The Dark Web, the Deep Web, and the Gray Web—these terms may sound similar, but they represent very different corners of the internet. In this three-part series, we’ll break down these mysterious online spaces, starting with one of the most notorious: the Dark Web.
The Dark Web is a hot topic in cybersecurity, and for good reason. More than 50% of its content is believed to be illegal, ranging from cybercrime operations to illicit marketplaces. But what exactly is the Dark Web, and how does it work?
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web consists of websites that cannot be accessed through traditional search engines like Google or Bing. Instead, these sites require specialized software, the most well-known being The Onion Router (TOR).
TOR enhances online anonymity by encrypting internet traffic and routing it through multiple servers worldwide, making it nearly impossible to trace users' locations or identities. Interestingly, TOR was originally developed by the U.S. government to ensure the anonymity of its operatives online.
On average, over 2.7 million people globally visit the Dark Web daily. According to recent metrics, Germany has the highest number of daily TOR users, followed by the United States and Finland, with most users falling between the ages of 36 and 45.
Who Uses the Dark Web?
While the Dark Web is often associated with criminal activity, not everyone who uses it is a cybercriminal. There are also individuals with legitimate purposes, such as:
- Privacy advocates looking to avoid government surveillance.
- Journalists and whistleblowers who need secure communication channels.
- Political activists living under oppressive regimes.
However, despite these legitimate uses, cybercriminals dominate large portions of the Dark Web.
What Happens on the Dark Web?
The Dark Web provides a space where cybercriminals can operate anonymously. Some of the most common illegal activities include:
1. Cyber Gangs and Hacker Services
Organized cybercrime groups use the Dark Web to recruit new hackers, sell hacking tools, and coordinate attacks. Some groups even provide "customer service" for their cybercrime operations.
2. Selling Stolen Data
One of the most common commodities on the Dark Web is stolen data. Cybercriminals sell:
- Harvested credit card numbers—often sold in bulk at discounted rates.
- Employee login credentials—gathered from various data breaches.
- Phishing kits—pre-made hacking tools that allow criminals to launch phishing campaigns for as little as $20.
3. Illegal Marketplaces
Despite law enforcement efforts to shut down Dark Web marketplaces, new ones continue to emerge. These marketplaces sell everything from counterfeit documents to illegal drugs, weapons, and even malware-as-a-service.
Can the Dark Web Be Stopped?
Because of its anonymity, law enforcement faces significant challenges in tracking down and shutting down Dark Web operations. While some high-profile arrests have taken place, new sites quickly replace the old ones, keeping the illegal activity alive.
How to Protect Yourself from the Dark Web
Even if you never access the Dark Web, your personal information could already be there. Data from past breaches is often bought and sold among cybercriminals, increasing the risk of identity theft or fraud.
Dark Web Monitoring Services
One way to protect yourself is by using Dark Web monitoring services, which scan for your personal information on the Dark Web. If your details are detected, these tools notify you so you can take immediate action, such as:
✅ Changing compromised passwords
✅ Freezing affected accounts
✅ Monitoring financial statements for fraudulent activity
Stay Tuned for More Insights
The Dark Web is just one part of the hidden internet. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore the Deep Web—a space you may have already accessed without even realizing it. Stay tuned to learn more about the unseen areas of the web and how to protect yourself from cyber threats.
If you do not currently have an IT provider or would like a second opinion on your network security, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to serve you in the Niagara Region and Simcoe County, 24/7/365.
Niagara: 905-228-4809
Barrie: 705-885-0993
Email: help@b4networks.ca
