Why Sticking With Legacy Software Could Cost The Department Of Defense Its Security In The Cloud
Understanding the Deep Web
Tor is a non-profit organization involved in the research and development of online privacy tools. Likewise, a Tor browser encryptsyou’re a user’s traffic and routes an IP address through a series of volunteer-operated servers. Not all websites on the dark web facilitate illegal activities, however. For instance, the dark web can be a conduit for uncensored information in countries where free speech is restricted or closely monitored by the government.
The dark web, on the other hand, uses encryption software to provide even greater security. Given its anonymous nature, the dark web is also used for illicit and even illegal purposes. These include the buying and selling of illegal drugs, weapons, passwords, and stolen identities, as well as the trading of illegal pornography and other potentially harmful materials. Several sites hosting illegal material have been discovered by government agencies and shut down in recent years, including Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa. The dark web’s anonymity has also led to cybersecurity threats and various data breaches over the last few decades. When you use Tor, which routes your internet traffic through many different relay “nodes,” your online activity is obscured because you’re browsing anonymously.
Similarly, the other portion of the deep web uses authentication features to restrict access. For example, some websites require credentials like a login to verify a user’s identity before granting access to their online resources. In these cases, a user will need a username and password—or other valid credentials—to get past the login wall. Because search engine crawlers are typically prevented from accessing information behind this login wall, the login page is considered part of the deep web as well. Unlike regular search engines, Deep Web search engines are designed to uncover hidden and often more obscure content that may not be easily accessible through standard search methods.
The term deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by standard search engines like Google or Bing.
According to statistics, the deep web, which is the fastest-growing category on the internet, is estimated to be 500 times larger than the surface web and makes up around 90% of all web pages. The uses are divided into legitimate uses, which include healthcare records and educational materials, and illegal uses [dark web users], which include human trafficking, drug trafficking, and so on. While the Dark web is a small subset of the deep web that is purposely hidden, constituting a minuscule part of the whole Internet. The information’s paths are made unknown by the TOR program and comparable applications. Whenever entering information in a complex network, for example, register in data, Visa data, or destinations can be segregated independently of whether TOR is used.
Regular dark web visitors know that it’s possible to exploit the sketchy reputation of the space and the services offered. And though some dark web marketplaces offer user reviews, not all do. Lack of regulation by authorities or other users makes it easy for cybercriminals to carry out scams. Basic online hygiene can prevent security lapses when accessing the deep web. For instance, using an unprotected public network to pay your bills might lead to cybercriminals being able to capture your payment information.
For example, they may hold money in escrow but then shut down the e-commerce website and take off with the money. Due to the anonymous nature of the dark web, it’s very difficult for law enforcement to find such perpetrators. Malicious software, also known as malware, is a critical concern and can affect unsuspecting users. Even simply browsing the dark web out of curiosity can expose you to such threats, like phishing malware or keyloggers. While an endpoint security program can identify such threats if they end up on your computer, it’s ideal to avoid them altogether.
Unlike the surface web, which is accessible to anyone using a standard browser, the deep web is made up of various resources that require specific access or credentials.
- You don’t even have to know exactly what you are looking for to get more information on a topic than you could read through in a year.
- As previously mentioned, more than 90% of the traffic on the Net is already on the deep web, so the keys to accessing it safely are virtually the same as for the open web.
- More out-of-reach commodities such as a French passport can cost up to $4,000.
- But many dark web sites are also dangerous, and their content can be downright illegal.
The deep web offers customers access to many additional data than would have been available on the Web, while also increasing security. Perhaps the most accurate assessment of the deep web would be that it undermines the Internet’s receptivity and balance. The deep web (also called the invisible or hidden web) is the part of the Internet that is not indexed by search engines and does not appear in search results. There are several tools used for reaching these parts of the internet. The TOR (The Onion Router) maintains the most popular tool for Dark Web access. Law enforcement routinely shuts down and prosecutes sites and people doing illegal things on the Dark Web.
Characteristics of the Deep Web
The deep web encompasses a wide range of content, including:
- Databases that require a login to access
- Intranet sites used by organizations
- Private social media profiles
- Academic databases with restricted access
- Online banking services and accounts
Differences Between Deep Web and Dark Web
The terms deep web and dark web are often confused. While both are not indexed by traditional search engines, they serve different purposes:
- Deep Web: Contains benign content, such as email services, private databases, and more.
- Dark Web: A subset of the deep web that hosts illegal activities, such as black markets and forums for illicit exchanges.
Accessing the Deep Web
For most users, accessing the deep web is straightforward. Here are steps to consider:
- Utilize specific sites or databases requiring logins.
- Use specialized tools or software for deeper access, such as VPNs.
- Follow guidelines or policies to gain permission from site administrators.
Common Misconceptions About the Deep Web
There are several myths surrounding the deep web that need to be dispelled:
- The deep web is not inherently dangerous.
- Most activities on the deep web are legal and ethical.
- Accessing the deep web does not require special skills.
FAQs About the Deep Web
What types of content can be found on the deep web?
Content includes academic journals, subscription websites, government resources, and more.
Is the deep web safe to explore?
Yes, as long as standard online safety protocols are followed, such as avoiding suspicious links.
Do I need special software to access the deep web?
No, most of the deep web can be accessed using usual browsers, provided you have the right credentials.
Understanding the intricacies of the deep web can open up opportunities for research, networking, and accessing a wealth of information not available on the surface web.
