Dark Web Explained

The internet extends far beyond the websites people visit and the search results they see every day. Some parts of the online world operate outside conventional search and provide greater anonymity to their users. For organizations, understanding these less visible environments can offer valuable context around exposed credentials, stolen information, cybercrime, and emerging security threats.

What Is the Dark Web? 

The dark web refers to a hidden part of the internet that contains unindexed websites. Unlike surface web search engines like Google or Bing, dark web search engines operate in environments built for anonymity to help prevent data breaches and malpractice. 

The dark web is known to host illicit activities, but it is also used by intelligence agencies, media personnel, and whistleblowers who need to mask their identities.

Types of Darknets Used to Access the Dark Web

The dark web consists of various networks called darknets. Together, these darknets are commonly referred to as the dark web.

There are various darknets used for various purposes. Each has a common use case. A few darknets are: 

The Onion Router (Tor)

This is the most commonly used network on the dark web. Sites hosted on The Onion Router end with .onion. Common use cases include general browsing, dark web marketplaces, and whistleblower sites.  

Invisible Internet Project (I2P)

This darknet focuses more on message and file sharing for peer-to-peer communication and provides stronger encryption. Sites here end in .i2p.

Common use cases include anonymous emailing and decentralized file sharing. 

Hyphanet (formerly known as Freenet)

Hyphanet is built around the idea of censorship resistance and facilitates anonymous communication. It works through its own app. It is widely used for political activism, publishing files, and community discussions. 

How to Access the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself, but it is a free space for everyone, including criminals. Hence, you need to take proper safety measures before logging in to prevent hacking or having your information stolen. Even if you don’t voluntarily enter your information, carelessness can lead to issues like keyloggers being installed on your device, which could compromise sensitive information. 

• Use a dark web browser

Web browsers like the Tor Browser and I2P provide anonymity through onion routing. 

• Use VPN

A high-quality virtual private network (VPN) adds an extra layer of privacy. 

• Don’t use personally identifiable information(PII) or an account to log in

Don't log in to any email, social media, or bank account while accessing the dark web. Using personal accounts immediately reveals your identity.

• Avoid downloads and JavaScript

Not downloading unverified files is good practice anyway, and it’s even more important when working on the dark web. 

Disable scripts to avoid having your information stolen or malware being installed. 

• Avoid illegal activity 

It is good practice to know what is legal and what is not while on the dark web so that you do not get caught up in anything illicit. 

Deep Web vs the Dark Web: What's the Difference?

The internet is largely divided into three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web.

• Surface Web: Includes sites available to us on standard search engines, unencrypted and automatically indexed. 
• Deep Web: Consists of sites that are not indexed by search engines but are accessible to an average person via encryption, password protection, or both, such as cloud storage and online banking. 
• Dark Web: Refers to the collection of sites that are not indexed, are inaccessible without encryption, and pose potentially higher risks.  

How to Protect Your Data from the Dark Web

Take a few measures before you dive into the dark web to ensure your information doesn't end up there. Major incidents such as the Change Healthcare cyberattack demonstrate how exposed credentials and sensitive information can contribute to broader cybersecurity risks. 

Use Multi-factor Authentication 

Enable MFA on all your accounts so that even if someone gains access to your data, they still need the second factor to access it. 

Use Endpoint Protection Solutions

Endpoint protection solutions prevent attacks by viruses, malware, ransomware, trojans, spyware, and other threats from infecting your device. Using end-to-end cybersecurity solutions is a better investment than one might think. 

Use Dark Web Scans

There are tools that scan the dark web to check whether your information appears there. Run these scans periodically to ensure that it does not. 

ER Tech Pros provides comprehensive cybersecurity services to help you and your company avoid potential data breaches. Our services strengthen identity protection, endpoint security, monitoring, and more. 

Our dark web monitoring includes scanning for exposed API keys, credentials, and other sensitive information to prevent and remediate leaks before they are exploited.