Security
The deep web refers to non-indexed webpages as a whole, while dark web refers more specifically to the parts of the deep web where you can engage in illicit activities. That’s not to say that the entire deep web consists of these difficult-to-find websites. The deep web fulfills a range of needs, from allowing people to host and access digital content away from the prying eyes of authoritarian governments, to facilitating a range of illegal activities. While the Dark web is a small subset of the deep web that is purposely hidden, constituting a minuscule part of the whole Internet.
Accessing the dark web can only be done using specific browsers, such as TOR Browser. There is a great deal of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the dark web compared to traditional websites. You’ll also encounter marketplaces where users sell or purchase everything from illicit drugs to services requiring upfront payment.
Are you a journalist contributing to ProPublica or other investigative outlets? Then you probably face even more risks than those merely reading your content. We strongly suggest using a VPN while you’re researching and publishing articles to gain extra protection from prying eyes. Some users use this website as a way around the government censorship that exists in some countries.
Any of these scenarios are a crystal clear warning sign of identity theft. 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. In addition to the possibility of making big money on these Dark Web marketplaces, people seek the Dark Web for other reasons as well. This part of the internet also hosts vast amounts of child pornography, with some websites reaching tens or hundreds of thousands of users.
A doctor’s office with an online patient portal is using the Deep Web. This part of the internet is for anyone who wants the convenience of accessing their information online, while also enjoying the security of knowing only they can see it. Verifying whether dark web sites are safe is challenging, so browsing on the dark web always comes with a higher risk of your device being infected by malware.
Exploring the Dark Deep Web
You may have heard these concepts being thrown around, but you don’t really know what they are, except that they sound ominous. You may suspect that it’s a place (or places) where malicious hackers roam. You may have also heard of the so-called ‘intellectual dark web’, but that just makes matters even more confusing. The risks of accessing the deep web vs. the dark web may be similar but not exactly the same. Those using the dark web disconnect from the public servers used for everyday online browsing and connect to a dark web browser that provides increased privacy and security. There are a number of dangers present on the dark web from child pornography and drug trafficking to illegal arms dealings and cryptocurrency scams.
The dark deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. This hidden segment of the web is often misunderstood, leading to various myths and misconceptions.
For Android we recommend Tor Browser, as it is built by The Tor Project. Despite there being no official iOS app built by Tor Project, they have endorsed Onion Browser—an open source Tor browser. Install AVG Secure VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go on the web.
What is the Dark Deep Web?
The dark deep web consists of websites that are intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using specialized software. Unlike the surface web, which includes all publicly available sites, the dark deep web is shrouded in secrecy.
- Tor Network: The most common access point for the dark deep web, the Tor network provides anonymity by routing traffic through multiple servers.
- These sites often use: .onion domain extensions, further securing their anonymity.
- Content variety: It contains both legal and illegal content, ranging from privacy-oriented forums to illicit marketplaces.
Risks Associated with the Dark Deep Web
Navigating the dark deep web poses various risks that users should be aware of:
- Legal Risks: Accessing illegal content or engaging in illegal activities can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Privacy Risks: Although designed for privacy, users may still face threats such as tracking or hacking.
- Scams: The dark deep web is rife with scams, including fraudulent investment schemes and fake services.
Why Do People Use the Dark Deep Web?
Several reasons drive individuals to explore the dark deep web:
- Anonymity: For those seeking to express themselves without fear of government persecution or social stigma.
- Information Sharing: Activists and journalists may use these platforms to share sensitive information.
- Market Access: Some individuals seek goods and services not available on the regular web.
FAQs About the Dark Deep Web
- On the Internet, these public spaces are known as the surface web.
- 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.
- Although the official Tor Project advises against VPN over Tor, both methods are superior to not using a VPN at all.
- Deep web sites have to be hosted somewhere, and Impreza Hosting is one of the most secure and anonymous dark web hosting services.
Q1: Is the Dark Deep Web illegal?
A1: Not all content on the dark deep web is illegal, but it does host a significant amount of illicit activity.
Q2: How can I access the Dark Deep Web safely?
A2: Using a VPN along with the Tor browser offers a layer of protection, but risks still exist.
Q3: Can I get caught while browsing the Dark Deep Web?
A3: Yes, law enforcement agencies monitor activities, and engaging in illegal actions can lead to arrest.
Conclusion
The dark deep web remains an enigma, attracting various users for different motivations. Understanding its complexities, risks, and purposes is essential for anyone considering venturing into these hidden online realms.
