What is the Dark Web?

The surface web is a section of the internet where web pages are indexed by well-known search engines and can be easily seen using conventional web browsers. It is the area where most internet users browse content online.

Most of what the typical user sees online may be on the surface, but there are many more levels of concealed information to be found on the dark web. Users can access these personal websites and engage in legal and illegal activity while hiding their IP address using a particular browser called The Onion Router (Tor).

Here's an overview of the dark web's operation and the various, both legal and illicit, uses that individuals have for it.

What Can you find on the dark web?

Many illicit activities occur on the dark web, including marketplaces for stolen credit cards and personal information, weapons, spyware, prostitution, sex trafficking, and drugs. In addition, there are various cyber assault services available, such as access to botnets that may launch distributed denial-of-service attacks.

Illegal forums and markets on the dark web are rife with advertisements and discussions of criminal conduct. Nightmare Market, Dream Market, and Empire Market are some examples.

What are some facts about the dark web you should know?

Beyond the websites indexed by Google or other search engines is the dark web, which is also a crucial aspect of the world wide web. Here are some essential facts about the dark web that will guide you as you peruse content online.

• You should know what you want

No search algorithms or search engines guide you on the dark web. Therefore, it requires a different type of skill and mindset. Each move needs to be considered carefully. The dark web is more difficult to navigate than the surface online since websites, pages, and forums frequently go up and down (sometimes on days).

• Most businesses and agencies leverage the dark web

Government agencies and most business owners employ expert services to comb the dark web so they know what people are saying about them and how they can improve their services in the long run.

This gives them an insight into the type of exploits performed in the organizations. So they can easily plan damage control remedies before they happen.

• Most dark websites are not static sites

There are millions of lock-down forums on the dark web. And many internet users may never have access to these websites because accessing them is by invite-only.

• The dark web has some benefits

Contrary to what many internet users think, the dark web could help protect users' privacy in many ways that the surface web cannot do. For example, on most occasions, whistle-blowers enter the dark web to find allies with whom they share their secrets with. And these ones in turn share them publicly elsewhere.

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

The deep web is part of the world wide web that is not indexed by search engines. Such pages include private databases like credit and email boxes. Authentication walls, encryption and passwords also protect them.

Government agencies, corporations, nonprofits and other entities mainly use the deep web. The dark web is a layer within the deep web. Unfortunately, only internet users with the Tor browser can access these sites.

On average, many internet users never need to access the dark web.

The dark web and cybersecurity challenges 

Fortunately, security agencies and government agencies are in the loop for avenues to thwart the cybersecurity threats posed by the dark web. There are many ways you can protect your business from these cyber threats. You can easily access these secure pathways by leveraging managed IT services. Learn more about these security pathways by requesting more information.