With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.” Tor is a web browser used to stay anonymous online or access dark web. Tor shares similarities with VPNs and proxy servers in that all these tools enable some level of anonymous browsing. Tor can be used together with a VPN to provide powerful, overlapping levels of privacy and anonymity. Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites.
In addition, the Tor browser, Tor applications and operating systems should be kept up to date, and companies might want to limit or monitor their use. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more. That’s why family identity theft protection and financial fraud protection are key security layers needed to keep your life safe and secure. If it’s legal for them to sell your data in plain sight, imagine what cybercriminals are doing on the Dark Web with stolen personal information and their complete disregard for laws or regulations.
Understanding the Deep Web
- You can find illegal goods and activities of all kinds through the dark Web.
- The U.S. government created the dark web in the mid-1990s to allow spies to exchange confidential data anonymously.
- The dark web is the hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser.
- When viewed through this lens, the dark web’s legality is based on how you as a user engage with it.
The term deep web refers to the vast portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. It encompasses a wide range of content that, while accessible, requires specific navigational tools or permissions to view.
If you’ve followed the news in the last two decades, you’ve probably heard stories and seen headlines about the deep web or dark web. However, you might have found yourself asking, What is the deep web? As news outlets rarely concern themselves with explaining exactly what it is besides being a place where you can anonymously acquire illegal goods. You’ll actually have to find the dark websites that you want to search on your own. For example, dissidents who fear political prosecution from their governments might use the dark web to communicate with each other.
Characteristics of the Deep Web
While the former is used chiefly for legitimate day-to-day online activities, the latter is more anonymous and known for illegal transactions. This article reveals the top five key differences between the dark web and the deep web. Crawling is the process by which search engines scour the internet for new content and websites. The deep web — also known as the deep net — is a collective term for non-indexed websites that are invisible to traditional search engines. Because of this, tracking down the web addresses of deep web sites is a much more manual process. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access.
We don’t want to leave you with the impression that everything on the dark web is nefarious or illegal. The Tor network began as an anonymous communications channel, and it still serves a valuable purpose in helping people communicate in environments that are hostile to free speech. “A lot of people use it in countries where there’s eavesdropping or where internet access is criminalized,” Tiquet said.
The deep web is often confused with the dark web, but it is essential to distinguish between the two. Here are some key characteristics:
Millions of regular internet users access private databases such as email inboxes and credit card accounts daily. These pages are not indexed by search engines and are protected behind security walls, authentication forms, and passwords on the deep web. Most internet users browse content online using the surface web, a segment of the internet where sites are indexed by popular search engines and can be easily viewed using traditional web browsers.
- Accessibility: Unlike the surface web, which is easily accessible to any internet user, the deep web includes databases, private networks, and other resources that require authorization.
- Content Variety: The deep web is home to academic databases, private corporate content, medical records, legal documents, and much more.
- Search Engine Limitations: Traditional search engines cannot index this content, which contributes to its size and complexity.
What Makes Up the Deep Web?
Statistics suggest that the deep web is vastly larger than the surface web; some estimates say it could be hundreds of times more extensive. Here are some primary components:
- Databases: Libraries, scientific journals, and various databases that require login credentials.
- Dynamic Web Pages: Content generated dynamically based on user input, such as search results and forms.
- Private Networks: Intranets used by businesses and organizations to securely share information.
Common Misconceptions About the Deep Web
There are several misconceptions surrounding the deep web. Understanding the truth can foster a more accurate perception:
- All of the deep web is illegal: While parts of the deep web host illegal activities, a significant portion consists of legitimate information.
- It’s only for tech-savvy individuals: With the right tools, anyone can access deep web content, though some may require specific access credentials.
- It is synonymous with the dark web: The dark web is a small segment of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and often linked to illegal activities.
Accessing the Deep Web
To explore the deep web, users often require specialized software such as:
- Tor Browser: This anonymizing browser allows users to access both the deep web and dark web while maintaining privacy.
- VPN Services: Utilizing a virtual private network can add an extra layer of security when accessing deep web content.
How To Access The Deep Web Safely?
FAQs About the Deep Web
1. Is everything on the deep web illegal?
No, the deep web contains a vast range of information, including legal and academic resources.
2. How do I access the deep web safely?
Using tools like the Tor Browser and a VPN can help users navigate the deep web securely.
3. Can I trust content on the deep web?
As with any online content, it’s essential to verify the source and credibility of information found on the deep web.
Conclusion
The deep web remains one of the internet’s most misunderstood and intriguing areas. While it hosts a wealth of valuable information, users must approach it with caution and awareness of the different facets it encompasses. Exploring the deep web can lead to discoveries that go far beyond what is visible on the surface web.
