What Is Dark Web Monitoring Norton
Understanding the Deep Web vs Dark Web
There is no reliable method of removing your sensitive data from the Dark Web. That’s why the defense is the best offense, so it’s worthwhile to be leveraging a service that monitors your personal data for you. It’s not wrong to assume that your personal information is on the Dark Web. If your personal details can be found on web search engines, then they’re most likely available on the Dark Web, too.
You’ll also encounter marketplaces where users sell or purchase everything from illicit drugs to services requiring upfront payment. This version of the Internet is massive, though its exact size remains hard to quantify since its content remains hidden from search engines and requires special software to access it. It’s considered much larger than what can be accessed using regular web browsers alone.
The terms deep web and dark web are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinctly different parts of the internet. Understanding these differences is essential for navigating securely and responsibly.
What is the Deep Web?
Start a free 30-day trial of Keeper Password Manager today to begin securing your accounts from common cyber threats on all parts of the internet. One dark web monitoring tool that works alongside Keeper Password Manager is BreachWatch®. BreachWatch monitors for suspicious activity on the dark web and alerts you as soon as any dark web activity matches the credentials stored in your Keeper Vault. When one of your records shows as “high-risk,” you’ll receive a notification and Keeper will help you change your password to one that is strong and unique. If you want to learn all about privacy protection or cryptocurrency, the dark web has plenty to offer. There are a variety of private and encrypted email services, instructions for installing an anonymous operating system and advanced tips for the privacy-conscious.
The deep web encompasses all online content that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This portion of the web is vast and consists of a wide variety of information.
It can only be accessed through special networks like Tor or via static IPs shared privately. However, the dark web is also used by individuals seeking online privacy or to bypass censorship in their home countries. Specialized browsers like Tor enable anonymous access to this part of the web. Google emerged as the most popular way to search the web by the 21st century, with Bing and DuckDuckGo as frequently used alternatives. But there’s loads of web content that’s delivered through the HTTP and HTTPS protocols that cannot be found through conventional means.
Robeson Health Care Corporation (RHCC) is a healthcare network serving North Carolina residents. They offer behavioral, dental, general, and outreach services in nine locations across six counties. Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations. Among those who use their services are the City of Detroit, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and the U.S. The number of victims caused by the global MOVEit data breach continues to climb; Welltok has announced more exposures, this time from three more health organizations.
For this, you have to take several specific actions yourself, and that is for the better. One of the most famous tools with which you can reach the dark web is The Onion Router. For this you need, for example, login details or a special link that you have received. The risk arises when you download content that is not authorised and contains malware such as viruses, worms, or keyloggers. Thus, it is essential to practise good online hygiene if you want to be safe when using the internet.
Unless you’re on the dark web yourself, the only way to know whether or not someone is selling your data is to perform a dark web scan. Because privacy and anonymity are the hallmarks of the dark web, it’s easy to assume that everything that happens there is illegal. And while plenty of cybercrime does take place, the dark web is used legally as well. Dark web domains tend to be inconsistent — new ones pop up and others disappear, which makes sense since some of these sites may be offering questionable or illegal goods and services. The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim.
- Examples of the deep web include:
- Online banking sites
- Private social media accounts
- Medical records and hospital databases
- Academic databases and journal articles
- Corporate intranets and internal databases
While the deep web might seem intimidating, it actually serves many legitimate purposes, providing privacy and security for users’ sensitive information.
- For example, a company can search the dark web to see if any of its internal IP addresses, usernames, and passwords have been posted.
- If you install I2P software or the Tor Browser, you can find those Dark Web sites yourself.
- The dark web is where you can find the illegal activity that is the source of so many rumors.
- At Cybriant, we know a thing or two about backup and disaster recovery.
- Despite their differences, the dark web is actually a segment of the deep web, and therefore, the deep web is the larger of the two.
What is the Dark Web?
In contrast, the dark web is a small part of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. Accessing the dark web typically requires specific software, the most common being Tor (The Onion Router).
- Content found on the dark web includes:
- Illegal marketplaces (e.g., drugs, weapons)
- Hacking forums
- Stolen data exchanges
- Anonymous communication platforms
- Whistleblowing sites
The dark web is notorious for hosting illegal activities and can be a dangerous place for unwary users. However, it also serves as a haven for privacy advocates and whistleblowers seeking protection from persecution.
Key Differences: Deep Web vs Dark Web
To further clarify the distinctions, consider the following comparison:
| Criteria | Deep Web | Dark Web |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Requires standard web browsers, but content is not indexed | Requires specific software (e.g., Tor) to access |
| Content Type | Legitimate data, personal and confidential information | Illegal activities and anonymity-focused content |
| Legal Status | Completely legal | Contains both legal and illegal content |
| Safety | Generally safe for users | Potentially dangerous, risks of scams and exploitation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the deep web illegal?
No, the deep web is not illegal. It consists of legitimate websites and services that simply require privacy or are not indexed for various reasons.
Can you access the dark web without Tor?
Accessing the dark web typically requires the Tor browser or similar tools designed to provide anonymity and security.
Is everything on the dark web illegal?
While the dark web is known for hosting illegal content and activities, not everything is illegal. There are forums and websites dedicated to free speech, privacy, and activism.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between the deep web and the dark web is crucial for any internet user. While the deep web offers privacy and security for sensitive information, the dark web is a mixed bag that carries potential risks and rewards. Always exercise caution and be aware of the legal implications when navigating these hidden corners of the internet.
