#1 Install A VPN
You could consider the clear or surface web the “top” and visible layer of the internet, easily accessible using a browser such as Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
Understanding the Deep Dark Web
Here are some research tips to help you navigate the Deep Web and find the information you need. With every click, you’re not just seeking information but also ensuring you aren’t leaving sensitive data exposed. This uncharted digital territory can be a double-edged sword, however. The expansive digital ocean we know as the internet is divided, conceptually, into different depths. Despite its relatively high profile, the dark web makes up a vanishingly small portion of the World Wide Web, perhaps less than 0.01 percent. Each warning for data leaks also includes the type of information exposed and the essential steps to limit your exposure.
Sociologist Isak Ladegaard, who built an algorithm to monitor sales data on Silk Road-type marketplaces, declared that all the media coverage boosted people’s awareness of the existence of the dark web. If you think that search engines like Google (there are more!) know about everything on the internet, you’d be wrong. Some stats from from Worldwidewebsize.com show at the start of November 2017, search engines have indexed at around 4.57 billion pages . The Dark Web hosts illicit marketplaces where digital threat actors can purchase malware-as-a-service, download exploit kits, or gain access to botnets for use in cybercrime. The Deep Web and Dark Web are both made up of pages that can’t be accessed through traditional search engines.
The deep dark web refers to a part of the Internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. This portion of the web is often accessible only through specific software, configurations, or authorization, making it home to numerous hidden activities, both legitimate and illicit.
What Lies Beneath the Surface?
Go behind enemy lines to identify threat actors and their intentions at the earliest stages so you can properly prepare your defenses. According to a description from Tulane University, the Dark Web was leveraged by the United States Department of Defense as a means of communicating anonymously. Its talent for keeping activity anonymous remains, but now protects malicious actors instead of innocent citizens of a given country.
The deep dark web consists of various layers, and it’s important to distinguish between them:
You can find legitimate products such as basketball shoes, apparel, research papers, and other items on the dark web. Of course, you can also find plenty of illegal items such as hacked Netflix accounts, stolen Social Security numbers, credit card account numbers, firearms, and drugs, too. When you envision the dark web, it may conjure up images of hackers trading stolen Social Security numbers or drug dealers advertising their products online—and that’s not completely wrong.
- Deep Web: This includes all web pages not indexed by search engines such as Google or Bing. Examples include private databases, academic journals, and password-protected websites.
- Dark Web: A subsection of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It often requires specific software like Tor or I2P to access.
Some of the more famous Tor websites are about exploring tunnels in American universities. As a bonus, ProPublica is one of the most polished web experiences you’ll have on the dark web. You can also use Tor to read The New York Times and other news sites or use their SecureDrop integration for whistleblowing purposes. DOWN THE DEEP, DARK WEB reverses everything you thought you knew about the internet and the dangers of the digital world. Assigned with writing an article about the Darknet, he dives headfirst down the rabbit hole.
The sorts of illegal activities and documents named in these awards are bought, sold, and hosted via the dark web. I don’t have a single critical account that I don’t have to first enter my password and then get a second passphrase texted to my phone or looked up via a mobile authenticator app. That means that, while a hacker may procure your username and password, they would have to have access to your mobile device to retrieve the passphrase via text message or an authenticator program. While companies did a good job of securing their internal networks, working from home has opened up businesses to additional threats of intrusion and hacking. The same anonymity that protects criminals also helps protect the privacy of those who may otherwise be persecuted for their opinions, beliefs, or even identities.
Accessing the Deep Dark Web
To access the deep dark web, users typically utilize tailored software such as:
- Tor: Known for its anonymity features, Tor allows users to access hidden websites that typically end with the .onion domain.
- I2P: This framework enables anonymous hosting and browsing, often used for sharing files and engaging in private communications.
What Can Be Found on the Deep Dark Web?
The content available on the deep dark web ranges widely and can include:
- Marketplace for Goods: For example, illegal drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Forums and Communities: Where individuals discuss a variety of topics, including hacking and privacy issues.
- Whistleblower Platforms: Such as SecureDrop, where individuals can share information without revealing their identity.
- Cryptocurrency Trading: Often the preferred method of transaction due to its anonymity.
Risks and Precautions
Navigating the deep dark web comes with significant risks:
- Legal Issues: Many activities on the dark web are illegal, and engaging with them can lead to severe consequences.
- Scams and Fraud: There are numerous fraudulent sites in this space aiming to steal personal information or money.
- Malware Exposure: Visiting insecure sites can lead to malware infections on devices.
To protect oneself, it is essential to take certain precautions, such as:
- Using a reliable VPN for additional security.
- Avoiding personal information on forums and sites.
- Ensuring that the Tor browser is kept up to date.
- Being cautious about transactions and only using cryptocurrencies.
FAQs About the Deep Dark Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web encompasses all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web specifically refers to the small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special access tools.
Is it safe to browse the deep dark web?
Browsing the deep dark web carries risks, including exposure to illegal content and potential security threats. Users should take proactive measures to protect their identities and devices.
Can I access the deep dark web without special tools?
- The statistics of Tor users can also give you a good indication of how much activity there is on the dark web, how many hidden services exist, and where most users on the dark web are from.
- The big downside is that your ISP will know you are using Tor, which is cause for concern in some places and will put many people off using this method.
- Even if you never make a purchase, you could be watched and incriminate yourself for other activities later in life.
No, accessing the real deep dark web typically requires specific software like Tor or I2P, which facilitate anonymous browsing and access to hidden sites.
In conclusion, the deep dark web presents both opportunities and dangers for those curious enough to explore its depths. Awareness of the risks and proper precautions are critical for a safer experience.
