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. The BBC has made a special Tor mirror of its news website, which is available on the dark web.
When we think about the internet, most of us imagine the vast array of websites, search engines, and social media platforms that make up the surface web. However, lurking beneath the surface is an entirely different realm known as the deep web, with its more sinister counterpart, the dark web.
What is the Deep Web?
It’s time to take passwords and employee security awareness seriously
The deep web refers to all the websites and content that cannot be indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This includes private databases, password-protected pages, confidential documents, academic research, and more. In fact, it is estimated that the deep web makes up the majority of the internet, accounting for over 90% of its content.
Many legitimate activities take place on the deep web, such as online banking, webmail services, and secure company intranets. It acts as a hidden layer of the internet, intended to protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized users.
Delving into the Dark Web
Within the deep web lies an even more obscure and clandestine part known as the dark web. Unlike the deep web, which requires special software or authorization to access, the dark web is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using specific software like Tor (The Onion Router).
The dark web has gained notoriety due to its association with illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and even hiring of hackers or hitmen. Online marketplaces like Silk Road, which was shut down in 2013, served as hubs for these illicit transactions.
Conclusion: deep web isn’t dark web
It is important to note that while the dark web has a reputation for criminal activity, not everything found there is illegal. There are legitimate uses of the dark web, such as protecting whistleblowers, promoting free speech in oppressive regimes, and facilitating anonymous communication.
- (BrightPlanet’s headquarters) from April 10 to 12 (Sioux Falls is still cold in April).
- The individuals and organizations on the dark web often engage in illegal activities and want to keep their identities hidden — something that is difficult to do with an indexed website.
- Install Avast SecureLine VPN for iOS to protect your privacy and keep your data from falling into the wrong hands.
- Instead of “.com” or “.org”, dark web addresses can be distinguished by the top-level domain, “.onion“.
- In a classic example, the surface web can be imagined as the tip of a large iceberg whose bulk remains hidden just under the surface.
The Need for Caution
Masquerade Attack Part 2 – Suspicious Services and File Names
Given the unsavory reputation of the dark web, it is crucial to exercise caution if you decide to venture into this hidden realm. Accessing the dark web can expose users to various risks, including cybercriminals, malware, scams, and surveillance.
The service is completely free and presents a great option for users looking to share sensitive and confidential information over mail. This website comes in handy for people living under oppressive regimes, as ProPublica doesn’t shy away from covering controversial topics, such as child labor and corrupt politicians. ProPublica is an investigative journalism outlet that has a presence on the surface web as well as a dark web link.
How to access the deep web safely?
It is advisable to:
Malware infection
- Use a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your identity
- Keep your antivirus software up to date
- Avoid downloading files or clicking on suspicious links
- Refrain from sharing personal information
The only other way to access a deep web site is to click on a link once you are inside the deep web. The world wide web is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is online. Beyond all the websites indexed by Google and other common search engines is the deep web—and buried within that is the dark web. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access. When you access the dark web, you’re not surfing the interconnected servers you regularly interact with. Instead, everything stays internal on the Tor network, which provides security and privacy to everyone equally.
In Conclusion
The deep web and dark web add a layer of complexity and intrigue to the internet. While the deep web is predominantly benign and serves legitimate purposes, the dark web’s association with illegal activities makes it a risky space to navigate. It is essential to understand the distinctions between these two hidden sides of the internet and exercise caution when exploring the dark web.
