Content Types
Understanding the Deep Web vs Dark Web
According to worldwidewebsize.com, currently, in April 2020, search engines have indexed at least 5.53 billion pages. But did you know, these 5.53 billion pages make only 4% of the whole web? Yes, the number of pages may seem to be a lot but it is actually the “surface” of the ocean across the internet. In fact, it is likely some 500 times larger than the surface web and may contain as much as 96 percent of online content.
The internet is a vast and complex ecosystem, comprising various layers that serve different purposes. Among these layers, two commonly mentioned terms are deep web and dark web. While often used interchangeably, they represent very different parts of the online world.
In contrast, the dark web contains both legitimate and illegitimate content. The internet is like the ocean—bigger than you might think and largely unexplored. Most of what you can access using a web browser and search engine exists on the surface of the internet.
In fact, it’s estimated that the deep web may comprise as much as 95% of the total internet with only a very small percentage of that being attributed to the dark web. On November 26, 2021, Panasonic joined a long list of companies that suffered a data breach over the past year. See the posts we found in the dark web that could indicate that an attack was in the making. Generally, with some exceptions, we can classify types of illicit content according to where it can be found on the web. The dark web is mostly used by those who would like to remain anonymous using the dark web. Once in the water, you go deeper and deeper until you see the bottom tip of the iceberg at a certain point.
This means that the buyers can access anything they want that uses those credentials and use them to commit fraud. The Dark Web is a set of sites that are hosted on an encrypted network. Regular browsers can’t access the Dark Web — it requires a special browser that allows users to hide their IP addresses.
What is the Deep Web?
Install Avast SecureLine VPN for iOS to protect your privacy and keep your data from falling into the wrong hands. Install Avast SecureLine VPN for Android to protect your privacy and keep your data from falling into the wrong hands. The release of Freenet in 2000 is often cited as the beginning of the dark web. The thesis project of Ian Clarke, a student at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, the Freenet was intended as a way to anonymously communicate, exchange files, and interact online. That’s when Freenet, a peer-to-peer sharing network focused on anonymity, was launched.
Managed services install various types of hardware and software to prevent hackers from stealing company information through server break-ins or phishing attempts, among other tactics. For some particularly secretive sites on the dark web, website owners might restrict the IP addresses that are allowed to access the site. Though you could theoretically take the same action with a public Internet site, there isn’t as much of a reason to do so as with a dark website.
Get Avast BreachGuard for Mac to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Get Avast BreachGuard for PC to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. If you become a victim, report the identity theft as soon as possible. And remember that there are better (and safer) ways to prevent identity theft than being forced to buy back your data off the dark web.
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This encompasses a significant portion of the web that is not accessible through traditional browsing methods.
- Private databases: Websites and services that require a login or subscription.
- Intranets: Private networks used by organizations for internal communication.
- Academic resources: Journals and articles that are behind paywalls.
- Medical information: Patient records and other sensitive health data.
In fact, it is estimated that the deep web is significantly larger than the surface web, consisting of around 90-95% of the total internet content.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a subsection of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. Accessing the dark web typically requires special software, such as Tor (The Onion Router), which helps anonymize the user’s identity and location.
- Illegal activities: The dark web is notorious for facilitating illegal transactions, including drug sales, weapon trafficking, and hacking services.
- Whistleblowing platforms: Some sites provide safe spaces for whistleblowers to share sensitive information.
- Forums and communication: The dark web hosts discussion boards and chat rooms that prioritize anonymity.
- Privacy-focused content: Some cybersecurity activists and journalists use it to protect sensitive information.
Key Differences Between Deep Web and Dark Web
Understanding the differences between the deep web and the dark web can help clarify misconceptions about online spaces.
- Accessibility: The deep web consists of sites that require credentials or subscriptions, making it generally accessible to users with the right permissions. In contrast, the dark web requires specialized tools for access and is often associated with anonymity.
- Content: While the deep web primarily contains legitimate content, such as academic databases and private information, the dark web is often associated with illegal or illicit activities.
- Size: The deep web is significantly larger than the dark web, which is just a small fraction that exists within it.
- Purpose: The deep web serves to protect personal and sensitive information, promoting privacy for users. The dark web often prioritizes anonymity, sometimes at the cost of legality or ethical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the entire dark web illegal?
A: Not necessarily. While there are illegal activities found on the dark web, there are also platforms that serve legitimate purposes, such as whistleblowing and privacy advocacy.
- Everything from usernames to forum signatures and captions can be linked between the surface and dark web.
- One of the best ways you can keep yourself and your information protected is by using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
- Here at Blackdot, our goal is to enable the safe and secure gathering of open source data (OSD) from the surface, deep and dark web.
- Many people know that the dark web exists, but few know how to get there.
Q: Can I access the deep web safely?
A: Yes, you can access the deep web safely. Most of its content is legitimate, but always exercise caution when sharing personal information online.
Q: How do I access the dark web?
A: Accessing the dark web requires specific software like Tor. It’s crucial to educate yourself on the risks and legality of activities conducted in this space.
In summary, the deep web vs dark web debate highlights critical differences in accessibility, content, size, and purpose. While the deep web serves as a protective barrier for sensitive information, the dark web presents a more complex and often risky side of the internet landscape. Understanding these distinctions is essential for navigating the online world safely and effectively.
