Dark Web

Understanding the internet: surface web vs. deep web

Not everything on the internet is as easily accessible as the websites on the surface web that you can find through search engines. The hidden deep web and the dark web within the deep web are lesser-known parts of the internet, although they are actually much larger than the surface web. Understanding how they work can help us stay informed and safe online.

What is the deep web?

The deep web, unlike the surface web, can’t be found through regular Google and Bing searches. But it is not really a secret or mysterious place. In fact, most of it is made up of everyday things we use on a regular basis. For example, our personal email accounts are in the deep web because we don’t want search engines to find the emails in our inboxes. The same goes for online banking: our financial information needs to be safe from prying eyes. And the newspaper content that is behind a paywall is really in the deep web, accessible only to those who pay for the subscription. So, deep web is very convenient. It keeps personal and sensitive information safe.

Exploring the dark web

Part of the deep web is the dark web. The dark web has a bad reputation for a good reason: it is often associated with illegal activities and secrets. But this is not always the case. The dark web can be used for perfectly legitimate reasons, such as communication for whistleblowers and journalists who don’t want to leave a trail. The darker side of the deep web is rife with crime. There are black markets where drugs and weapons can be bought and sold. Stolen information, such as credit card numbers, can be traded for money. You can even hire illegal services, such as hacking into services without consent. That said, it is legal and safe to use the dark web, as long as you steer away from harmful content and criminal activities.

Accessing the dark web with Tor

The dark web is only accessible through special browsers, such as Tor (short for The Onion Router), which hide who you are and what you are doing. Tor is like a digital onion. Just as an onion has multiple layers, Tor uses layers of encryption to protect data. Tor is often used for illegal, criminal, and malicious activities because it provides anonymity, hides IP addresses, and masks browsing history. However, Tor is not inherently bad, and it has many legitimate uses, providing privacy, anonymity, and access to restricted content in countries that censor websites. There are many users who are concerned about their privacy and use Tor to protect their personal information. Journalists rely on Tor to communicate securely with their sources and to protect their research.

Cyber hygiene across the web

Cybercriminals don’t just lurk in the shadows of the deep and dark web; they also slink in the bright light of the surface web. That’s why, no matter what part of the web you are exploring, you should always practice good cyber hygiene. Read the top tips here and stay safe!