Content
Remember to read the description carefully before you open any links since The Hidden Wiki also contains links to websites that include illicit content. This has made it the subject of cyberattacks by both the FBI and the hacker group Anonymous in the past. Visiting the dark web without any protection can expose your IP address and location, putting you at risk of identity theft and malware infection.
Deep Net Websites
The internet is a vast and mysterious place, with many hidden corners that most people never venture into. Two of these corners are the deep web and the dark web, two terms that are often used interchangeably but actually refer to two very different things.
What is the Deep Web?
What percent of the internet is on the deep web?
Estimates place the size of the deep web at between 96% and 99% of the internet. Only a tiny portion of the internet is accessible through a standard web browser—generally known as the “clear web”.
The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google. This means that you can’t find it by simply typing a keyword into a search bar. The deep web is estimated to be 400 to 500 times larger than the surface web, and it includes a wide range of content, from academic databases to corporate intranets.
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Apart from these, flash sites, ajax sites, password-entered sites, ftp sites are also included in the Deep Web because they are difficult to read by search engines. System and admin folders in forums and websites are also not automatically displayed in search results to avoid security vulnerabilities. It is possible to reach the Deep Web by using different search engines, and for user safety, these links cannot be opened in normal browsers.
Most of the deep web is completely legal and contains valuable information that is not available to the general public. However, because it is not indexed by search engines, it can be difficult to find and access. This has led to the rise of “deep web directories,” which are essentially search engines for the deep web.
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What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and hacking. The dark web is hosted on networks like Tor and I2P, which allow users to remain anonymous.
While the dark web does contain illegal content, it is also home to a number of legitimate organizations and individuals who use it for privacy and security reasons. For example, journalists and activists may use the dark web to communicate with sources or share sensitive information without fear of retribution.
The (mostly false) story of Ross Ulbrict was recently the feature of a Hollywood movie titled “Deep Web” that explained how he founded the Silk Road website where drugs and other illegal content was sold. What most people don’t realise is that there is a whole other world of genuine content on the dark web. Although most of this falls into the category of blogs and conspiracy theory sites, the tor network is a tool like any other and can be used for good by the right people. But even though it’s nearly impossible for law enforcement to catch these criminals, the dark web’s anonymity is actually beneficial for its ethical users.
How to Access the Deep Web and Dark Web
- With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.”
- The healthcare industry is a vulnerable target of cybercriminals, but not for the reasons most business sectors are.
- Contrary to popular belief, not every single dark web site is infested with users who sell drugs and weapons.
Accessing the deep web is relatively simple. All you need is a web browser and the URL of the deep web site you want to visit. However, keep in mind that many deep web sites require a login or subscription to access.
Not only can the information available be a company’s breached credentials from a malicious actor, but it can also be shared information from an employee’s accidental leak. There’s countless sources that cybersecurity teams need to monitor and scan in order to get the full view of your digital footprint. Without an efficient solution, information leaks can be easily missed, particularly, due to the wide variety of information leaks that your team may not be tracking.
Should you scan the dark web?
As such, regular dark web scans can be useful in protecting personal data and avoiding becoming a victim of crimes, like identity theft and financial fraud. While they may not be completely infallible, dark web scanning tools are one way for users to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
Accessing the dark web is a bit more complicated. You will need to download and install the Tor browser, which allows you to access the dark web anonymously. Once you have Tor installed, you can access dark web sites by typing their .onion URLs into the Tor browser.
Conclusion
The deep web and dark web are two distinct parts of the internet that are often misunderstood. While the deep web contains valuable information that is not available to the general public, the dark web is often associated with illegal activities. By understanding the differences between these two parts of the internet, you can make informed decisions about how and when to access them.
Related Keywords: internet, deep web, dark web, search engines, anonymity, illegal activities, Tor browser, .onion URLs
Is The dark web the same as Incognito?
Dark Web can be simply explained as a specialised form of browsing in incognito mode. While incognito mode disables browsing history and web cache, the Dark Web is shielded by specialised software such as Tor.
