When we think of the internet, we often picture websites we visit on a daily basis such as social media platforms, news websites, or e-commerce sites. However, there is a hidden side of the internet known as the dark deep web that is not easily accessible through traditional search engines like Google. What exactly is the dark deep web, and why is it so mysterious?
What is the Dark Deep Web?
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You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other people’s computers. Buy login credentials to a $50,000 Bank of America account, counterfeit $20 bills, prepaid debit cards, or a “lifetime” Netflix premium account. Human trafficking, child pornography, drugs, weapons are prohibited by law.
The dark deep web refers to the part of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines. This means that these websites are not easily discoverable through a simple Google search. Instead, users need special tools like Tor (The Onion Router) to access these hidden websites. The dark deep web is often associated with illegal activities, such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
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To access a page on the Deep Web, users must have prior knowledge of its IP address or URL. Pages on the deep web can still be accessed using traditional web browsers. The collection of web pages that have been crawled and indexed by search engines is known as the Surface Web (or the Indexed Web, or Visible Web). These web pages are freely accessible to the public using the most common web browser applications like Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Understanding the difference between the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web provides context for election officials as they build both proactive and reactive cybersecurity programs. For instance, data such as voter lookup information is stored on the Deep Web in many states.
Is the Dark Deep Web Dangerous?
Notable exceptions are China, which has banned the use of all anonymous browsing. However, Chinese-language dark sites persist and constantly reopen after being shut down. Each search sends out bots to crawl millions of web pages and find the most relevant information. Some experts report that bots crawl less than 1 percent of online content.
While the dark deep web has gained a reputation for being a hub for criminal activity, it’s important to note that not everything on the dark deep web is illegal or harmful. There are legitimate uses for the dark deep web, such as anonymous communication, protecting sensitive information, and evading government censorship in countries with restricted internet access.
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Common Misconceptions about the Dark Deep Web
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- Myth: The dark deep web is only used by criminals.
- Reality: While there are illegal activities on the dark deep web, there are also legitimate uses for anonymity and privacy.
- Myth: Accessing the dark deep web is illegal.
- Reality: It is not illegal to access the dark deep web, but engaging in illegal activities on it is against the law.
While the deep web is chiefly used for legitimate day-to-day online activities, the dark web is mainly anonymous and known as a haven for conducting illegal transactions. The deep web is a section of the internet that cannot be indexed by web crawlers. The dark web is a subsegment of the deep web that can only be accessed with special tools, such as the Tor browser. In general, the rules for accessing the deep web and the dark web safely are very similar to the best practices for accessing the surface web.
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Exploring the Dark Deep Web Safely
- However, the deep web differs in that it doesn’t require a specialized browser such as TOR to access its contents.
- You’ll be able to access everything on the regular site, including contact information for the CIA, job listings, and archival information like the World Factbook.
- Since all communications are encrypted and anonymous, the Dark Web is a haven for internet trolls.
- A VPN in mix with Tor further adds to the security and secrecy of the client.
- The Deep and Dark Web lay outside the publicly accessible portions of the Internet and are used for different purposes.
If you are curious about exploring the dark deep web, it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:
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- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic.
- Keep Your Identity Hidden: Avoid using your real name or any identifying information when accessing the dark deep web.
- Avoid Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal activities on the dark deep web can have serious consequences, so it’s best to steer clear of them.
While the dark deep web remains a mysterious and controversial corner of the internet, understanding its complexities and risks can help users navigate it safely and responsibly.
