The internet is a vast place, with the Surface Web being just a portion of what is available. The Deep Web maybe even more extensive than the Surface Web, since it requires special or specific access to visit. This doesn’t mean that if you can’t find it on Google it isn’t there, however. It’s simply hidden from plain view and requires some extra effort to get to.
In a recent study conducted by the European Union, it was estimated that around 50% of the internet cannot be indexed by standard search engines. The Surface Web-only accounts for about 16% of the entire internet, with the rest being hidden in databases and password-protected sites, which are considered part of the Deep Web.
So, what exactly is the deep web, and is it dangerous? Let’s find out!
What is the Deep Web?
The Deep Web is a portion of the internet that contains information that is not accessible to search engines. This makes it hard for users just “browsing” the web to stumble upon these sites, and in turn makes them difficult to be found. The Deep Web can include websites that have restricted access, such as paywalls or login pages, or they can simply be hidden from search engines.
How Are Deep Web Sites Made?
In order for a site to be considered part of the Deep Web, it must lack a standard URL address that includes clear references on how to find it (such as ‘www.’ and ‘.com’). It’s not entirely clear why some sites require non-traditional addresses, but there are many speculations.
For example, some companies like Amazon and Best Buy use Deep Web URLs for extra security. Since their web addresses are not indexed by standard search engines, they make it more difficult to find specific pages on their sites. This is also an option that universities utilize to keep their fans updated on the latest news about upcoming athletic events or student activities.
The other most popular reason for non-traditional web addresses is due to payment information or personal information that must be protected. For example, the Deep Web is often used in online transactions of digital currency services such as Bitcoin since these can’t be traced back to users’ IP addresses using traditional internet methods.
What’s the Difference Between Deep Web and Surface Web?
The Deep Web and the Surface Web are not the same thing. While the former consists of hidden web pages that are unindexed by search engines, the latter contains all websites that can be visited using a standard browser. The Surface Web is what you see when you conduct a Google search or use Yahoo! to find information online. For example, the surface web consists of everyday websites such as online forums, sugar daddy apps, blogs, news sites, etc.
What’s the Difference Between Deep Web and Dark Web?
The Deep Web and the Dark Web are often thought of as being one in the same. While they do have some similarities, they aren’t entirely the same thing.
In fact, while the Deep Web consists of hidden web pages that are not indexed by standard search engines, the Dark Web is a subsection of this portion of the internet that is considered far more risky and dangerous than most other areas online. Additionally, both the Surface and Deep Webs can be used for legitimate purposes. However, with most services on deep sites requiring some form of payment or security access (such as login details), there’s frequently a higher risk associated with it than regular Surface websites which can be seen by anyone. This is especially true when trying to buy drugs online or watching pornographic videos.
How Can I Access The Deep Web?
There isn’t just one tool that will give you access to all of the Deep Web out there. Several methods can be done with different tools, but it’s important to note that most Deep Websites aren’t indexed by search engines for a reason, so they aren’t always safe to visit.
For example, since most deep websites cannot be indexed by search engines, they often have fake contact information, don’t list their domain name, or are hidden completely. This doesn’t mean that if you can access one of these sites you should go ahead and do it without taking precautions. These sites are mostly known to contain illegal contents such as credit card fraud rings, malware, spamming tools, child pornography, etc.
Is the Deep Web Monitored?
While the Deep Web’s contents are mostly hidden from search engines and random users, they aren’t all monitored. For example, websites that require a login to view their contents can be indexed through login pages or cookies. This includes sites such as Facebook and other social media outlets.
Is the Deep Web Safe?
Deep websites are not entirely safe to visit either. Although they may not always be monitored by the authorities, other dangers are lurking about.
For example, hackers have been known to search for open proxy servers to use them as a means of covering their tracks while browsing Deep Web content. Moreover, malware is also highly prevalent on these sites. This is because many Deep Websites can only be accessed with Tor browsers that don’t have virus protection built into them. So you should install security software if opening any deep website that requires downloading or using any files to surf its contents.
If you’re looking for something specific, then it’s possible that search engines will pinpoint your desired web page once enough people link to it and share its information.
How to Stay Safe on the Deep Web?
To stay safe while surfing on the Deep Web, it’s important to keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. If a site promises something too good to be true, then it probably is and can potentially cause harm or steal your private information.
For example, most users of deep websites are advised not to share their credit card details with these sites since doing so gives them access to this sensitive information. Moreover, some deep content is outdated and even dangerous if downloaded such as malware and ransomware.
As such, you should only visit these sites if you know exactly how they work beforehand or have had experience dealing with similar platforms before. Additionally, several Deep Websites contain high-risk content that can potentially harm your computer or get you into legal trouble.
To prevent these types of things from happening, avoid accessing illegal content such as child pornography and never download any unknown software to view deep websites. Finally, always use a VPN if browsing these sites so that your identity is protected while surfing the Deep Web.
Conclusion
While the Deep Web might be the next frontier for people interested in learning more about what’s actually “underground” on the Internet, it isn’t always a safe space to explore.
People often assume that criminals and hackers spend all their time on these deep websites, but many white hat users stumble across random links every day only to find themselves exposed due to privacy vulnerabilities and outdated security measures.
As such, you can still access dark websites without getting into legal trouble or compromising your personal information as long as you follow some simple rules such as using a VPN with Tor browser and not sharing any sensitive details.
However, just like with any other website, you should use caution when visiting Deep Websites since they aren’t all created equally. Some of these sites are completely safe to visit, while others exist purely to expose your personal data or infect your computer with malware.