Deep Web vs Dark Web: 24 differences to be aware of

Before we dive into the comparison of the Deep Web vs Dark Web, let’s get to know what each of them actually means. The deep web is one of the things that is often associated with the dark side of the internet containing cybercrime, hackers, and dangerous computer viruses. In fact, some people consider the deep web to be a place for illegal and dangerous information.

However, in reality, most of the content on the deep web has nothing to do with illegal activities. It’s just that the content in it is more confidential and not for public consumption.

Apart from considering it as the dark side of the internet, many people also often think that the deep web and dark web are the same thing. In fact, both are different, you know!

So, this article will discuss everything about what the deep web is, starting from the contents of the deep web, the benefits, and the risks when accessing it, to the difference between it and the dark web. Let’s see!

What exactly is the Deep Web?

The deep web is a page on a website whose existence cannot be found through conventional search engines such as Google. The reason this search engine cannot find deep web data when searched by users is because there is no link index on these websites. So, ordinary search engines cannot identify what is inside the deep web.

You can compare the deep web to an iceberg hidden under the surface of the internet. So, the internet that you can find on Google so far is the tip of the iceberg that is visible on the surface, while the deep web is an iceberg that is below sea level, so it is not visible to everyone.

Also Read: Web Servers: How it Works, Functions, and Examples

Most of the sites on the deep web are legal and safe sites. Some of these store highly confidential databases that require credentials to access.

Additionally, people also use the deep web as an intranet. Intranets are internal networks for companies, governments, and educational facilities that are used to communicate and control private aspects of their organizations.

What’s inside the Deep Web?

The deep web is a place where some protected data cannot be accessed and found easily by the public. Some of this data is certainly safer when stored on the deep web to prevent misuse and unauthorized access.

Even though it can’t be found, actually the contents of this deep web are not dangerous, you know! Here are some examples of deep web content that ordinary people commonly hear:

• Personal email account data
• Personal social media account data
• Personal online banking account data
• Company stores data in the company’s own database
• Data contained in scientific and academic databases
• Medical record data
• Official file data

Sensitive data like the one above, of course, should not be spread on the internet just like that. Therefore, the deep web is here to accommodate the data so that it is safer from data theft.

Also Read: How To Increase VPS Security | Top Tips VPS

Well, can someone see these contents? The answer is yes but it will be difficult as they will have to log in to an account and then provide a username, password, or some other type of authentication. This kind of authentication process is a good thing to prove that only the account owner can access the data.

Benefits of the Deep Web

After reading the contents of the deep web above, of course, you can already know the benefits of having a deep web. Yep, the main benefit is protecting sensitive internet user data. Here are other benefits of the deep web :

1. Protect personal data and information

You can use the deep web to store confidential information online. You can save in the form of text, documents, or other files. If you feel unsure about using username and password authentication, you can add multiple authentication (2FA) so that the personal data you store will be more secure.

Also Read:

2. Access personal data and information securely

Apart from storing data, the deep web is also designed so that users can search for information related to their personal data. This occurs because data stored on the deep web can only be located within the deep web itself.

What Are the Risks of Accessing the Deep Web?

Even though the deep web is a part of the internet that is still relatively safe, users must still be careful if they want to visit it. Because you are not the only one who is visiting it. If you are not careful, hackers can get your identity and important data through the device you are using.

To avoid the risk of getting hacked when accessing the deep web, here are some things you need to avoid when visiting the deep web :

• Hide your identity
• Stay away from dangerous links
• Avoid making payment transactions on the deep web
• Stay aware of each type of content you are looking for
• Avoid conversations with strangers

Difference between Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web

After reading this far, you may be wondering what is the difference between the deep web and the dark web. Well, we will discuss the answers one by one from each understanding.

The surface web is pages on the internet that you can find through conventional search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others. Surface web pages are public sites, for example, the TechBriefers blog. Sites in the surface web category can be indexed in search engines, and users can find information through those search engines.

Also Read: Top 20 Google search engine alternatives

Furthermore, the deep web is a site that stores confidential databases. Most of the deep web content consists of sensitive information that search engines should not find. Such as personal banking data, email addresses, and phone numbers.

By hiding personal data from the public by using authentication such as usernames and passwords, the deep web can help protect the privacy of its users.

Meanwhile, the dark web is a site and search engine that may be difficult for ordinary users to find. Just like the deep web, the public cannot find the dark web through search engines. However, some content on the dark web is illegal and unsafe for public consumption.

To access the dark web, users need to use certain network protocols or special applications such as the Tor browser. Website domains on the dark web generally only use the .onion domain extension.

Deep Web vs Dark Web Comparison Table

The following is a table showing a clear comparison i.e., Deep Web vs Dark Web:

#	Aspect	Deep Web	Dark Web
1	Accessibility	Not searchable on regular search engines	Not searchable on regular search engines
2	Content	Private databases, confidential info	Illicit content, black markets
3	Purpose	Store sensitive info, research resources	Concealment, anonymity, hidden services
4	Safety	Generally safe, protected data	Mostly misunderstood due to a lack of awareness
5	Access	Restricted, often requires credentials	Requires special tools (e.g., Tor browser)
6	Domain	Standard domain extensions	Uses .onion domain extension
7	Legality	Mostly legal content, private data	Mix of legal and illegal activities
8	Anonymity	Provides privacy through authentication	Offers anonymity through encryption
9	Usage	Research, private communication	Anonymity, illegal trade, activism
10	Visibility	A mix of legal and illegal activities	Not visible, intentionally hidden
11	Authentication	Often requires login credentials	Typically utilizes encryption and special tools
12	Trustworthiness	Generally contains reputable sources	Often associated with illegal or unreliable content
13	Commercialization	Used for business operations	Can involve illegal markets and illicit services
14	Regulation	Operates within legal boundaries	Operates in a less regulated or monitored environment
15	Purpose Focus	Focuses on private and confidential data	Focuses on anonymity, privacy, and hidden activities
16	User Profiles	User profiles might require personal details	Emphasizes pseudonymity and avoiding personal info
17	Perception	Mostly misunderstood due to lack of awareness	Often seen as a hub for illegal or malicious activities
18	Communication	Can include secure communication channels	Offers encrypted communication for privacy
19	Content Control	Controlled by organizations and individuals	Less control, often decentralized in nature
20	Data Protection	Focuses on protecting sensitive information	May lack data protection, leading to breaches
21	Research Value	Holds valuable academic and research data	Limited research value, mainly due to content
22	Community	Includes online forums, intranets, etc.	Hosts online forums, marketplaces, and more
23	Information Depth	Contains deep databases and archives	Contains hidden and obscure information
24	Knowledge	Offers professional and academic resources	Mostly misunderstood due to a lack of awareness

Deep Web Vs Dark Web comparison chart

Are you already familiar with the definition and contents of the Deep Web?

Even though the term may sound full of negative and dangerous things, actually the deep web is a collection of websites that contain confidential information such as someone’s specific data. So, the contents of the deep web are data that cannot be accessed by the public because they can be misused.

The deep web even has benefits such as protecting one’s sensitive data such as credit card information, bank accounts, and so on. Up here, surely you don’t think of the deep web as the dark and gloomy side of the internet, right? So this article, I hope it’s useful, huh!