Election Security Spotlight – The Surface Web, Dark Web, And Deep Web
Lots of criminal activity happens on the Dark Web because it offers the anonymity that enables hackers and scammers to go undetected — but only up to a certain point. Details for credit cards carrying a balance up to $1,000 cost $150 on average, while stolen online banking login details (for an account with a balance of at least $100) go for just $40. The Deep Web hosts information that usually requires a username and a password to access, mainly for security and privacy-related reasons.
Understanding the Deep Web
The deep web is a vast and often misunderstood part of the internet that encompasses a range of content not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo.
While the internet offers many positive benefits, it also has some negatives. Although not entirely used for illicit purposes, the dark web is one part of the internet that can be used by criminals for illegal purposes, like selling stolen personal information. This keeps others from logging onto your online savings or checking accounts.
Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites.
At Cybriant, we know a thing or two about backup and disaster recovery. The bad news is twofold – revoking stolen certificates doesn’t stop malware immediately, and top antivirus products fail to detect malware signed with stolen certificates. Get Avast BreachGuard for Mac to protect your privacy and keep your personal data from falling into the wrong hands.
The dark web is only a small fraction of the deep web—constituting only 0.01% of it, and 5% of the total internet. They support Tor because it protects the privacy of activists who are trying to upend their countries’ tyrannical regimes. In fact, most of the content on the deep web is quite similar to the content that you can find on Google, which is called the surface web. The terms “deep web” and “dark web” are often used interchangeably — they’re not the same thing, though. The dark web is technically a tiny sliver of the deep web, making up 0.01% of it, but the horror stories you hear about the dark web don’t actually happen on the deep web.
While the deep web is often confused with the dark web, it is crucial to understand that they are not the same entity. The deep web includes a significant portion of legitimate content that simply remains out of sight due to various reasons.
The best way to avoid these dangers is to avoid using the dark web entirely. But if this is not possible, it’s important to employ reliable security measures, including antivirus software, and to access dark web sites only via a VPN. 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.
Freenet is another peer-to-peer platform that encrypts data before it is being shared. It uses a similar technique to other browsers – which is routing the communication through different nodes. It uses a decentralized, distributed network for encrypting data that is being shared – that is how it becomes very difficult to be hacked. You will come across Tor Browser every time you look for deep web information.
What is the Deep Web?
The deep web consists of any online content that cannot be accessed through traditional search engine queries. This includes:
- Private databases
- Academic resources
- Medical records
- Financial data
- Email accounts
- Membership-only websites
In contrast, the surface web refers to the portion of the internet that is indexed and readily accessible to the public.
The Size and Scope of the Deep Web
Estimates suggest that the deep web is significantly larger than the surface web. Some studies indicate it could be up to 500 times larger, housing a staggering amount of content that is not available through standard search prompts.
Why Does the Deep Web Exist?
The deep web exists for several reasons, including:
- Privacy and Security: Individuals and organizations often seek to protect sensitive information.
- Specialized Content: Certain data is meant for specific audiences and is stored in databases that require authentication.
- Data Management: Websites that generate content dynamically, such as e-commerce sites, can create vast amounts of data accessible only by specific queries.
Navigating the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web typically requires specific credentials or permissions. Here are some common methods for exploring it:
- Using Login Details: Many sites within the deep web require an account or membership.
- Utilizing Specialized “Invisible” Search Engines: Certain search engines are designed to index content from the deep web.
- Accessing Databases Directly: Academic institutions and public libraries often host databases accessible via their portals.
Misconceptions about the Deep Web
Common misconceptions about the deep web include:
- It may be wise to connect to a VPN server before browsing via Tor (though expect to experience a slower connection).
- Tor software operating on a Tor host will create a local file directory, assign a port number for the service, and generate a public-private key pair when it configures a hidden service.
- Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your private information from being misused.
- The deep web refers to any web content that is not indexed – or pages that can’t be found with a search engine.
- All Content is Illegal: Not everything on the deep web is illicit; it primarily contains legal and useful resources.
- It is the Same as the Dark Web: The names can be confusing, but the dark web is a subset of the deep web known for its illegal activities.
- It’s Only for Cybercriminals: While some people misuse portions of the deep web, it also serves legitimate purposes.
FAQs about the Deep Web
1. Is the deep web safe to browse?
While much of the deep web is safe, caution is advised, especially when dealing with unknown databases or accessing unsecured networks.
2. Can I access the deep web without special software?
Many areas of the deep web can be accessed using standard web browsers, but some parts, especially the dark web, require additional software like Tor.
3. Why is the deep web important?
The deep web is essential for various industries, including education, healthcare, and finance, as it stores sensitive and valuable information necessary for operations.
4. How does the deep web differ from the dark web?
The deep web is a larger area of the internet that includes all unindexed websites, while the dark web is a small, often illicit subsection requiring specific tools to access.
Understanding the deep web can help individuals navigate the vast digital landscape more effectively and responsibly.
