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While it is used for illegal or criminal activity, the browser is also well-liked by journalists, those seeking anonymity, and individuals who are political or corporate whistleblowers. For example, the deep web includes private profiles on social networks and other resources, e-mails, corporate websites, password-protected documents, paid content, and so on. Meanwhile, online content that does get indexed by search engines is called the surface web (or visible web). While the FBI refuses to release the source code used to break into the Tor network, law enforcement agencies worldwide monitor and operate the Deep Web. Access to the Dark Web requires the Tor browser, which has built-in privacy features, and the encryption that hides the browser’s location. Tor estimates that about 4% of traffic on its network consists of hidden services and dark web content, while the rest consists of people accessing regular websites with greater anonymity.
Other content on the Deep Web includes private files like medical records, legal documents, and sites that have blocked search engine crawlers. Because the Deep Web contains valuable information like login credentials and personal data, fraudsters will target these sites to steal and sell data on the Dark Web. The dark web is the hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access.
Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web
There is no way to stumble upon websites, outside of the links posted by others publicly—every action must be deliberate. Sites and website pages or forums go up and come down, sometimes in a matter of days, adding another element of navigational difficulty that differentiates the dark web from the surface web. The dark web — aka, the deep web — is the second layer of the internet, which is not indexed by search engines. Websites and pages in the deep web might include password-protected content, private forums, and personalized resources.
The terms deep web and dark web are often used interchangeably but refer to distinctly different layers of the internet. Understanding each is crucial for navigating the complexities of online information—both legal and illegal.
You won’t find any “hidden” stories here—it’s the same content as the normal web edition—but users in countries with government censorship will appreciate having a secure way to access it. Additionally, employing reputable virtual private networks (VPNs) and antivirus software can provide an added layer of protection against potential threats. The surface web is the part of the Internet that most people easily see and access. The deep web is the part of the Internet that is hidden from the public, either through obscurity or authentication. Contents of the deep web cannot be indexed by conventional search engines like Google or Yahoo! Search.
Organizations can also consider dark web monitoring services that search through data available on the dark web for anything related to their specific company or employees. Dark web monitoring can supplement other tools used to gather preemptive threat intelligence, such as the Mitre ATT&CK framework. Law enforcement agencies and cyber threat intelligence specialists also use the dark web. You’ll also encounter marketplaces where users sell or purchase everything from illicit drugs to services requiring upfront payment.
What is the Deep Web?
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The deep web encompasses all parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This hidden layer of the web is significantly larger than the surface web, which most users navigate daily.
Key characteristics of the deep web include:
On the software end, the use of Tor and other anonymized browsers is not strictly illegal. In fact, these supposed “dark web” browsers are not tethered exclusively to this portion of the internet. Many users now leverage Tor to browse both the public Internet and the deeper parts of the web privately. When viewed through this lens, the dark web’s legality is based on how you as a user engage with it. You might fall to the wayside of legal lines for many reasons that are important for the protection of freedom. Others may act in ways that are illegal for the protection and safety of others.
The dark web and deep web are not the same — all sites on the dark web are technically part of the deep web, but much of the deep web is not part of the dark web. The deep web is simply the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, such as email inboxes, banking portals, or any site that requires authentication or a password. In more technical terms, the dark web is the part of the web where sites are hosted on so-called darknets — computer networks overlaid on other networks. Like regular “surface” sites, dark web sites use internet protocols, but the darknet networks that are overlaid on normal networks can’t be accessed through regular web browsers. The dark web may be the Wild West of the internet — a place without rules, gatekeepers, or censorship — but there are still reasons to visit. Check out our rundown of the best dark web links and how to navigate dark websites safely.
- Protected or password-protected content, such as email accounts and subscription services.
- Database-driven websites that require user credentials, like library databases and medical records.
- Information that is dynamically generated and not accessible via standard search algorithms.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a smaller portion of the deep web and is intentionally hidden. Accessing it typically requires specific software, such as Tor, which anonymizes users’ identities and locations.
Key features of the dark web include:
- There’s a lot more to consider, but this should give you an idea of some of the issues — good and bad — to consider.
- Citizens in these countries will use it to speak freely, without fear of their government.
- According to SpiceWorks, the deep web hosts around 7,500 terabytes of data, whereas the surface web hosts 19 terabytes.
- While it is used for illegal or criminal activity, the browser is also well-liked by journalists, those seeking anonymity, and individuals who are political or corporate whistleblowers.
- In order to access it at all, you will need to use an anonymizing web browser and a virtual private network (VPN).
- Anonymous communication and transactions, attracting users who seek privacy from surveillance.
- A marketplace for illegal goods and services, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Forums and websites discussing sensitive topics that may wish to remain concealed from authorities.
Comparing the Deep Web and Dark Web
While both the deep web and dark web are hidden from standard search engines, their purposes and contents differ markedly. Here are the primary contrasts:
| Aspect | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Accessible through standard web browsers with permissions | Requires special software (e.g., Tor) |
| Content Type | Legitimate databases and private content | Illicit activities and markets for illegal goods |
| User Intent | Information seeking, privacy, and security | Anonymity seeking, sometimes for illegal purposes |
Common Misconceptions
Several misconceptions surround the concepts of the deep web and dark web. Here are some clarifications:
- The entire deep web is not illegal; much of it comprises benign data and services.
- Not everyone on the dark web engages in criminal activities; some use it for legitimate privacy reasons.
- Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but participating in illegal activities is.
FAQs
Is the deep web safe to browse?
Generally, yes. The deep web hosts many secure and legal databases that provide valuable information.
What are the dangers of the dark web?
Potential dangers of the dark web include exposure to illegal content, scams, and risks of malware. Caution is highly advised.
How can I access the dark web safely?
To access the dark web safely, use reliable software like Tor and take precautions such as using a VPN, keeping antivirus software updated, and avoiding sharing personal information.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between the deep web and dark web is essential for navigating the internet and staying safe online. While the deep web includes benign and often necessary content, the dark web harbors a range of both legal and illegal activities. Awareness of these layers can enhance users’ internet experiences.
