The surface web (also referred to as the indexed web or visible web) is web content indexed by search engines. The world wide web can be divided into three categories-the surface web, deep web and dark web. But there’s so much more that happens on the dark web. It’s where scammers and bad actors buy and sell leaked confidential information, like credit card information, email addresses, and in some cases, home addresses, too. You can only access the dark web with the Tor browser, which prevents tracking, surveillence, and ad targeting.Īs previously mentioned, the dark web is commonly used for illegal trade.

It allows you to access and browse websites anonymously, using masked IP addresses. The dark web is a part of the internet hidden from search engines. Get leading antivirus, fast VPN, real-time safe browsing and instant ad blocking - all in one app. Let’s dive in to clear up what exactly the dark web is (and what it isn’t) and how it’s different to the web you know. Infamous criminal sites live there, but so do popular, well-known sites and brands. It’s not illegal, but a lot of illegal stuff happens there. Did you know that Facebook has a site accessible via the dark web? So does the New York Times.

However, not all dark web activity is illegal or nefarious. As unreal as it sounds, this is an underworld that exists and trades online with real-life implications. Or maybe you’ve heard about Besa Mafia, the more sinister marketplace for violent activiies like mafia activity, contract killings, blackmail, sex trafficking, arms deals, and terrorist organizations. Launched in 2011, it is known to be one of the first online platforms of the dark web. Perhaps you’ve heard the infamous stories about Silk Road, the online marketplace used to sell illegal drugs with bitcoin behind the veil of the Tor browser. Click here to learn How you can protect yourself from identity theft.

Tor dark web network