Exploring the Deep Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide
The deep dark web is a segment of the internet that exists beyond the reach of standard search engines. It encompasses a vast array of websites and resources that are not indexed, thus making them less accessible to the average user. Unlike the surface web, which contains readily available information, the deep dark web is often shrouded in mystery.
Cybercriminals lurk in the dark web where they can methodically coordinate their attacks, distribute malware and phishing kits, sell illicit goods, and share other pre-built exploits. But accessing the information your organization needs from the dark web can be inefficient, time consuming, and risky. In addition, many high-value closed sources present technical and financial barriers to entry. Having open and honest conversations is crucial to helping young people develop safer behaviours online.
Your daily internet activity likely falls within the publicly available and readily accessible portion of the internet (otherwise known as the surface web). However, there are additional “levels” of the internet beyond that top level. The internet has opened up wonderful new possibilities in our world, making life easier on many levels.
Detractors argue that online anonymity encourages criminality and impedes law enforcement. Advocates defend the dark web as a last potential refuge against oppressive governments and communities. Understanding how to mine information from the deep and dark web becomes an essential skill for any cybersecurity professional working to protect IT systems in today’s digital age. This gives decision-makers the needed insight to plan their future steps and to move from reactive to proactive defense. Regular search engines index web content by sending robots (also known as crawlers or spiders) to discover new and updated content. These crawlers travel across the internet and discover new content by following hyperlinks in the visited domain name.
While access to movies might seem trivial, serious research tools like JSTOR and Statista also charge fees. So, believe it or not, it’s not illegal to access the Dark Web; there are actually reputable brands and companies who have sites accessible via the Dark Web. It can simply be a dangerous proposition to peruse the Dark Web and engage with whoever you may meet, especially if it means revealing any personal data. In terms of cybersecurity, the Dark Web is a place where Ransomware-as-a-Service kits and phishing methodologies are traded and leveraged daily. The most infamous of these onion sites was the now-defunct Silk Road, an online marketplace where users could buy drugs, guns and all sorts of other illegal items. The FBI eventually captured Ross Ulbricht, who operated Silk Road, but copycat sites like Black Market Reloaded are still readily available.
This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time. These groups develop their own sophisticated malware, sometimes combined with pre-existing tools, and distribute them through “affiliates”. Your traffic is relayed and encrypted three times as it passes over the Tor network. The network is comprised of thousands of volunteer-run servers known as Tor relays. Perhaps the most serious criticism of the deep web is that it undermines the openness and equality of the internet.
What is the Deep Dark Web?
While the terms dark web and deep web are often used interchangeably, they are two very distinct concepts. Covert chatter-focused feeds alerting on mentions of your people, locations, and brand including communications collected on Discord, Telegram, IRC, and the Dark Web. No one can stop zero-day malware from entering your network, but Xcitium can prevent if from causing any damage.
The deep dark web can be divided into two main categories:
- Deep Web: Refers to all content that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Dark Web: A subset of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers.
But if you’re looking for a more obscure story, you may have to go directly to a specific newspaper site and then browse or search content to find what you’re looking for. The older the story, the more likely it’s stored only on the newspaper’s archive, which isn’t visible on the surface Web. Subsequently, that story may not appear readily in search engines — so it counts as part of the deep Web.
The Guardian called the dark web markets “the eBay of drug dealing” because drugs are among the most common goods on the dark web marketplaces. They were the most lucrative products on the Silk Road marketplace too. Dark web users can also find and buy other illegal substances, such as banned energy drinks.
Characteristics of the Deep Dark Web
The deep dark web has several notable characteristics:
- Anonymity: Many users and website operators prioritize privacy and security, utilizing tools like Tor to remain anonymous.
- Restricted Access: Access to many sites often requires specific software or invites, making it less navigable.
- Variety of Content: From forums and marketplaces to whistleblowing platforms and blogs, the range of content is extensive.
Risks and Dangers of the Deep Dark Web
Election Security Spotlight – The Surface Web, Dark Web, And Deep Web
While the deep dark web can provide valuable resources, it also poses significant risks:
- Illegal Activities: Some sites facilitate illegal transactions, including drugs, weapons, and hacking services.
- Scams: Many scammers operate within the deep dark web, exploiting unsuspecting users.
- Malware Risks: Visiting certain sites can lead to exposure to malware or phishing attacks.
Navigating the Deep Dark Web
To explore the deep dark web safely, users can follow these guidelines:
- There’s a flip side of the deep Web that’s a lot murkier — and, sometimes, darker — which is why it’s also known as the dark web.
- ZeroBin offers an extra secure version of this service by only encrypting and decrypting text in the browser, meaning their servers have no knowledge of what is passing through it.
- Tor also supports various privacy extensions, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to track users on the dark web.
- However, new technology like encryption and the anonymization browser software, Tor, now makes it possible for anyone to dive dark if they’re interested.
- Its talent for keeping activity anonymous remains, but now protects malicious actors instead of innocent citizens of a given country.
- Use a secured VPN to mask your IP address.
- Download and install the Tor browser to access .onion sites.
- Stay vigilant and refrain from sharing personal information.
- Engage only with reputable sites and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Deep Dark Web
1. Is the deep dark web illegal?
No, while there are illegal activities present, the deep dark web also encompasses legal content and forums for privacy-conscious individuals.
2. How can I access the deep dark web?
The primary method of access is through the Tor browser, which routes your connection through multiple servers for anonymity.
3. What should I avoid on the deep dark web?
Avoid engaging in any transactions or activities that seem suspicious or require personal information.
4. Can I browse the deep dark web without getting caught?
While tools like VPNs and Tor provide some anonymity, no method is foolproof. Exercise caution and understand the risks involved.
The deep dark web serves as a complex and often misunderstood segment of the internet. By educating oneself about its features, benefits, and risks, users can navigate this hidden world more safely and responsibly.
