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August 20, 2023

Surface Web, Deep Web vs Dark Web

What is the Surface Web?

The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the portion of the internet that we interact with in our everyday lives. This is the web where we carry out our routine online tasks, and it constitutes the Internet as commonly perceived by most individuals.

What is Deep web?

The Deep Web comprises internet content that is distinct from the Surface Web, remaining concealed from external view, which leads to its omission from regular search engine indexing. This segment represents the most rapidly growing source of novel online information. The collective size of the deep web is estimated to be 1000-2000 times larger than that of the Surface Web.

According to Dictionary.com, it is described as “the section of the internet that remains obscured and remains inaccessible to traditional search engines due to encryption; the collection of websites that are not indexed.”

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web constitutes a subset of the Deep Web deliberately concealed from conventional search engines. All the information within it is safeguarded through encryption. Gaining entry requires specialized software, settings, or permission. It relies on obscured IP addresses that can only be reached using a designated web browser, such as Tor, I2P, Freenet, and similar platforms.

Dark web vs. Deep web

Here are the main Difference between Dark and Deep web:

Deep WebDark Web
Deep web is the portion of the Internet that is hidden and not shown from conventional search engines.The dark web is a subset of the deep web which is intentionally hidden.
To access this, you require a password, encryption, or specialty software.To access this, you require Tor Project or a similar browser.
It is larger than the Surface web.It is a subset of the Deep Web, but its size is unmeasurable.
They are usually used for legit purposes that require anonymity.Sometimes used for illegal activities.
It includes all unindexed webpages.It only includes a subset of unindexed webpages inside the deep web.
You can access it with a VPN.Need lots of precautions to access this data.

Application of Dark Web

Here are significant uses of the Dark Web:

  • Internal websites of prominent corporations, groups, and trade entities make extensive use of it.
  • Educational institutions, from schools to universities, employ it to reach online databases.
  • Highly restricted websites with password protection, offering exclusive access to members.
  • It allows access to certain personal accounts, including social media, email, and banking.
  • It serves as a platform for social media, blogs, text, and voice-based conversations.
  • It aids in uncovering concealed Yahoo Answers content.
  • The Dark Web serves as a source for public records, certificates, and library indices.
  • It plays a role in computer and technology skills training and courses.

Application of Deep Web

Here are important applications of Deep Web:

  • Primarily utilized for military applications
  • Scientists
  • Additionally employed by entrepreneurs and law enforcement officers
  • Reporters and individuals exposing misconduct
  • Activists engaged in political dissent and advocates against censorship
  • Individuals residing under authoritarian political system

Why not use Deep Web?

Here are cons/drawback of Deep Web:

  • The speed of Deep Web search engines is comparatively slower than that of typical search engines.
  • Efficient Deep Web searches require precise and accurate search terms.
  • The functionality of the Deep Web is not as seamless.
  • Exploring the Deep Web might yield confidential personal data from databases that are usually off-limits.
  • This situation could lead to moral quandaries and expose individuals to potential fraud, aiding in the recognition of identity theft.

Why use Dark Web?

Here are pros/benefits of Dark web

  • In nations facing censorship, oppression, and intimidation, the dark web offers an anonymous platform for unfettered self-expression.
  • For enterprises handling confidential data, prioritizing cybersecurity is essential.