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Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web
It gives you an additional layer of encryption and anonymity—backed by a strict no-log policy. Try it yourself and get a full refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied. Much like the internet itself, the dark web is the product of the U.S. government attempting to build communication networks for military and self-defense purposes. The danger comes in when you download illegal materials which contain viruses or malware, like trojans, worms, or keyloggers.
The terms deep web and dark web are often used interchangeably, yet they refer to distinct areas of the internet that are not accessible through standard search engines.
While it is infamous for criminal undertakings, it also serves as a shelter for activists, insiders, and those confined under restrictive authorities to converse incognito. Switching focus, the Obscure Web is a minor part of the Hidden Web, harbouring websites that smartly disguise their server’s IPs, making them visible to all. The Tor encryption tool is what enables this, making it nearly impossible to track those operating or visiting these websites. The part we can see and interact with on an everyday basis is merely the tip of this colossal virtual expanse; much of it remains concealed from plain sight.
If you’re looking to install an encrypted email system, you can find tips and resources there. Law enforcement even uses the dark web when they’re looking for stolen data. Of course, it also helps to find perpetrators that may be dealing on the black market. There are also hard-to-find books, censored content, and political news available for access. The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t found by normal search engines because the sites located there are not indexed into search engines.
What is the Deep Web?
- Since crawlers can’t “see” behind logins, they can’t easily access our personal information, and thus our personal info can’t (or shouldn’t) appear in the results of a search engine like Google.
- These are all places where cybercriminals and threat actors alike can congregate and find one another.
- Cyber hygiene refers to cybersecurity best practices that everyone who actively uses the internet should be implementing to keep themselves and their data protected from common cyber threats.
The deep web comprises all parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This includes a vast array of information, such as:
While no one can pinpoint the origins of the Dark Web, it’s now referenced in mainstream conversations about technology and digital security as the seedy source of many security issues. This colossal amount of information exists on the Deep Web (or “hidden web”), where almost all online activities take place. Because not all the information you can access online belongs in the public domain. The Silk Road was just one of dozens of dark web marketplaces that have cropped up over the years.
The Privacy Policy is published on the Organization’s website () and made accessible to relevant individuals upon request. Journalists use the dark web to help protect the anonymity of their sources, and others use the dark web simply because they believe strongly in their right to privacy. The US Department of Defense developed Tor, which is now run as a nonprofit by volunteers. It is funded by the likes of the US government and the National Science Foundation.
The average monthly traffic received by the deep web is 50% more than surface websites. The volume of public data on the deep web is 400 to 500 times greater than that of the surface web. If the surface web is the visible part of an iceberg above water, the deep web is the part submerged beneath – much larger but hidden from plain view. Some people use the terms ‘dark web’ and ‘deep web’ interchangeably; however, significant portions of the deep web are completely legal and safe to use. On the internet, the deep web is not indexed by web crawlers, while the dark web is intentionally kept hidden. The person or group who’s posted it doesn’t care who has access to it or what can be done with it.
- Databases (academic, governmental, and private)
- Subscription-based content (journals, magazines, and paywalled articles)
- Intranets (company internal systems)
- Medical records and personal accounts
- Cloud storage files
Many websites on the deep web avoid showing up in search engine results by blocking the bots that ‘crawl’ the internet to collect information for search engine indexes. Other options exist, but they are generally created to fulfill specific purposes, such as file sharing. Cybercriminals lurk in the dark web to methodically coordinate their attacks, sell illicit goods, distribute malware and phishing kits, and share other prebuilt exploits.
Unlike the dark web, most content on the deep web is completely legal and safe. It serves practical purposes for individuals and organizations.
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What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a small portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. To access the dark web, special software like Tor is necessary.
This elusive segment of the internet is known for its unregulated environment, which can host a variety of activities, both legal and illegal. Some common aspects of the dark web include:
- Illegal drugs
- Stolen data (credit card information, personal identities)
- Weapons trafficking
- Hacking services
- Contraband and forbidden literature
Key Differences Between Deep Web and Dark Web
To further clarify the distinctions between the two, here are some critical differences:
| Criteria | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Accessible via standard browsers; requires authentication for some content. | Accessed through special software (e.g., Tor). |
| Content Type | Legal and safe content, such as databases and subscription services. | Often illegal activities and dark motivation. |
| Security | Generally secure; monitored by organizations. | High risk, potential for scams and illegal actions. |
FAQs about the Deep Web and Dark Web
1. Is the deep web illegal?
No, the deep web is not illegal. It simply consists of areas of the internet that are not indexed by search engines and can include legitimate content.
2. Can I access the dark web safely?
Accessing the dark web can be risky. Users should employ strong security measures, including VPNs and secure browsing practices, to help protect their identities and data.
3. Why do people use the dark web?
People may use the dark web for privacy reasons, seeking anonymity, or to access restricted content that may not be available in their countries. However, illegal activities are also common.
4. Are all dark web websites illegal?
While many websites on the dark web engage in illegal activities, there are also forums and marketplaces dedicated to legal content, albeit hard to find.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinctions between the deep web and the dark web is essential in navigating the complexities of the internet. While the deep web holds vast resources for legitimate use, caution is always advised on the dark web due to its potential for illegal activities and security risks.
