Skip to main content

Privacy and security

DeWeb offers a decentralized way to host and access websites, putting control into users' hands. However, the level of privacy and security depends on how you choose to access DeWeb. Below, weโ€™ll detail the available methods, their benefits, and their risks.

1. Accessing DeWeb Through a Local Node and Local Providerโ€‹

Running both a local node and a local provider is the most secure and private way to access DeWeb. Benefit:

  • Full Privacy: No third parties are involved, so your browsing activity is completely private.
  • Data Integrity: Content is fetched directly from the blockchain, ensuring it hasnโ€™t been altered. Risks:
  • Malicious websites can still harm you. For example:
    • JavaScript Backdoors: A site might call external servers, revealing your IP address.
    • Phishing: Fake sites could trick you into sharing sensitive information.
    • Wallet Exploits: A malicious site may try to get you to approve unauthorized transactions.

2. Accessing DeWeb Through a Local Provider Connected to a Third-Party Nodeโ€‹

If running a local node isnโ€™t an option, using a local provider with a third-party node offers a middle ground. Benefits:

  • Improved Setup Simplicity: You donโ€™t need to manage a full node, but your local provider still processes content locally, adding a layer of security. Risks:
  • Privacy Concerns: The third-party node can see the sites you access and associate them with your IP address.
  • Tampering Risk: A malicious node could modify the data before sending it to your local provider.
  • Site-Based Risks: Any compromised website can exploit your device, just as in Option 1.

3. Accessing DeWeb Through a Third-Party Providerโ€‹

For maximum convenience, you can use a third-party provider that retrieves and delivers content directly to your browser. Benefits:

  • Ease of Use: No technical setup is needed. You can access DeWeb directly in your browser. Risks:
  • Visibility: The provider can track your browsing activity and associate it with your IP address.
  • Content Manipulation: The provider could modify website data, injecting malicious code or redirecting you to fake sites.
  • Site-Based Risks: The same risks from visiting malicious sites apply here as in Options 1 and 2.

Best Practices for Safe Browsing on DeWebโ€‹

  1. Verify Websites: Only visit trusted websites with verified Massa Name Service (MNS) domains.
  2. Review Transactions: Carefully check every transaction before signing it with your wallet.
  3. Stay Updated: Follow official Massa channels for news on registry updates and decentralized tools.
  4. Understand Immutability: Proposals are underway to make uploaded content immutable, reducing risks of unauthorized changes.

Looking Aheadโ€‹

Current registries are temporary solutions, and a fully decentralized registry system is in development to further enhance the experience. Also, a browser plugin will be developped to validate website integritity end-to-end which should solve supply chain attack issues when a third party node or provider is used, but not censorship and privacy. So we really recommend you to run a node and a local provider.

Whether you prioritize privacy, security, or simplicity, DeWeb gives you the tools to browse the decentralized web in a way that suits your needs.