Deep Web and Dark Web
Internet is a vast field and carries multiple uses and levels of security and privacy. The internet that we use in our routine life is just a tip of an iceberg and is called surface web. Under the surface web there is a vast universe which is mostly hidden from a common user. Other than the normally accessible internet and websites, there is a hidden part of the internet. This deeply concealed part of internet is broadly termed as Deep Web and Dark Web. Internet has a lot more than what we commonly see while searching through search engines like Google, Bing, Pinterest, e.t.c. The two terms deep web and dark web are often confusing these terms are often interchangeable but they actually mean different. Therefore, in this blog I will focus on explaining that what is the difference between deep web and dark web.
What is the Deep Web?
The Deep Web means such content of the internet that is not indexed by normal search engines and is available only to specific users. To easily understand consider any website which requires any type of authorization to access the whole website or a specific portion of it. Therefore, when you use your username and password to access online data, you are using deep web.
While discussing the dark web and Deep Web you must understand that deep web is not designed for malicious purposes. It is a necessary part of the internet to ensure privacy and secure sensitive information. For example, when you access your bank account online or access a library database through your authorized user name and password, you are actually using deep web.
The deep web offers a number of benefits while using the internet as a user or as an owner of the website. It allows secure storage of personal information, protection of intellectual property, and also facilitates secure communication on private forums.
What Type of Data is Stored on Deep Web?
These days a huge amount of sensitive and private data is uploaded on internet therefore to secure it from cyberattacks deep web is also being used at large. To better understand following are the types of data which is stored on deep web:
Personal & Private Information:
There is a huge data which cannot be made publically available for example academic journals, medical records, legal documents, and financial records. This type of information is normally passwords protected and encryption.
Paid Services:
All available data on web is not freely available to every user of internet and its access is limited to specific users. Consider that you search for a website on a search engine. It will only show you results regarding the website that are available on the surface web. But the internet also has restricted sections, private archives, and authorized users only section. This hidden information is the deep web. To access available data on these restricted websites you require subscription e.g. Netflix, Youtube premier, certain news sites, libraries e.t.c.
Your online banking info, social media profiles, and even your email are all part of the deep web because they require login username and passwords for access.
Private/Personal Websites:
Certain businesses and corporate networks and their data is not available to public, particularly government portals and other internal networks are not meant for public access. Therefore, this secret and sensitive data is also kept under privacy and is accessible to limited users.
Dynamic Content:
There are a lot of websites which generate content on the fly based upon the user input. Due to this rapid changes in the data, search engines can’t keep up with this constant change. Resultantly the content on these websites remains un-indexed and unsearchable through routine search engines.
What is the Dark Web?
Let’s now discuss the dark web. I would say that it is a part of the deep web but with additional security and privacy level. It is a sub part of deep web and is much more controversial. In simple words deep web and dark web are actually two stages to make online information more secure. Adding additional security and privacy to the data available on deep web generates the concept of dark web. It is intentionally hidden part of data available on Deep Web that requires specific software for access. The most common way to enter the Dark Web is by using the TOR network (The Onion Router) or I2P (Invisible Internet Project). Use of these types of networks enables the user to use internet as anonymous user and his identities and activities are technically hidden and are untraceable.
Use of Dark Web
Because of the anonymity features of the Dark Web, it is generally known to be used for illicit activities, but; all activities on the Dark Web are not illegal. It also serves as a safe haven for those who are conscious about their privacy like journalists. Following are few examples of use of dark web:
Illegal Marketplaces:
Mafias prefer to use dark web because of its secrecy and security. The web sites through which users can buy and sell drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency, and other illegal goods are generally kept on dark web so that the identity of seller or buyer is not disclosed.
Cybercrimes:
There are forums and marketplaces on internet where you can buy stolen data, hacking tools and services. These websites are neither indexed by normal search engines nor everyone can see and access them. These websites are also kept in dark web and only authorized users can view the data or information kept on them.
Encryption:
Whole communication on the dark web is heavily encrypted. This encryption creates it almost impossible for the hacker to intercept the data that is actually being exchanged.
Terrorist Communication:
Terrorists also use dark web to communicate among themselves. They use encrypted mode for communication and planning among activists and individuals to communicate securely without fear of surveillance or retaliation.
Differences Between the Deep Web and Dark Web
As mentioned earlier deep web and dark web are two different stages of security and privacy level of online data. The deep web offers a fascinating security because of its security features on the internet. But by understanding the differences between deep web and dark mentioned below you can explore the vast online world with vigilance, caution and curiosity.
For better understanding I will categorize the differences between deep web and dark web as follow:
Accessibility Difference Between Deep web and Dark Web:
Deep Web:
Deep web is accessible through standard web browsers but it requires username, passwords, or subscriptions, or other forms of authentication.
Dark Web:
Dark web requires specialized software like Tor or i2P to access the information stored on it. Moreover, the information store on Dark web is deliberately hidden from search engines of surface web. The anonymity factor in dark web attracts all those seeking privacy for legitimate reasons and those who have malicious intent.
Content Difference Between Deep Web and Dark Web:
Deep Web:
Deep web contains a broad range of content which may include private databases, academic resources, and library subscription services.
Dark Web:
Dark web includes both legal and illegal content, but it mostly contains services and data that is intended for illicit or malicious activities.
Difference of Purpose Between Deep Web and Dark Web :
Deep Web:
Deep web is intended to provide privacy and protection to confidential and sensitive information. It is mostly used by institutions, companies, and individuals for authorized access to ensure secure communication and data security.
Dark Web:
Dark web is notorious to facilitate crimes therefore; it is primarily used for anonymity. However, it also has legitimate uses like protecting freedom of speech.
Perception Difference in Deep Web and Dark Web:
Deep Web:
Commonly because of authorized access, deep web is perceived to be necessary and beneficial part of the internet.
Dark Web:
Due to association or dark web with illegal marketplaces and activities, it is deemed to be a criminal or mafia place.
Illegal marketplaces selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data can be found here. There’s also a risk of encountering malware or scams.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier that both Deep Web and the Dark Web are two different levels of hidden internet, but both serve different purposes. The concept and term Deep web and dark web should not be interchanged. When ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive information is concerned, Deep Web is considered to be an integral part. Whereas Dark Web is mostly associated with illegal activities. The only positive argument in favor of dark web it that it provides anonymity for freedom of speech. Therefore, you must be cautious while entering into the dark web. It is similar to while entering into a mafia’s area of town. It is very important to be aware of the risks and take precautionary measures to protect yourself.
You must understand that internet in not only confined to the websites that you view on daily basis but it is actually beyond your visibility and imagination. However, caution is advised when venturing into the dark web. Just like venturing into a shadowy part of town, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself.
Other links of your interest:
Delving into the Digital: A Look at Cyber Crime Investigations
