Deep and Dark Web

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The deep web is any part of the World Wide Web that is not indexed by a search engine.

• includes
  • pages that require registration
  • pages that block search indexing
  • unlinked pages
  • pages using nonstandard DNS
  • content encoded in a nonstandard manner
• areas deliberately concealed from regular browser access:
  • Dark Net
    • is a network established as an overlay to Internet infrastructure by software that acts to anonymize usage and prevent a third party from knowing about the existence of the network or analyzing any activity taking place over the network
    • e.g.,
      • The Onion Router (TOR), Freenet, or I2P
  • Dark Web
    • is sites, content, and services accessible only over a dark net
    • are dark web search engines
      • but many sites are hidden from them
    • access to sites is often only available via word of mouth
  • valuable source of counterintelligence
  • has legitimate purposes:
    • privacy and anonymity
      • provides a platform for enhanced privacy and anonymity
      • allows users to communicate and browse the Internet without revealing their identity or location
      • valuable for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, or individuals living under repressive government regimes
    • access to censored information
      • enables individuals to bypass censorship and access politically sensitive or controversial content
    • research and information sharing
      • gain insights into criminal activities
      • analyze emerging threats to improve cybersecurity operations