The dark web may also be put to good use by whistleblowers, who can leak classified information on the dark web using websites such as Wikileaks. Special tools–the Tor Browser or the Invisible Internet Project (I2P) network–are needed to overcome these obstructions. The tools to carry out the cyberattack may have been bought off a dark web marketplace, but the attacker would propagate the attack using mediums available on the standard web (such as email or chat). Some experts peg the size of the dark web at approximately 5% of all the content on the internet. The architecture of the dark web features some key elements that make it an anonymous sanctuary for censured activities. Downloading files from this environment can potentially expose your devices to a variety of threats and malicious content.
The internet is vast, with numerous layers that most users are unaware of. Two such layers that often create confusion are the Dark Web and Deep Web. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different parts of the hidden online world. In this article, we will delve into the differences between the Dark Web and Deep Web, shedding light on what makes them distinct.
Understanding the Deep Web
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The Deep Web refers to all web pages that are not indexed by search engines and therefore cannot be accessed through traditional means. It includes content that is private, password-protected, or hidden behind paywalls, as well as databases and other dynamically generated pages. These parts of the internet are generally innocent and do not involve any illegal activities.
For example, while a Social Security number might go for $2, email credentials could sell for as much as $120,000. Hackers can make a lot of money and do so with less worry that they might get caught. Thanks to the Tor browser’s layers of encryption and IP scrambling, it’s difficult to track people down on this part of the web.
What Types of Services Can Cybercriminals Access on the Dark Web?
Key Features of the Deep Web:
- Unindexed web pages
- Protected content
- Legal and legitimate
- Requires specific access permissions
The Enigmatic Dark Web
The Dark Web, on the other hand, is a small portion of the Deep Web that is intentionally hidden. It requires special software, like Tor (The Onion Router), to access. The Dark Web is notorious for being a hub of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, hacking services, illegal weapons trade, and more. It provides a platform for anonymity, making it challenging for authorities to track down these criminal activities.
Key Features of the Dark Web:
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
However, risks exist because threat actors focus efforts on accessing portions of the deep web for potential financial rewards. Some hackers offer ransomware as a service (RaaS), where cybercriminals can “rent” a strain of ransomware from its creator in exchange for a fee or a percentage of their ransom payments. Others sell software exploits that other cybercriminals can use to infect victims with malware and steal personal data. Regular dark web visitors know that it’s possible to exploit the sketchy reputation of the space and the services offered. And though some dark web marketplaces offer user reviews, not all do.
- Hidden and encrypted websites
- Facilitates illegal activities
- Anonymous browsing
- Accessed using specialized software
The terms shadow, dark and deep web are used to reference areas below the surface that are not readily accessible to most web surfers. They can only be accessed through the usage of particular technologies. The dark and deep web layers are also not as easily monitored by regulatory bodies. When on deep web sites, don’t give out personal information often either.
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In most cases, this risk is fully conscious since if an adult accesses gaming servers that are known to be banned in a particular country, they will bear full responsibility as per the law. The sites and social networks that average users are familiar with are called the Surface web, Visible Web, Indexed Web, Indexable Web, or Lightnet. They often make it possible to establish the identity of a user and their IP-address. One of the reasons personal and company data is such an attractive target for threat actors is because it is often sold on to others on the dark web.
FAQs about the Dark Web and Deep Web:
1. Is it illegal to access the Deep Web or Dark Web?
How do I protect my kids from the dark web?
No, accessing the Deep Web is not illegal as it mainly consists of private and hidden content. However, engaging in illegal activities on the Dark Web is considered a crime.
2. Can I browse the Dark Web or Deep Web without specialized software?
No, you cannot access the Dark Web without using special software like Tor. The Deep Web, however, can be accessed indirectly through links provided by trusted sources.
- This includes things like your email inbox, online banking portals, and paywalled academic journals.
- However, the dark web has far more uses for organizations and individuals than what a small subset of criminals do under its umbrella.
- The Silk Road was perhaps one of the most well-known examples of an illegal marketplace in the darknet.
- For example, law enforcement agencies and journalists use the darknet to keep in touch with whistleblowers, while others use it to protect their identities from government and private surveillance.
3. Is the Dark Web entirely composed of criminal activities?
While the Dark Web is known for hosting illegal activities, it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking anonymity in regions with restricted internet freedom.
4. How can I ensure my safety while browsing the Dark Web or Deep Web?
Browsing the Dark Web and Deep Web comes with inherent risks. To stay safe, it is recommended to use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), keep your software up-to-date, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, and refrain from engaging in any illegal activities.
By understanding the distinctions between the Dark Web and Deep Web, internet users can navigate the hidden layers of the online world with caution. While the Deep Web holds benign content beyond search engines’ reach, the Dark Web remains a murky and dangerous realm that demands careful exploration.
