When discussing the internet, terms like dark web and deep web are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct parts of the online world. Let’s delve into the differences between the dark web and deep web to better understand what each entails.
Deep Web
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They also include internal company data and sites that are accessible via the Internet but protected by authentication. While the dark web may not be the monster that it’s made out to be, its very existence poses a risk to the rest of the World Wide Web. Organizations constantly face the risk of data breaches, but the existence of the dark web highlights it. On the other hand, there is a huge amount of content that is of questionable origin.
The deep web refers to all websites and content on the internet that cannot be indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This includes things like online banking portals, private databases, and password-protected websites. In essence, the deep web is anything that isn’t easily accessible or visible to the average internet user.
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However, the world of the internet is just like a big sea and you can only enjoy the beauty just seeing the upper layer. Surface Web is also known as Lightnet, Indexable Web and Indexed Web. Even though the term may sound full of negative and dangerous things, actually the deep web is a collection of websites that contain confidential information such as someone’s specific data. So, the contents of the deep web are data that cannot be accessed by the public because they can be misused. Even though the deep web is a part of the internet that is still relatively safe, users must still be careful if they want to visit it.
- Content: Private documents, subscription-based content, academic resources
- Access: Requires specific login credentials or authorization
- Size: Estimated to be significantly larger than the surface web
- You need to understand the distinction between deep web and darknet, and the fact that the internet and WWW (World Wide Web) aren’t the same things.
- Deep web databases containing hotel bookings, online purchases and medical records could be compromised for criminal use.
- The Deep web in essence – is exactly opposite to the Surface web in that it contains data that cannot be discovered by a search engine.
- This includes not only websites and blogs but also online product listings and even public posts on social media.
- Organizations use intranets for internal communication and documentation and for hosting internal online tools.
- Surprisingly to some, this information will usually appear on the open web in paste sites and forums, and on the deep web on social media.
Dark Web
How to safely access the dark web
In contrast, the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is only accessible through special tools like Tor (The Onion Router). The dark web is known for being a hub of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, cybercrime, and the sale of stolen data.
- Content: Black market websites, illicit services, forums for criminal activity
- Access: Requires specific software and configurations to access anonymously
- Privacy: Users can operate with a higher level of anonymity compared to the surface web
Good things happen too in the dark web but they rarely make headlines. When you access any website on the internet, you can be tracked through IP addresses. With the masking software, any personal computer can remain anonymous while masking the location, IP address, identity, and more. Since the Deep Web contains a vast amount of unused and outdated information, some people believe that it’s an area that can be easily used by criminals to perform illegal activities. Remember that you always need a VPN when using public Wi-Fi or logging onto unfamiliar websites. With a Virtual Private Network, you can browse anonymously and protect your sensitive data from criminals, hackers, and snoopers.
To use the dark web safely, stick to recommended security practices, like clicking only on trusted links and using antivirus software. If you use Tor to access the dark web or unblock websites, connect with a VPN for extra security. Because of the dark web’s association with illicit activity, your use of Tor may be tracked by your ISP, drawing unwanted scrutiny to your browsing behavior. By monitoring known dark web marketplaces, Avast BreachGuard will alert you immediately if and when your data is made available for sale. That way, you can change your passwords and protect your accounts before anyone can use your data against you. In 2002, the dark web grew significantly when researchers supported by the US Naval Research Laboratory built and released the Tor network.
FAQs
Generally any webpage or content that requires a login or custom tool to access will be considered part of the Deep Web. It can even be infuriating to see that information brokers’ activities aren’t even illegal because they claim to be using information that already exists in the public domain. Given its anonymous nature, the dark web clearly has an obvious appeal for cybercriminals.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities while on the dark web is against the law.
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Can I accidentally stumble upon the dark web?
It is highly unlikely to stumble upon the dark web unintentionally as it requires specific tools and configurations to access.
By understanding the distinctions between the dark web and deep web, internet users can navigate the online world more safely and responsibly. Remember to exercise caution and use discretion when exploring the depths of the internet beyond the surface web.
