What Is The Dark Web, And How Do You Access It?
First, you need a web browser that’s capable of utilizing the Tor protocol. Another problem with this system is that there’s increasing evidence that law enforcement agencies — such as the FBI — run and operate large number of exit nodes. This means that if you do anything illegal on the dark web and are unlucky enough to be routed through one of these nodes, the authorities will be well aware of what you’re doing. That means that if your incoming traffic is routed through a node operated by cybercriminals, they can inject malware into the code of the response, without you ever knowing that it’s happened. In theory this should make your deep web browsing (as well as your regular web browsing) entirely private from interlopers.
Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web
The deep web and dark web are often confused, but they represent distinct layers of the internet. Understanding their differences is crucial for anyone navigating online spaces.
As stated above, we don’t condone any activity—on the dark net or otherwise—that is forbidden by law. Wasabi Wallet is a Bitcoin wallet that not only hides all your data in the Tor network but also allows you to “join” your transactions with others to increase your anonymity. Later, the U.S. government developed The Onion Router (Tor) to let their intelligence officers communicate anonymously. This later became open source, leading to the Tor that we see today which lets civilians access the Dark Web, for good or bad.
What is the Deep Web?
Specialized search engines, directories, and wikis can help users locate the data they’re looking for. With only about 4 percent of all online content freely accessible (making up the surface web), the remainder is tucked away in the deep web. This means there is no easy, direct way for the general public to search this vast amount of unindexed content.
This makes navigation and finding information relevant to investigations very difficult. Other considerations include risk of exposure to malware, illegal or distressing content. It also includes paywalled services such as video on demand and some online magazines and newspapers. The best dark web sites provide access to educational materials, host secure services, or bypass government censorship. Dark websites are hidden under layers of encryption that cloak user activity, which can be a boon to whistleblowers, activists, and others who don’t want anyone tracking their activity.
The surface web is the portion of the web that typically search engines can access and index its contents. This layer is the largest one in size and contains within it another hidden sub-layer which is the dark web – or darknet. Surface and deep web can be accessed using a regular web browser like Firefox and Chrome. However, things are not the same with the darknet, which needs special software to access. Many mistakenly believe the Deep Web and Dark Web are synonymous but distinctly different. Like the surface Web and even the Gray Web, the Deep Web does not require a special browser like the Dark Web.
ZeroFox monitors paste sites, hacker forums, hidden communication channels, TOR services, and thousands of other deep and dark web sources to detect, disrupt, and dismantle cyberattack infrastructure. Any of these scenarios are a crystal clear warning sign of identity theft. That’s why family identity theft protection and financial fraud protection are key security layers needed to keep your life safe and secure.
The vast majority of the internet exists outside the realm of a Google search, and the first layer below the surface-level internet is what is called the deep web. Data is skyrocketing, is your company focused on data volume or data value? These are poor behaviors that could lead your organization to higher risk. At Cybriant, we know a thing or two about backup and disaster recovery. The bad news is twofold – revoking stolen certificates doesn’t stop malware immediately, and top antivirus products fail to detect malware signed with stolen certificates.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This includes:
- Database information: Academic databases, medical records, and corporate intranets.
- Subscription content: Paywalled articles, online journals, and content behind user authentication.
- Private corporate sites: Intranets and private networks used by businesses.
- Dynamic web pages: Pages generated based on user interaction or queries.
It is estimated that the deep web is vastly larger than the surface web that most people use daily.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Key characteristics of the dark web include:
- Anonymity: Users and website operators remain anonymous through encryption and routing techniques.
- Illegal activities: The dark web is known for hosting illegal activities, including drug trafficking, weapons sales, and illicit pornography.
- Marketplace platforms: Various marketplaces exist where illegal goods and services are exchanged, often using cryptocurrencies for anonymity.
- Streaming platforms are a great example of this, requiring you to enter your login credentials immediately before you can continue to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
- With Tor Browser, you are free to access sites your home network may have blocked.
- Government agencies and contractors can employ services like Peraton’s TORNADO to frequently check the dark web to understand if people are talking about them and what they are saying.
- Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals.
Differences between Deep Web and Dark Web
While both the deep web and dark web are inaccessible via standard search engines, they differ significantly in their content and purpose:
| Aspect | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Requires specific permissions or subscriptions | Requires specialized software (e.g., Tor) |
| Content | Legitimate databases, academic resources | Illicit content, illegal marketplaces |
| Anonymity | Typically monitored but not entirely anonymous | Emphasizes anonymity for users and sellers |
Safety and Ethical Considerations
Navigating the deep web is generally safe if one is accessing legitimate resources. However, entering the dark web poses several risks:
- Legal issues: Engaging in illegal transactions can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Cybersecurity threats: Users are often targeted by hackers, leading to data theft or malware infections.
- Misinformation: It can be difficult to distinguish between credible information and scams on the dark web.
FAQs about the Deep Web and Dark Web
Q: Is all content on the dark web illegal?
A: While many activities on the dark web are illegal, not all content is. Some forums promote free speech and privacy.
Q: How can I access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web typically requires a specific browser like Tor, which anonymizes user activity.
Q: Can I get in trouble for browsing the dark web?
A: Simply browsing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illicit activities can lead to serious consequences.
The distinction between the deep web and the dark web is essential for understanding the complexities of online navigation. Knowledge of these differences can help users remain safe and informed while exploring the vast internet landscape.
