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The dark web may seem like a secret, hidden place only available to tech-savvy hackers and criminals looking for trouble. But the truth is, with one simple browser download, anyone can access the dark web.
But what does the dark web look like? Is it just Google in dark mode? We’re here to demystify all things dark web so you’ll know what it is and what it looks like.
What Is the Surface Web?
To start, it’s important to determine what sets the dark web apart from the regular web that we all use in our day-to-day lives, AKA the surface web. The surface web (or open web) refers to all the websites that are available on regular Internet browsers like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.
These sites will typically end with:
- .com
- .org
- .edu
- .gov
- .net
Only around five percent of the total content available online can be found on the surface web. The rest can be accessed only on the deep or dark web. All surface websites are also indexable, meaning they’re included in the search engine’s index and can be found by simply searching the right words.
What Is the Deep Web?
Ninety percent of online content is found on what’s referred to as the deep web. Deep web content is not indexable like surface-level sites are, meaning regular search engines like Google don’t track it. It also means you won’t be able to find it just by searching something up on a regular browser.
Content that falls under the deep web includes things like private email accounts, secure banking pages, paywalled sites, password-protected sites, private databases, and more. There is less of a negative connotation associated with the deep web than the dark web and it is legal to use. In fact, the majority of deep websites are run by perfectly legit corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.
You don’t need to use any special browser or software to access the deep web. In fact, you use the deep web every time you check your personal bank account.
You can use Google to search your bank, but you can’t search your personal account address via Google. To access your personal account page, you have to enter a password, meaning you’ve entered a password-protected site and are, therefore, on the deep web.
Another example would be streaming sites like Netflix that are specific to your account. Since you have to pay to have a subscription and login, you can’t directly search your personal account from Google. It’s considered a paywalled site so you are technically on the deep web when logged in.
What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a subsection within the deep web that refers to websites that you have to go out of your way to intentionally access using the Tor browser. Tor stands for The Onion Router and is built upon the belief that people should have private access to the uncensored web.
Tor and the use of onion routing stemmed from a need to secure US military communications but evolved to protect everyone and their rights to private web searching. Onion routing refers to routing Internet traffic through multiple servers and encrypting it each time. This method provides a secure, nearly untraceable method of web browsing and, thus, a platform on which the dark web can easily thrive.
Ways To Use the Dark Web Legally
Most people will never need to use the dark web, but it is perfectly legal to explore. Only after you interact with harmful or illegal sites does it become an issue.
The dark web is used legally for things like anonymous whistleblowing, coordinated group meet-ups, activism, and more. Many people use the dark web to buy and sell items, so as long as you’re not buying or selling illegal items or completing the transaction illegally, that’s one way you can use it legally.
You can also use the dark web for secure communications, particularly in countries where government interference, surveillance, or censorship might threaten such talk. The dark web provides an option to carry out important conversations away from nosy onlookers, helping to keep people safe from scrutiny or oversight. This particular example may not always be exactly legal, but at least it’s for the greater good.
Ways To Use the Dark Web Illegally
Of course, the dark web’s reputation isn’t ungrounded. Privacy and security offers the opportunity to carry out a variety of illegal operations and services away from prying eyes. The dark web operates as a virtual marketplace for a variety of illegal goods including weapons, drugs, and pornography.
It also serves as a market for digital goods like stolen or leaked passwords, data, identities, Social Security Numbers, bank information, and more. If you’ve been hacked or your data has been leaked, many hackers will go to the dark web and try to sell your information to the highest bidder.
Hackers and cybercriminals can also use the dark web to offer their services to anyone looking for someone with their skill set. They can anonymously advertise themselves, their skills, and their price as though the dark web were a job site.
Tor was created with the intention of providing online privacy, but that doesn’t mean law enforcement and government officials turn a blind eye to what happens on the dark web. Many sites that play host to these illegal marketplaces have been taken down, and cybercriminals are always being hunted for their crimes.
What Do You See on the Dark Web?
Now that you know a bit more about how the dark web works, let’s get into what it actually looks like. Because the dark web is free and legal to use, you can technically explore it for yourself.
But as a start, here are some examples of things you might see on the dark web.
The Tor Browser
To start, you’ll need to download and open the Tor browser. It will look very similar to other online browsers, with a search bar at the top that will get you started.
You should see a lot of familiar buttons like forward and back arrows, a refresh arrow, a plus sign to open a new tab, an X to close the browser, etc. Because of Tor’s similar interface, it’s user-friendly and should be fairly easy to navigate.
Hacking Services
Hackers will post pages that detail different services, packages, and subscriptions they offer to people. This information will usually be in a list format and include prices and a short description of what the service includes. Some options will be general, while others will be extremely specific (like Facebook hackers or email hackers).
Like any market, prices will vary, and hackers will offer tiered plans and promotions. They’re all competing with each other for the job. Many hackers will request to be paid in cryptocurrency or something equally difficult to trace. From there, you can either hire a hacker from a site that offers many or buy a specific package from a specific hacker.
About Me Pages for Hackers
Just like personal websites, a common thing you might see on the dark web are “about me” pages for hackers. Much like a brief resume or cover letter, many hackers post a short write-up that details their skill set, background, price, and any other applicable information. They will remain anonymous while hoping to pique your interest and potentially book a job with you.
Sales Sites
A variety of goods and services are constantly being sold on the dark web. If you do explore, you’ll find tons of sites selling everything you can imagine. Many of them will list the products or services being sold, a short description of what’s included, the price (possibly in crypto), and any other important information.
Chat Sites
The dark web is full of online chat sites/rooms where people from all over the world can come together and talk without the fear of interference or government oversight. Just be careful if you do participate in any of these chats, as many serve as hubs for the coordination of illegal activity.
Customer Experience Pages
The dark web really is a full-on business. There are many customer-service oriented sites that offer 24/7 online chats for hacking or product concerns, complaint forms, deal negotiation aid, FAQ pages, and more to ensure your hacking or purchasing experience is as seamless as possible.
Customer Review Pages
Similarly, the dark web has pages where you can write a review or give a testimonial that speaks to your experience with a particular hacker or seller on the dark web. This helps people know who to buy from and encourages sellers to deliver on their end.
So, What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to websites that can only be accessed via a secure browser like Tor, bypassing typical routing restrictions. On the dark web, you’ll see product pages, hacker advertisements, chat sites, customer reviews, and more. It essentially operates like its own business.
If you are going to use the dark web legally, it’s a good idea to use a VPN and install antivirus software for additional protection. Combine that with the use of other cybersecurity best practices like strong passwords, VPNs, and second phone number apps like Burner, you will be able to legally search the dark web.
Just be sure never to buy anything, never click on any links within websites, and always keep your wits about you.
Sources:
Everything You Should Know About the Dark Web | Tulane
Deep Web vs Dark Web: What's the Difference? | CrowdStrike
Pulling Back the Curtain: A Journey Through the Dark Web | Huntress
