The Three Dark Web Technologies: Tor, I2P, and Freenet — What They Mean for Your Business

When it comes to the dark web, most people think of shadowy deals, hackers in hoodies, and illicit marketplaces. But what does this hidden layer of the internet actually mean for your business? The dark web isn’t a monolith; it’s a collection of distinct technologies, each with its quirks, strengths, and risks. Let’s talk about the big three: Tor, I2P, and Freenet.

Tor is the most well-known and acts like the granddaddy of the dark web. Originally developed by the U.S. Navy, it routes traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers to anonymise users. It’s like the internet equivalent of sending a postcard through a dozen people before it reaches its recipient. Tor’s strength lies in its vast user base and ease of use, making it a hotspot for both privacy advocates and cybercriminals. Businesses need to monitor Tor because it’s where leaked data, stolen credentials, and malicious chatter are most likely to surface.

Then there’s I2P, the lesser-known sibling. I2P, or the Invisible Internet Project, is like Tor but built for peer-to-peer communication. It’s more decentralised and better suited for small, secure networks rather than hosting giant marketplaces. While it’s harder to navigate and not as popular as Tor, it’s a favourite for private messaging and file sharing, making it a potential hiding spot for ransomware groups or other bad actors targeting businesses.

Finally, we have Freenet, the dark web’s quiet cousin. Freenet prioritises storage over browsing, acting like a distributed hard drive. Users upload files, and the network breaks them into encrypted pieces distributed across nodes. Freenet doesn’t have the buzz of Tor or I2P, but it’s perfect for those who want to keep content safe from censorship. This could include whistleblowers—or people sharing sensitive company data they’ve obtained illegally.

Now, what does all this mean for businesses? Should you worry about all three? In short, yes. But the level of concern differs. Tor should be your primary focus because of its sheer popularity and the range of illicit activities it supports. I2P and Freenet, while less trafficked, shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you’re in industries like finance, healthcare, or tech, where highly sensitive data is a prime target.

So how can businesses protect themselves? Threat monitoring tools designed for the dark web are a good start. Platforms that monitor Tor, I2P, and even Freenet can help you identify risks early—like leaked credentials, intellectual property, or even discussions of planned attacks. Being proactive in this space isn’t just smart; it’s becoming essential.

The dark web is vast and complex, but understanding the technologies behind it is the first step to protecting your business. Don’t wait until your name—or your customers’ data—appears in some shady forum. Start monitoring today.

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