Dark Web

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is not easily accessible through standard web browsers. The dark web can only be accessed using specific software like the Tor browser, and ensures anonymity and privacy by hiding identities and locations.

The dark web largely consists of websites and services associated with illegal activities such as buying and selling drugs, weapons, stolen data, hacking services and more. It allows users to browse websites with “.onion” domains that are only accessible within its environment. These websites use fake identities and digital currency to avoid being found.

Dark web vs. deep web vs. surface web – what are the differences?

The dark web and the deep web are two different but interconnected parts of the internet. The dark web is a small section of the deep web that is only accessible with special software. It is smaller and more secretive and is known for illegal activities.

In contrast, the deep web contains a wide range of online content, both legal and private. It includes web pages and data that regular search engines cannot find or that require passwords or subscriptions to access. Examples of deep web content include online banking sites, private databases and academic journals.

While the dark web is a hidden and often anonymous part of the internet that needs special software to access, the surface web is the visible part that is easily found using search engines like Google. The surface web is just a small part of the internet, while the deep web is much larger. Also known as the visible web or the indexed web, it includes content such as news websites, social media platforms, online stores and blogs. It does not require special tools to access, unlike the dark web.

What is the surface web?

While the dark web is a hidden and often anonymous part of the internet that needs special software to access, the surface web is the visible part that is easily found using search engines like Google. The surface web is just a small part of the internet, while the deep web is much larger. Also known as the visible web or the indexed web, it includes content such as news websites, social media platforms, online stores and blogs. It does not require special tools to access, unlike the dark web.

History of the dark web

In the 1990s, as internet usage grew, people became worried about their privacy and safety. Tools such as anonymous browsing software, such as Tor (The Onion Router), were created to address these concerns. The next decade saw Tor becoming a significant tool for online anonymity and allowing users to access websites on the ‘dark net’, where dark web content now exists.

Dark nets are special networks that use the internet but require specific software or authorisation to access. In 2011, an online marketplace known as the Silk Road began operating anonymously on the dark net. This was notorious for buying and selling illegal drugs using digital currencies and was shut down by law enforcement in 2013. Since then, new dark net markets have appeared, offering various illegal goods and services. Today, the dark web has expanded and evolved greatly, working with increased sophistication.

What is the dark web used for and what types of threats exist within it?

The dark web is used for activities that involve anonymity, privacy and illicit dealings. It hosts a number of unethical activities – although not all are illegal. The dark web allows people to communicate privately and securely, protecting whistle-blowers, journalists or individuals living in countries with strict censorship or surveillance.

However, the dark web is best known for its use as an underground marketplace to trade drugs, weapons, forged documents, malware and ransomware and more. The dark web has also earned a reputation for being home to:

  • Cybercrime, which includes selling and buying stolen financial information, credit card details and personal data, as well as providing services such as DDoS attacks and platforms for sharing malicious software
  • Anonymous communication, where people can plan or coordinate criminal actions without revealing themselves
  • Hacking services, where cybercriminals can exchange hacking knowledge and tools, as well as discuss malware development and vulnerability exploitation
  • Child exploitation, such as child pornography, abuse and other illegal content
  • Censorship evasion, which allows people living in areas of heavy internet censorship to access restricted content freely without worrying about being tracked or punished
  • Stolen data, such as credit card details, login credentials and financial records – all of which can be sold and used for identity theft, fraud and other cybercriminal activities

Is the dark web illegal? What happens if someone goes on it?

Although the dark web is not illegal, it has become a hotspot for illegal activities due to its anonymous nature. Taking part in these activities is against the law, and governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide actively monitor and investigate criminal actions on the dark web. People should exercise caution while accessing the dark web and be aware of the risks involved.

How to safely access the dark web

Using the dark web safely requires several measures to ensure online security and protect one’s identity. It is important to remain anonymous and not log into personal accounts or use real names or information.

Keeping devices protected with antivirus software, using strong passwords and being aware of cyberattacks are all necessary. With all this in mind, the Tor browser, which prevents easy online tracking, can be installed. Once this has been launched and connected to the Tor network, websites on the dark web can be accessed.

The Tor browser should be set up with the highest security settings possible to enhance protection and privacy, and must be regularly updated with the latest safety features. For added security, users might consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) along with Tor. Finally, visitors should avoid clicking on unknown links, downloading files from untrusted sources and engaging in illegal activities while browsing.

Can people be tracked on the dark web?

The dark web offers some anonymity, but tracking is still possible. Users can accidentally risk their privacy by sharing personal information or falling victim to cyberattacks. An attacker can also use various techniques to track people; for example, by combining different data points such as timestamps and communication patterns to reveal identities.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity organisations may use their own methods of monitoring illegal activities on the dark web, including analysing network traffic, accessing illegal marketplaces and using advanced tracking technologies. Moreover, the Tor network, which routes traffic through multiple servers and masks the source of a connection, has vulnerabilities that can be exploited to track user activities.

What is the dark web browser?

Dark web browsers such as Tor are designed to offer anonymity and access to hidden services not listed by standard search engines. Surfing the dark web is usually slower than the regular internet, with websites having limited functionality.

This is because dark web browsers tend to focus more on security features than on improving web technologies and use different methods to ensure these. They also come with built-in functions to prevent website fingerprinting, disable plug-ins, offer options to clear browsing data and more

Who owns the dark web?

As an independent network of websites and services not indexed by traditional search engines, the dark web has no official ownership or authority. Volunteers and developers maintain networks such as Tor by contributing to their operations and maintenance. Anyone can create and host websites on the dark web, which adds to its independent nature.

Due to the nature of the dark web, organisations can gain critical insights into underground criminal activities, breached data, emerging threats, threat actor communication, IOCs, early warning signs and more.

How Silobreaker unlocks dark web insights

Silobreaker aggregates data from various sources on the dark web, including forums, marketplaces, chat rooms, and social media platforms. Using natural language processing and machine learning, Silobreaker extracts meaningful insights from dark web data. This ensures that a wide range of potential threats and malicious activities are monitored in context, providing a more complete picture of the dark web landscape and beyond.

Silobreaker puts the widest range of threat intelligence in one place, automatically collecting and analysing data from millions of sources, including those on the open, deep and dark web.  

Find out how one single platform can help you deliver timely, actionable threat intelligence to reduce cyber risk, faster.