What is the Deep Web?
The Deep Web is a section of the Internet that is inaccessible via search engines but can be accessed via normal browsers. It is composed of “non-indexed” content that is unreachable by the web crawlers used by Google, Bing, and other search engines to find and link pages.
Pages on the Deep Web are commonly protected by a login page, password, paywall, or other means of limiting access, and are designed to be private. Deep Web pages include personal pages like webmail inboxes and account pages on various sites. They also include internal company data and sites that are accessible via the Internet but protected by authentication.
The Deep Web dwarfs the Surface Web. In fact, 90-95% of the total Internet lies within the Deep Web, compared to 5-10% in the Surface Web.
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a section of the Deep Web that is inaccessible via traditional web browsers. To access Dark Web sites, it is necessary to use a Tor-enabled browser. Additionally, many Dark Web sites are discoverable only via special search engines, following links from one site to another, or word of mouth.
The Dark Web is primarily used to conceal illegal activities. Dark Web marketplaces offer the sale of stolen data and credentials, firearms, drugs, and illegal services. The Dark Web is also where cybercriminal gangs commonly congregate and plan their attacks. This also makes it a valuable source of information regarding emerging cybersecurity risks and data breaches.
However, the Dark Web isn’t all bad, and, in fact, the technology that makes it possible, Tor, was originally created by the U.S. government for legitimate purposes. The Dark Web is also used to protect the anonymity of journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and other parties whose lives would be at risk or would face censorship if they used traditional, non-anonymous sites to spread their work.
Differences Between the Deep Web and the Dark Web
The Dark Web, which is technically a part of the Deep Web, have some fairly significant differences. Some of the most significant include the following:
- Scope: The Deep Web is much larger than the Dark Web, or the Surface Web for that matter. Consider the fact that every private account page on every website is a part of the Deep Web.
- Purpose: The Deep Web is primarily designed to keep things private, but Deep Web sites typically aren’t anonymous. The Dark Web is designed to be anonymous, which makes it a better fit for illegal activities than the Deep Web.
- Access: Despite not being indexed by search engines, the Deep Web is accessible via traditional web browsers — i.e. you can access a Gmail page using Firefox, Chrome, etc. The Dark Web, on the other hand, is only accessible via special browsers that use Tor to protect anonymity.
Risks of Accessing the Deep Web and Dark Web
The Deep Web and Dark Web both carry their risks. On the Deep Web, these risks primarily relate to the fact that you need to authenticate to access a private site and that these sites contain a great deal of sensitive and valuable personal data. If your password or other credentials are the key to unlocking this data, then cybercriminals will attempt to steal these credentials via phishing, social engineering, malware, and other means.
The Dark Web’s risk, on the other hand, largely derives from the content that it hosts. The Dark Web is commonly used for criminal activities, and it carries the risk of malware infections, scams, or illegal or disturbing content.
Staying Safe on the Deep and Dark Web
The Deep and Dark Web both carry risks, but they can be used safely. Some methods of enhancing your privacy and security online include:
- Password Security: Using strong, unique, and random passwords for all websites reduces the risk that a compromised credential will provide access to multiple online accounts.
- Endpoint Security: Using a reputable endpoint security solution helps to protect against potential malware infections on a device.
- Install Updates: Install OS and browser updates promptly to avoid potential exploitation by malicious websites.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help to obscure your IP address, protecting the anonymity of Dark Web browsing.
- Use a Reputable Dark Web Browser: Multiple special browsers can access the Dark Web, so download one from a reputable site to avoid potential malware.
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