How To Get The Tor Browser
Understanding the Deep Web and Dark Web
No one can stop zero-day malware from entering your network, but Xcitium can prevent if from causing any damage. The deep web is approximately 400 to 500 times greater than the surface web. The dark web is only a small fraction of the deep web—constituting only 0.01% of it, and 5% of the total internet. Even completing a transaction is no guarantee that the goods will arrive.
Not only is the Deep Web useful for honest activity, but it also could be500 times bigger than the surface web. So, even if there were a legitimate reason to, shutting down the Deep Web would be impossible. Remember, the Dark Web can also be a space for people to share information and ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation. In countries with authoritarian governments, the Dark Web is an important space for freedom of expression in some parts of the world.
The terms Deep Web and Dark Web often spark curiosity and intrigue among internet users. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinctly different areas of the online landscape.
When discussing them, it is important to remember their distinctions, as there are many. However, many schools also have an intranet — sometimes linked from the main university page — that’s accessible only for students or staff. This is where students might sign up for classes and access their school email, for example. Since this is sensitive information and requires a unique login, it doesn’t need to be made publicly available via search engines.
What is the Deep Web?
However, it is generally used for activities that people want to actively keep secret. This part of the web contains everything from password-protected sites and data not accessible via public web pages to private intranets, academic content, and more. It makes up about 99% of the entire web and is largely inaccessible to normal users.
The Deep Web comprises a vast portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This non-indexed content includes a variety of resources, such as:
And though some dark web marketplaces offer user reviews, not all do. Lack of regulation by authorities or other users makes it easy for cybercriminals to carry out scams. Some of those harmful things include credit card numbers, guns, and stolen subscriptions.
As a hub for criminal activity, the Dark Web offers more than just “products” to anyone willing to buy and consume. It also offers services that enable cybercriminals to launch attacks with little technical knowledge or experience. Essentially, the Dark Web uses a cluster of nodes and networks called “darknets.” These include — but aren’t limited to — peer-to-peer networks — small and big — including Tor and Freenet. While most people access the internet through common web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Edge, there are deeper levels of the internet that aren’t accessible by the average user. 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.
- Private databases
- Academic journals
- Medical records
- Subscription-based content
- Corporate intranets
Not all unlawful activity on the Dark Web is necessarily malicious, though. Activists, dissidents, and even journalists in draconian states use the Dark Web to hide their locations while exchanging sensitive data. For example, citizens of countries like North Korea use the Dark Web to share information. Activists during the Arab Spring in some Middle Eastern countries leveraged the Dark Web to cover their tracks to organize events.
It is estimated that the Deep Web is significantly larger than the surface web, which is the portion of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed. The Deep Web serves many legitimate purposes, including:
- Protecting user privacy
- Storing sensitive information
- Facilitating secure communications
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a small segment of the Deep Web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. To access the Dark Web, users typically employ specific software, such as Tor, which anonymizes their online activity.
While the Dark Web can be used for anonymity and privacy, it is often associated with illegal activities, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Weapons sales
- Human trafficking
- Hacking services
- Stolen data exchanges
However, like the Deep Web, the Dark Web also hosts legitimate discussions and forums focused on topics like human rights and political activism, especially in countries with oppressive regimes.
Key Differences between the Deep Web and Dark Web
To clarify the distinctions, consider the following points:
- To make its journalism more accessible to readers around the world, the New York Times launched its onion service in 2017.
- To discover content on the web, search engines use web crawlers that follow hyperlinks through known protocol virtual port numbers.
- You can access the dark web by installing specific, anonymous browsers, such as TOR.
- His tenure at Cloudwards as a writer and editor has been marked by contributions to complex topics like data security, cloud backup and file sharing in cloud storage systems.
- The best VPN options are paid-for and subscription-based, as many free options will either throttle your speed or collect your data.
- Access: The Deep Web is accessible through standard browsers and typical login credentials. In contrast, the Dark Web requires special software for access.
- Content: The Deep Web contains legitimate and legal content, while the Dark Web is often associated with illegal activities.
- Size: While the Deep Web is enormous, the Dark Web is merely a small part of it.
FAQs
Is everything on the Dark Web illegal?
No, while there are many illegal activities that take place, the Dark Web also features legal content such as forums for privacy advocates and encrypted communication channels for whistleblowers.
How do I access the Dark Web safely?
Accessing the Dark Web requires caution. Use a reliable VPN, install Tor Browser, and be aware of the potential risks associated with dark web browsing.
Can I browse the Deep Web without any special tools?
Yes, the Deep Web can be accessed using regular web browsers. Most of its content simply requires appropriate permissions or subscriptions.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between the Deep Web and the Dark Web is essential for navigating the complexities of the internet. While both are fascinating in their own right, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and awareness of the activities they host.
