In short, the deep web describes everything from your online banking portal to your electronic healthcare records to your workplace’s intranet. You don’t need a special browser or a VPN to access the deep web; just any old browser and an internet connection will do. Far from being illicit, the deep web is deeply boring; it’s a catch-all term for the millions of pages of password-protected internet that most of us access on a daily basis. Also called the hidden web or invisible web, the deep web is different from the surface web, where contents can be accessed through search engines. Information on sites like Investopedia is part of the surface web, as it can be reached through search engines. Most experts estimate that the deep web is much bigger than the surface web.
We enable your analysts to automatically scan the deep and dark web for threats, with real-time alerting and an AI driven prioritization engine to cut through the noise. Although some might be more important than others, these contents can be incredibly valuable, depending on its sensitivity and volume. According to an investigation by Privacy Affairs, the average price of a cloned American Express credit card with a PIN is just $35.
Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web
The terms deep web and dark web are often used interchangeably, but they represent different layers of the internet. Each serves distinct purposes and comes with its own set of complexities.
We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all users will have the same experiences. When you search for a site on the Surface Web, your network can be traced back to your IP address. In comparison, the Dark Web uses a system called “Onion Routing” to anonymize the IP address of users and websites. It may seem like the websites, blog posts, and online news stories you access every day are vast and unending, but the truth is that they make up a mere 10% of the full internet. Instead, the majority of websites and online tools exist in what are known as the Deep Web and the Dark Web. Although the deep web’s information isn’t indexed by regular search engines, it can often still be accessed.
It allows you to access and browse websites anonymously, using masked IP addresses. You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting. Often referred to as Invisible Internet, the Deep Web is a gigantic vault storing colossal amounts of data, evading traditional search engines. It includes databases, covert networks and other digital repositories not meant to be displayed in the public domain. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view. This means your ISP can’t see that you’re accessing the dark web (or indeed, the specific sites you’re accessing).
Tor does not allow the user to control which proxy they connect to, which could lead to threats like man-in-the-middle attacks and JavaScript infections, which violate user privacy. Once you access the site, you’ll soon notice that the questions touch on various topics. When people have the ultimate anonymity the internet can offer, they still ask where your nickname comes from, or would you have your head cryo-frozen after death. They are separated into several categories to make browsing easier. This means that it can check if any given Tor website is online and when it was active last, making Daniel’s website an excellent first step in exploring Tor.
What is the Deep Web?
The deep web encompasses all parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This includes:
Onion sites are only accessible via the Tor Browser or similar services. They are not accessible through your mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. You can buy almost anything on the dark web with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, from secondhand furniture to illegal drugs, porn, exotic animals, and all manner of criminal services-for-hire.
- Private databases
- Intranets
- Subscription-based content
- Medical records
- Financial transactions
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. The dark web contains content that’s only accessible through networks like Tor. Tor browsers create encrypted entry points and pathways for the user, so dark web activity remains anonymous.
Deep web grey literature provides a powerful means to discover links and discrepancies between unindexed records, leaked information and public filings. OSINT researchers can use the deep web to map networks using both publicly accessible social media information and social media data contained within the deep web, including images, video and metadata. Wherever you go online, but especially if you’re on dark web websites, using a VPN helps you secure your data and protect your personal information. Avast SecureLine VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic to block hackers and keeps snoops out. Install Avast SecureLine VPN today to browse safely and securely, wherever your online travels take you. A lot of illegal activity occurs on the dark web, and onion websites are popular hangouts for cybercriminals and scammers.
The Connection Between Dark Web And Cybercrime
According to various estimates, the deep web is significantly larger than the surface web, which is the part of the internet accessible through standard browsers.
Characteristics of the Deep Web
Several features define the deep web:
- Accessibility: Requires specific credentials or software
- Security: Often consists of secure sites with encryption to protect sensitive information
- Diversity of Content: Contains a vast array of subjects, including academic articles, medical databases, and legal records
Exploring the Dark Web
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that has gained notoriety for its association with illegal activities. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access. Key aspects of the dark web include:
- Anonymity: Facilitates hidden identities and locations
- Illicit Activities: Often serves as a marketplace for illegal goods like drugs and weapons
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Frequently relies on Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for payments
The Contrast Between Deep Web and Dark Web
- This could be because the pages are not indexed, meaning they can’t be found by searching for them on search engines, they are paywalled websites or private databases.
- The fact is, an everyday internet user like yourself likely won’t have any contact with this level of the internet.
- Just because a page cannot be accessed by search engines doesn’t mean it’s trying to promote illicit activity.
- Keep reading to see more about what separates the surface and deep Web.
- Perhaps you’ve heard the infamous stories about Silk Road, the online marketplace used to sell illegal drugs with bitcoin behind the veil of the Tor browser.
While both the deep web and dark web are inaccessible through standard search engines, they differ significantly:
| Feature | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Requires login or credentials | Requires specific software (e.g., Tor) |
| Purpose | Legitimate needs (services, databases) | Illegal activities and anonymity |
| Content Type | Academic, government, etc. | Illegal marketplaces, forums |
FAQs About the Deep Web and Dark Web
1. Is the deep web illegal?
No, the deep web itself is not illegal. It contains a lot of legitimate content that is not indexed by search engines.
2. Can I access the dark web safely?
Accessing the dark web can be risky. It is essential to take precautions, including using privacy-focused tools and being aware of potential legal issues.
3. What are some common uses of the dark web?
Some common uses of the dark web include:
- Whistleblower platforms
- Privacy-oriented forums
- Buying/selling illegal goods
4. How can I safely navigate the deep web?
To navigate the deep web safely:
- Use strong passwords
- Employ VPN services
- Stay within legitimate sites and databases
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between the deep web and dark web is vital for anyone interested in the complexities of our online world. Each serves its purpose, with the deep web primarily offering legitimate access to information and services, while the dark web remains shrouded in secrecy and caution.
