Tor and the Dark Web: Exploring the Basics
I recently completed a course on the dark web, led by instructor Mike Chapple. This Tor and the Dark Web: Exploring the Basics course, sponsored by LinkedIn Learning, delved deep into the technical and social foundations of the dark web, which serves as a shielded platform both for those seeking privacy and those engaging in illicit activities. The coursework focused primarily on the utilization of the Tor Browser, which is instrumental for accessing and hosting websites anonymously.
Throughout the course, I learned about the historical context of the dark web, the fundamental principles of cryptography including perfect forward secrecy, and the technical operations of the Tor network. A significant portion of the course was dedicated to practical skills such as installing the Tor Browser and accessing both hidden and standard internet sites anonymously. The course also highlighted the importance of safeguarding privacy on Tor and discussed the vulnerabilities inherent in using anonymized networks.
The knowledge I gained from this course is directly applicable to my career goals in privacy and cybersecurity. Understanding the intricacies of the Tor network and the broader aspects of web security prepares me for roles focused on network security and privacy protection. The skills and concepts covered, such as the deployment and vulnerabilities of Tor, are crucial for any privacy and cybersecurity professional dealing with data protection and anonymous communication. This experience not only broadened my technical knowledge but also reinforced my understanding of the ethical implications and responsibilities that come with managing and securing digital information.