Tech

A Peek Into The Dark Side Of The Web

Published

5 years ago

September 8, 2020

Now that everything from buying groceries to booking hotels can be done online, it is important to consider the potential risks that arise from being so connected to the world wide web. Are we really as safe as we think we are?

The internet as we know it has only been around for a few decades. As time passes and technology becomes indispensable to our daily activities, we are learning more and more about the online world. Like any other platform out there, there exists another face of the internet that most people are oblivious of — the dark web.

What is the ‘dark web’?

As intimidating as the name sounds, the dark web is still part of the internet, albeit inaccessible through our usual browsers. It functions on overlay networks that are out of reach of cyber authorities. It is the no-mans-land of the internet and a hub for a variety of illegal activities such as the sale of leaked personal information, account passwords, illegal arms and ammunition, and other heinous cybercrimes.

For us, the existence of the dark web and the anonymity of offenders operating through this medium can incite a plethora of questions surrounding our own online security.

Dark web monitoring services

Becoming aware of the dark web can cause us to realise that our personal information is not safe and may be vulnerable to identity theft. We often find ourselves powerless in these situations, due to our shallow understanding of what the dark web is. Large corporations can then harness our apprehension of the dark web to extract profits.

These companies demand huge sums of money as monthly premiums to keep your data safe from the dark web. As attractive as their packages may appear, very little information is shared by these companies about how they operate, leading to some serious misconceptions in regard to internet security and the dark web.

Common misconceptions surrounding the dark web

1. Compromised personal information can be erased permanently from the dark web

Information such as credit card details and account login details cannot be erased once in the dark web domain. Due to the large number of hosts and servers on the dark web, it is practically impossible to locate the information and delete it entirely from the server. However, by knowing exactly what information has been compromised, steps can be taken to prevent further damage.

2. Monitoring services can prevent your data from being sold on the dark web

Software exist that can scan the dark web for the presence of information, and it is recommended that you make use of this. However, no technology can prevent information from being uploaded to the dark web. Internet security companies who promise this are unlikely to be able to deliver on their word.

3. Dark web monitoring services can make you invincible to all breaches

While dark web monitoring services can help you identify a breach of data or alert you to compromised credentials, they cannot keep you safe from fraud. Taking precautions while using online banking services and keeping yourself updated to the developments in the online security sector is also recommended.

Vigilance is important

About 7 million records are compromised and sold on the dark web on a daily basis. At such a high volume, scammers are experts in devising new ways to breach your privacy and compromise your internet security. Companies such as Norton can provide Dark Web Monitoring services that can help alert you to security breaches, however nothing works as well as caution and vigilance. It is important that passwords are changed regularly, and credit card and bank statements monitored and scanned carefully for anomalies that can indicate any breach of information.

Tech

How iAsk Visual Search Captures and Delivers Detailed Insights from the World You See

Published

5 days ago

December 19, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: iAsk.ai

Byline: Shem Albert

There are moments when the world around you sparks curiosity, yet you do not even know the word for what you are seeing. You describe it in painstaking detail, type and retype, scroll through search results, hoping something matches. Minutes pass, sometimes longer, just to uncover a simple answer. That experience of encountering something unfamiliar and struggling to put it into words is all too common, yet often goes unnoticed. With a single photo, however, everything changes. iAsk Visual Search bridges that gap. Suddenly, the mystery becomes an opportunity to learn, experiment, or act in the moment.

Turning Discovery into Action

Using iAsk Visual Search is simple, yet the possibilities it opens up are immediate. You open the app and snap a photo of the object, diagram, or scene that has caught your attention. Instantly, the app identifies what it sees and provides context, turning a moment of curiosity into a starting point for exploration. From there, you can ask follow-up questions to dig deeper, consider alternatives, or uncover how something works in practical terms.

This goes far beyond basic identification. Where traditional image recognition might simply name an object or offer a brief description, iAsk lets you continue the conversation. It remembers the image, so you can explore multiple layers of information without starting over. What begins as a single observation quickly expands into actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Real-World Applications in Everyday Life

The real test of significance for iAsk Visual Search is how it is used in a user’s everyday life. Novice cooks and experienced chefs can rely on it to identify an unfamiliar ingredient and ask follow-up questions, such as preparation tips, cooking methods, or possible substitutions. Users can experiment with complementary flavors or adapt recipes based on what is available in their pantry, reducing hesitation and encouraging culinary creativity.

A quick snapshot of a street sign, menu, or product label in a foreign language is another way iAsk Visual Search supports everyday tasks. Users can ask follow-up questions to clarify translations, understand cultural context, or receive practical guidance. This enables individuals to navigate unfamiliar environments with confidence and ease.

These examples illustrate how iAsk Visual Search can become a versatile companion in daily life. It can serve as a travel guide, a study aid, or a creative assistant. Artists, crafters, and curious hobbyists can explore materials, techniques, or designs with guidance that is immediate and interactive. Each interaction transforms curiosity into tangible results, empowering users to act on the knowledge they gain instantly.

A Tool That Stands Apart

iAsk Visual Search stands out for its interactive, context-sensitive design. Users can maintain an ongoing dialogue with the app, exploring details without losing sight of the original image. This makes it possible to investigate complex subjects and adapt the information to specific tasks.

Privacy and accessibility are central to the experience. Images are not stored, personal data is not tracked, and there are no ads to interrupt the workflow. The app is available across multiple platforms without subscription barriers, making it accessible to students, parents, hobbyists, and professionals alike.

Curiosity Translated into Results

iAsk Visual Search turns a simple photo into an understanding you can act on. Whether it’s decoding a diagram, identifying an object, or untangling a confusing concept, a snapshot instantly delivers context, explanations, and next steps. It doesn’t just show you — it teaches you, guiding each discovery into something useful.

Every question becomes a chance to learn, explore, or create. From the kitchen to the classroom, the trailhead to the studio, iAsk makes the world clearer and curiosity immediately productive.

Snap. Ask. Learn. Then act. The answers are there. All you need to do is iAsk.