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Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web

Deep web, a part of the Internet that extends beyond the reach of search engines such as Google, Yahoo! The term “deep web” was coined in 2001 by computer scientist Michael K. Bergman, who differentiated it from the “surface web,” where openly viewable and retrievable content resides. The deep web is also known as the “invisible web” or “hidden web,” but it should not be confused with the “dark web,” where encrypted content with hidden IP addresses resides. Called “dark” because it is accessible with anonymity and only through certain networks and software such as Tor, this part of the Internet represents a small fraction of the overall Web.

The EI-ISAC Cybersecurity Spotlight is a practical explanation of a common cybersecurity concept, event, or practice and its application to Elections Infrastructure security. It is intended to provide EI-ISAC members with a working understanding of common technical topics in the cybersecurity industry. If you would like to request a specific term or practice that may be of interest to the elections community, please contact [email protected]. A VPN will mask your location and stop the online breadcrumbs that can lead back to you. Connections made while a VPN is active will also be encrypted, helping you stay protected from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. You can usually select the location you want to appear to originate from and VPNs will use a collection of servers and relays to make tracing your IP difficult.

• Bitcoin may not be entirely stable, but it offers privacy, which is something your credit card company most certainly does not.
• If you lived in a country such as this, you might want to communicate with other citizens in a safe and anonymous way to avoid persecution from the government.
• Contrary to popular belief, not every single dark web site is infested with users who sell drugs and weapons.
• The dark web is the unregulated part of the deep web, which encompasses all parts of the web not indexed by search engines.
• The Deep Web just refers to web data that isn’t indexed by a search engine like Google.

Some stats from from Worldwidewebsize.com show at the start of November 2017, search engines have indexed at around 4.57 billion pages . First, a Tor host “advertises” a hidden service by creating and publishing a service descriptor to a distributed directory service. This descriptor contains the hidden service public key and a list of Tor nodes that will serve as introduction points, trusted intermediaries for the hidden service.

Some examples of things on the Deep Web include email, subscription content (like Netflix), online banking, databases, internal company networks, or even non-public social media pages. Generally any webpage or content that requires a login or custom tool to access will be considered part of the Deep Web. As a result, it is easy to infect your machine by clicking links or downloading information. “Many of the websites accessible via a Tor browser are laden with malware,” warns John M. Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want.

The internet is a vast expanse of information, but it is commonly divided into two main categories: the surface web and the deep web. Within the deep web lies a more secretive realm known as the dark web. This article delves into the definitions, differences, and risks associated with these two components of the internet.

Some portions of the deep web allow users to overcome legal restrictions to access content that is not lawfully available in their geographical location. It is even possible to illegally download movies, music, and other digital media without paying for it. Naturally, these lawless segments of the deep web are rife with malware and other cyber threats. These pages are mostly obscured from the surface web to secure user data and privacy rather than any nefarious purpose. The dark web was originally a domain exclusively used by cybercriminals and governments.

And if you are visiting deep web sites such as your online credit card portal, use a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN hides your IP address from snoops and also encrypts your information while online. This keeps government bodies, advertisers and hackers from reading the messages you send and websites you visit while online. Hackers and others, then, won’t be able to decipher your password when you log into your online bank account. It is a more guarded subspace of the deep web, hosting encrypted websites for its users. However, these sites are only accessible through certain web browsers.

What is the Deep Web?

The deep web encompasses all parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. It is estimated that the deep web is significantly larger than the surface web, containing vast amounts of information. Examples of content that reside in the deep web include:

Fear not; the Tor Browser will show an onion instead of the familiar lock icon when your connection is secure. One of the most infamous aspects of the dark web is its illicit marketplaces. These platforms facilitate the sale of various illegal goods and services, including drugs, counterfeit documents, stolen data, and hacking tools. Payment is often conducted using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to further obscure transactions and make them difficult to trace. Aura’s award-winning digital security solution includes 24/7 Dark Web monitoring, robust identity theft protection, and advanced digital security tools to protect your data and devices. On the visible web, websites appear in search engines like Google or Bing because they’ve been indexed.

• Databases
• Private corporate websites
• Medical records
• Legal documents
• Academic resources

Access to deep web sites typically requires specific credentials or permissions, thus enhancing their security and privacy.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a smaller section of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access its content. The dark web hosts a variety of activities, ranging from the innocuous to the illegal. Key characteristics include:

• Anonymity: Users on the dark web can remain anonymous.
• Cryptocurrency: Many transactions on the dark web occur using cryptocurrencies to maintain privacy.
• Varied Content: Includes forums, marketplaces, and illicit services.

Differences Between Deep Web and Dark Web

While the deep web and dark web are often conflated, there are significant differences between them:

Risks of Exploring the Dark Web

The dark web is fraught with risks, especially for those who are unfamiliar with its nuances. Some of the potential dangers include:

• Exposure to illegal activities and content.
• Potential for scams and fraud.
• Malware and hacking attempts.
• Legal repercussions for engaging with certain sites.

FAQs

Can I access the Deep Web safely?

Yes, accessing the deep web is generally safe, as long as the resources you are seeking are legitimate and do not involve illegal activities.

Is everything on the Dark Web illegal?

No, while the dark web is known for hosting illegal activities, not all content is illicit. There are legitimate forums and communities as well.

How can I protect myself while exploring the Dark Web?

To ensure safety, use a reliable VPN, access through the Tor browser, and avoid sharing personal information.

Conclusion

The deep web and dark web represent two distinct layers of the internet, each with unique properties and potential risks. Understanding these differences helps users navigate the internet more safely and makes informed decisions about what information they seek and how they engage with various online resources.