Blog

The Deep Web, or Dark Web, is often associated with illegal activities. Unlike the so-called Surface Web, which consists of pages that can be found through search engines like Google, the Deep Web includes all websites that are not indexed and therefore not accessible through conventional search engines. In this article, we will explore what the Deep Web is, how it works, and what dangers it poses.

An Overview of the Different Layers of the Internet

The Surface Web
The "normal" or "ordinary" internet is often referred to as the "Surface Web." It is the part of the internet that is publicly accessible and indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. Most of the websites visited in daily life are part of the Surface Web. Unlike the Deep Web and Dark Web, the Surface Web is transparent and regulated, and most activities are legal.

The Deep Web
The Deep Web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google or Bing and therefore not accessible to the public. It includes all websites and databases that are not freely available and can only be accessed with special login credentials, passwords, or other restrictions. The Deep Web is generally completely legal and contains many legitimate websites, such as email accounts, online banking portals, government databases, scientific research data, and more. Some estimates suggest that the Deep Web makes up about 96% of the internet, while the Surface Web makes up only about 4%.

The Dark Web
The Dark Web is a part of the Deep Web that is accessible through special technologies such as the Tor network and is often used for illegal activities. In the Dark Web, there are websites and forums where drugs, weapons, stolen data, and other illegal goods and services are traded. Other illegal activities such as child pornography, extortion, and contract killing can also be found on the Dark Web. Because the Dark Web provides a high level of anonymity, it is difficult to control and there are many dangers for users who access it.

How Does the Deep Web Work?

Users can only access the Deep Web if they have the direct link to the site, or possess a password or access code.

An example of a website on the Deep Web would be an online database for medical research that can only be accessed by registered users. These databases are not accessible to the general public and can only be used by registered users with the appropriate login credentials.

Onion Links in the Deep Web

In the Deep Web, many contents are provided through onion links, which have a special extension (.onion) and can only be accessed through the TOR browser. These links are often used by illegal websites such as marketplaces, forums, and other illegal online communities that try to hide their activities and protect their users. However, not all onion links are illegal or dangerous - there are also legitimate websites and services that use these links to provide an additional layer of anonymity and security. However, it is extremely important to be careful when using onion links, as many may contain fake links or links to illegal content. Users should ensure that they only access trusted links and take appropriate security measures to protect themselves from potential threats.

What Dangers Does the Deep Web (Dark Web) Pose?

One of the biggest threats is the ability to access illegal and dangerous content such as weapons, drugs, and stolen data. In the Deep Web, numerous black markets exist where criminal activities such as trading stolen identities or commissioning contract killings take place. Despite the belief of many Deep Web users that their actions are anonymous, there is always the risk that authorities may monitor their activities and take legal action.

The Deep Web also poses dangers such as phishing and malware attacks, where personal and financial data can be stolen. Users can also be lured into fake websites or traps that aim to extort or defraud them. Particularly in illegal online communities and black markets, there is a high risk of falling victim to fraud or identity theft. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for Deep Web users to be extremely cautious and take appropriate security measures to protect themselves from these dangers.

How to Use the Deep Web Safely?

If you wish to use the Deep Web, you should be aware that there are risks involved. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

• Use a secure browser: Use a secure browser such as TOR, which encrypts and anonymizes your IP address.

• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data and protects your privacy.

• Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal information on Deep Web sites.

• Avoid illegal activities: Avoid visiting sites that promote or support illegal activities such as drug or weapons trade, child pornography, or other criminal activities.

• Do not trust everything you read: As the Deep Web is not a publicly accessible place, there is no way to verify the information on its pages. Therefore, be skeptical of all information you find on Deep Web sites.
  The Surface Web is already full of nonsense, and the Deep Web is no different.

Closing Words

The Deep Web encompasses numerous legitimate contents such as online banking portals, email accounts, and scientific research data. However, especially in the Dark Web, there are also illegal and dangerous contents and activities. Before delving into the Deep Web, users should educate themselves about the risks and dangers involved and take appropriate security measures. Just like in the Surface Web, the Deep Web witnesses many victims of fraudsters and illegal activities.