguished?
Generally, web sites on the dark web are built just like any other site we see on the clearnet. With some exceptions, like the naming structure, dark web sites end with .onion that is different from typical web sites addresses that mostly end with .com, .org, etc.
The different suffix .onion is for a nameless concealed service creation that will be accessible by dark web browsers such as Tor. The browsers with suitable proxy can reach sites with such URLs while the surface internet browsers like Duck Duck Go, Chrome, and Bing are unable to do that.
Along with that, dark websites also use a complicated naming structure that generates difficult and easily-forgettable URLs. One such prevalent dark web ecommerce website named Dream Market goes by the incomprehensible address of “dh64mmjg8b3c.onion.” The biggest reason for the naming system is that dark web content owners are often careful about security, very agile, which is why dark web context disappears after some time.
Dark Web Commerce
After the advent of the bitcoin, most of the trade on the dark web is done by cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that works as a trusted third party exchange between two trading parties, but Monero is a better cryptocurrency for illicit transactions since it is untraceable and completely anonymous. All the commerce activities on the dark web are similar to the normal e-retail operations. It includes shopping carts, ratings/reviews, and forums. But in dark web dealings, both buyers and sellers are anonymous so, ratings can be manipulative and misleading. The dark web is such an unpredictable place that sellers with long track records disappear anytime with all the buyer’s bitcoins. There is no credibility at all.
Many dark web e-commerce sites propose some escrow services to keep buyer’s money on hold until customers get their ordered products. Though, in the disputed event, buyers do not suppose that dark web sellers will offer a service with a smile.
Often, the disputes between buyer and seller are resolved by the mutually agreed decision of both parties as there is no customer service so, most of the time outcomes are unpredictable and heated. While all communications are encrypted, thus for the meekest transaction, buyers need a PGP key.
Dark web commerce is such undependable that after completion of the transition there is no assurance that the ordered products will arrive. Because various products and goods have to pass from global borders.
The dark web has its own news web site called Deep.Dot.Web, which is loaded with buyer stories that depict jailed or arrested customers for their illicit buying. Distinguishing a deep website is not difficult, but making sure your transactions are safe, is another matter, so as the old saying goes: ‘Let the buyer beware.’