Deep Web vs Dark Web. What's the difference?

You may have heard the terms “deep web” and “dark web” and wondered what they mean. Although these two terms have been used interchangeably, the deep web contains mostly harmless data and digitized records. The dark web has raised worldwide concern for its association to criminal activity.  

What’s the deep web?

The deep web is just what it sounds like – below the surface but not entirely hidden. Search engines like Google and Yahoo crawl and index the so-called “surface web” – the collection of readily available websites you likely visit every day – but that’s where the searching stops.

The deep web holds the content that’s invisible or protected from search engines, hidden behind things like a login screen that prevents unauthorized access. Here are a few examples of what’s on the deep web:

• Your personal emails stored with webmail providers
• Content from your social media accounts that was marked private
• Your online banking account information
• Data that companies store on their private databases
• Content contained within scientific and academic databases
• Medical records
• Legal documents
  

A lot of what exists on the deep web consists of information that you probably wouldn’t want to turn up in a web search, like your checking account information, because it’s private and could be misused. If you must log in to one of your accounts, the information you access there is on the deep web.

Is the deep web safe?

The deep web is a safer place than the dark web (more on that later) but it’s always important to practice safe internet habits like using strong passwords, not accessing personal information from public wi-fi, and being aware of possible phishing scams.

What’s the dark web?

When you access the dark web, you’re not surfing the websites you regularly interact with. Instead, everything stays internal on the “Tor network,” which provides security and privacy to everyone equally. The dark web operates with a high degree of anonymity. It hosts harmless activities and content, as well as criminal ones. For instance, the dark web might include a site that provides complex riddles, forums for protecting free speech, or even book clubs.

But the dark web is better known for dark, illegal, and sometimes disturbing content. Here’s a sample of illegal activities that can be found on the dark web.

• Stolen information – After a data breach, there’s a chance the accessed information such as Social Security numbers or credit card info will end up for sale on the dark web. Cybercriminals can also buy and sell things like log-in credentials, hacked Netflix accounts, and more.
• Illicit substances – Illegal and high-cost prescription drugs are heavily peddled, in part because of the anonymity that the dark web provides.
• Disturbing and dangerous items and services – Beyond the illicit substances mentioned above, things like hitmen, human trafficking, counterfeit goods, stolen weapons and worse can be found for sale.
  

The dark web is where criminals come to buy services and tools. What makes it possible to do business on the dark web? Identities are masked and cryptocurrency payments help assure that buyers and sellers are anonymous.

Is the dark web safe to access?

The dark web may be safe in some cases—think, legitimate content—but not in others. There are people and things on the dark web that should make you want to avoid it completely. Here are a few of them:

• Viruses – Some websites could infect your devices with viruses. Remember to never download anything from websites you don’t trust.
• Hackers – Several hacker forums exist on the dark web filled with people who would be willing to hack your devices.
• Webcam hijacking. A website on the dark web may try to get a remote administration tool, also known as a “RAT,” onto your device. That can lead to someone logging your keystrokes or even hijacking your webcam, essentially letting them see what you’re up to through your device’s built-in camera. It’s a smart practice to cover your webcam if you’re not using it.
• Illegal content – Intentional or not, accessing illegal or illicit content can be a cause for concern, and that content can be infected with some of the other things previously mentioned.
  

Whether you’re surfing the surface web, the deep web, or the dark web, make sure your protection is up to date. Norton 360 offers comprehensive protection across device security, online privacy, and identity theft protection. No matter where your digital travels take you, Norton LifeLock will be there.