The dark web is a collection of websites with hidden IP addresses requiring specialized software access. The deep web, which makes up only 0.01% of the dark web, is content that cannot be found on regular search engines like Google, Yahoo!, or Bing. It includes pages not indexed by search engines, fee-for-service sites, private databases, intranets, & sites found on the dark web.

What is a deep web?

The deep web & dark web are not the same, but they have similarities. The deep web contains pages that search engines can’t find, meaning you need a link or other link from within the deep web to access them. It makes up around 90% of all websites, & search engines are like fishing boats, only able to “catch” websites close to the surface. This hidden area includes things like private databases & illegal content, with academic journals also included in this vast space. In comparison, the dark web is part of this deep area beneath the surface.

Many news outlets use “deep web” & “dark web” interchangeably, but the deep web is generally legal & secure. Large parts of the deep web include:

· Databases are collections of files that can only be searched within the database itself. They can be either public or have private protection.

· Intranets are internal networks used by businesses, governments, & educational institutions to facilitate private communication & management within their organizations.

The ‘deep web’ is a term used to describe web pages that cannot be found through search engines. These pages might require a password or tell search engines not to index them. As a result, these sites remain hidden from the general public. You probably use the deep web every day without knowing it.

The deep web is usually safer than the open web, containing blog posts in review & pending web page designs. It also includes pages you access when banking online, which are kept hidden to protect user information & privacy. There is no threat to your computer or safety when accessing the deep web.

· Banking & retirement accounts are examples of financial accounts.

· Email & social media accounts.

· Databases owned by private companies.

· Information related to medical documentation is considered sensitive according to HIPAA regulations.

· Lawyer’s Documents

Venturing further into the deep web can be risky. Some users use it to bypass local restrictions & access TV or movie services that may not be available in their area. Others go a step further & use it to illegally download music or movies that aren’t yet released in theaters.

At the deepest part of the web, there is more dangerous content. Websites that can only be accessed using an anonymous browser are located in this area, known as the “dark web.”

There is a more significant potential for the average internet user to unwittingly stumble into dangerous areas on the deep web than the dark web. Regular internet browsers can access parts of the deep web, which could lead someone to a piracy site, an extremist forum, or disturbingly violent content.

Advantages of Deep Web 

Implementing Deep web monitoring as part of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy provides four key benefits:

The likelihood of detecting & minimizing the effects of data breaches is increased.

Monitoring the Deep Web can help organizations detect the presence of stolen customer lists or data, employee login credentials & business email domains, or IP addresses. By identifying these security breaches early, damage to finances & reputation can be minimized.

Monitoring the deep web can help organizations anticipate & prepare for potential future threats.

Organizations can use scanning the Deep web to learn about past security breaches, what data was taken, which systems were compromised & how vulnerabilities were exploited. This information can help create an action plan to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Monitoring the deep web can help organizations protect their employees’ & customers’ data.

Scans of the Deep Web can help identify sensitive Information belonging to employees or clients that have been made available there. This makes it possible to prevent criminals from taking advantage of any stolen data found on the Deep Web.

Help organizations reduce the time between when a data breach occurs & when they become aware of it.

Without monitoring the Deep Web, organizations may take a long time to determine if they have experienced a data breach. Continuous monitoring of the Deep Web can help organizations quickly identify when criminals steal their Information. This also decreases the time criminals have to copy & sell sensitive data.

StickmanCyber can establish systems to monitor the Deep Web for any data breaches or instances of confidential company data being accessible, & prevent it from being misused by cybercriminals.

Disadvantages of Deep Web

The deep web has some significant drawbacks, including:

· A deep web search engine is slower than a regular search engine in terms of speed.

· What type of search query is needed to search the Deep Web?

· The deep web is not as easy to use.

· Searching the deep web may also uncover sensitive personal Information from usually inaccessible databases.

· Using technology to detect crime can present ethical challenges & make people more vulnerable to fraud.

Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions

How can I locate websites on the Deep Web?

Popular search engines do not typically index the deep web, so the best way to access these sites is to know their exact web address. One can use specialized websites or search engines like PubMed, LexisNexis, Web of Science & Project MUSE to find academic resources on the deep web.

Is it against the law to go on the Deep Web?

It is not illegal to visit websites that are not easily accessible to the public. However, it could be unlawful if you misuse or take any information found on these sites.

Is the Deep Web the same as the Dark Web?

The dark web is a small part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines & cannot be easily accessed. It is often used for illicit or illegal activities online. The rest of the internet, which can be accessed more efficiently, is called the “surface web.

Overview

The deep web contains pages that are not visible to search engines or indexed, while the dark web is deliberately anonymous & mainly used for illegal activity. The deep web can be used both ethically & unethically, while the dark web is where morally wrong behavior occurs. All dark web content belongs to the deep web, but not all of the deep web is considered part of the dark web.