Explaining The Difference Between The Deep Web and Dark Web

The websites you normally visit only make up a small portion of the overall internet.

The vast majority of the internet is hidden in what we call the deep web and the dark web. You’ve probably heard these terms before, often in unsavory and illegal instances, but they are not interchangeable. The deep web and the dark web are two separate entities, and this guide will explain the difference between the two.

What is the Deep Web?

The deep web is a hidden collection of sites that cannot be found on standard search engines. In fact, the majority of the internet is made up of the deep web.

Deep web sites do not have standard domain name endings, such as .com or .gov, but rather have endings such as .onion and the URLs themselves may be a series of letters and numbers randomly organized rather than a standard name.

Should I Use The Deep Web?

While it does have some legitimate uses, the risks of surfing the deep web far outweigh the benefits, and it’s highly recommended that you do not browse the deep web on your own. The websites that you use on the regular internet are, for the most part, validated, and you know who owns and operates them.

Yes, there are malicious websites on the normal web, but you don’t have to worry about the people behind the websites you likely use on a daily basis. On the deep web, however, there is no way to validate any website at all. By navigating the deep web, you face a far higher risk of visiting a malicious website, which could lead to the download of malicious malware, or getting scammed.

Additionally, the technology used to get you on the deep web will result in a much slower internet experience and you cannot ensure your security.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a smaller subsection of the deep web.

The dark web was actually created by the U.S. government as a space where individuals could maintain anonymity. The tunnels that connect the piece of software and browser to the dark web are encrypted.

It is also where cybercriminals and other malicious actors will conduct their illegal activities. The dark web is where sensitive information stolen in data breaches is sold, and where criminals can purchase illegal contraband. Essentially, the dark web is the equivalent of the internet’s black market.

Should I Use The Dark Web?

Again, the risks of going onto the dark web are not worth the rewards. Even though the dark web is encrypted, it is not a good enough reason to risk traversing in an unknown environment.

How BlackCloak Tackles The Deep/Dark Web For You

One of the features BlackCloaks offers is a continuous scan of the deep web and dark web for any passwords that have been compromised in a data breach. If we find that one of your passwords is on the deep web and dark web, we will contact you as soon as possible to give you the opportunity to change your passwords for any affected accounts. It’s one of the many ways BlackCloak gives you total piece of mind.