Dangers Of Accessing Dark Web: Keylogger, Botnet, Ransomware, Phishing Waiting For Your Data - Lessons From The Case Of SMAN 72

Illustration - Dark Web

YOGYKARTA - The explosion incident at SMA Negeri 72 Kelapa Gading reopened public discussions about how digital traces and exposure to hard content in closed online spaces can affect behavior. In the initial investigation, the authorities found indications that suspected perpetrators often visited online communities displaying violent content on closed-information sites which later became part of the investigator's digital footprint analysis.

Outside of psychosocial aspects, accessing closed sites or forums on the internet poses a direct technical risk: many dark spaces that not only contain harmful content, but also become sources or intermediaries for the spread of malware.

1. Keylogger temporary and credential thieves

Keylogger is a software or hardware that records every keystroke on the victim's computer. With the keylogger, the perpetrator can obtain usernames and passwords for the victim's school, bank, or social media accounts. Keylogger infections often come through files that appear 'attractive' or through attachments that are run without the user knowing. Accessing closed space without caution increases the possibility of opening such files.

2. A computer botnet is used for massive attacks

Infected devices can be recruited as part of a remotely controlled botnet computer network to carry out cyberattacks (ms. DDoS attacks), spread spam, or carry out other criminal activities without the knowledge of the device owner. Students who download software or scripts from untrusted sources are at risk of becoming part of this kind of network.

3. Ransomware data are held hostage for ransom

Ransomware encrypts files on victims' devices and demands a ransom for data to be recovered. In addition to harming individuals, if ransomware attacks school devices (servers, teacher computers, administrative systems), the impact can be very broad: learning activity disruptions, leaks of sensitive data, and huge recovery costs. Ransomware sources are often disguised as tutorial'' or important documents in closed spaces.

4. Phishing and social manipulation-based malware

In anonymous communities, malicious actors can spread fake links, malicious attachments, or messages that provoke victims to enter personal data. Phishing directed at school children can look convincing for example claims about exclusive content or invitational so that curious victims click on and are infected.

Why is a case like SMAN 72 relevant to the threat of malware?

The case of SMAN 72 shows two important things: first, exposure to extreme content can affect individual psychology; second, the process of visiting closed space opens the technical door for cyber attacks, either through downloaded files, clicked links, or software being run. Investigation of Densus 88 and analysis of digital traces show there are activities in closed online communities that then become the focus of deepening the apparatus, only technical details of addresses or files are not published to avoid the spread of harmful material.