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The Deep Web: Discover the hidden side of the Internet
The Deep Web, also called the “deep web” or the “invisible web”, is a little-known but vast part of the Internet.
Unlike the surface web that we use daily via search engines like Google, the Deep Web is full of sites and content that are not indexed and remain invisible to most Internet users.
An analogy to understand the Deep Web
Think of the internet as a huge ocean. The surface web would be the tip of the iceberg, easily accessible and visible to all.
The Deep Web, on the other hand, would represent the submerged part of the iceberg, much larger but hidden under the surface.
Why is the Deep Web invisible?
Deep Web pages are not indexed by search engines for several reasons:
- Password-protected pages : Many Deep Web sites require authentication to access their content, such as online bank accounts or corporate intranets.
- Unlinked pages : Some Deep Web pages are not linked to any other page by hypertext links, making them invisible to search engine robots that scour the web from link to link.
- Dynamically generated pages : Many Deep Web pages are created on the fly in response to a specific query, such as the results of a search on an online library site. These pages do not have a fixed URL and are therefore not indexable.
- Non-HTML files : Engines mainly index pages in HTML format. Files in other formats (PDFs, images, videos) are often overlooked, even though they may contain valuable information. The dark web is not only used for illegal purposes, but also for legitimate reasons such as online privacy and freedom of expression.
You are already using the Deep Web without knowing it
Contrary to popular belief, most Internet users regularly access the Deep Web in their daily lives.
Every time you log into your online bank account, check your email, or access your social media profile, you're actually browsing the Deep Web.
These pages are specifically generated for you and are not publicly accessible.
They require authentication and are therefore excluded from indexing by search engines.
What happens if you try to access a Deep Web page directly?
If you attempt to access a Deep Web page without going through the required authentication procedure, you may be faced with several scenarios:
- Redirection : The site may refer you to a generic home page or login page, without giving you access to protected content.
- Error message : You may encounter a 404 error (page not found) or another indication that the requested page cannot be accessed without the necessary permissions.
- Authentication request : In some cases, the site will directly invite you to identify yourself with a username and password to access the content.
Exploring the Deep Web: What do we find?
The Deep Web, often unknown to the general public, is full of a multitude of sites and content that are not accessible via traditional search engines.
Let's dive into this fascinating universe together to find out what's hidden there.
1. Common types of deep web sites
The Deep Web is home to a wide variety of websites, some examples of which are:
- Authenticated sites and membership sites : These sites require a subscription or payment to access their content.
- Social media user dashboards : Users' personal social media pages are part of the Deep Web.
- Geo-restricted content : Some sites limit access to their content based on the geographic location of users.
- Internal sites of companies and organizations : Intranets and corporate portals are often inaccessible to the public.
- Bank accounts and email accounts : The login pages and personal data of these accounts are protected and not indexed.
- Scientific and academic databases : Many academic resources are only accessible via specific portals.
- Medical records : Patient medical information is highly confidential and is not indexed by search engines.
2. The extent of the Deep Web
It is fascinating to note that the Deep Web represents approximately 96% of the internet, while the surface web (the pages indexed by search engines) only constitutes between 1 and 4%.
Some parts of the Deep Web have never even been explored by humans because they are filled with coding and programming languages that communicate with servers and process data.
3. Pages at the border of the Deep Web and the Surface Web
Some pages are on the border between the Deep Web and the Surface Web. For example, login pages for content management systems like WordPress are technically accessible to everyone, but require credentials to access protected content.
If security measures are insufficient, these pages can sometimes be indexed by search engines.
4. Everyday access to the Deep Web
Contrary to popular belief, most Internet users regularly access the Deep Web without even knowing it.
When you check your email, your online bank account or your personalized news feed on social networks, you are actually browsing the Deep Web. These pages are specifically generated for you and are not publicly available.
It's important to note that unauthorized access to other people's private accounts is illegal and virtually impossible without stealing their credentials or exploiting a security breach.
Moreover, companies hire ethical hackers (or”White Hat“) to test the security of their sites and prevent malicious intrusions.
5. Search engines and the Deep Web
Traditional search engines like Google or Bing index web pages by following the hypertext links that link them together.
The more inbound links a page receives, the better it will rank in search results.
However, many pages on the Deep Web are not linked by links or have deliberately blocked indexing by search engine robots.
These pages are then invisible in the classic search results.
6. The Deep Web and geographic restrictions
Access to certain web content may vary depending on the geographical location of users. This is called geo-restriction.
For example, people in some countries such as China face significant censorship that blocks access to large swathes of the Internet that are freely accessible from other countries.
Likewise, news sites and streaming services sometimes adapt their content according to the user's country, creating disparities in access to information.
It is possible to bypass these restrictions by using a VPN (virtual private network) Or a Proxy which gives the illusion of being located in another country.
Although this practice is controversial, many users use it to access geo-blocked content on platforms like Netflix.
Difference between deep web and dark web
The Deep Web and the Dark Web are often confused, but it's important to understand their differences to get a clear overview of the invisible Internet.
1. Deep Web: The Hidden Part of the Iceberg
The Deep Web, also called the “deep web” or “invisible web”, refers to all web pages that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo.
These include:
- Of protected pages with a password (online bank accounts, mailboxes, etc.)
- Of pages accessible only via specific search forms (databases, library catalogs, etc.)
- Of unlinked pages from other pages (orphan pages)
Contrary to popular belief, the Deep Web is not illegal in itself.
It mainly contains legitimate data but is not accessible to the general public for reasons of confidentiality or technical reasons.
2. Dark Web: The Dark Side of the Deep Web
The Dark Web is a specific part of the Deep Web that can only be accessed through specialized browsers like the Tor browser (The Onion Router).
Dark Web sites have “.onion” addresses and are intentionally hidden to maintain the anonymity of their users.
Unfortunately, the Dark Web is often associated with illegal activities:
- Trading drugs, weapons, and stolen data on illicit markets like Silk Road
- Content like child pornography
- Hacker and cybercriminal forums
A recent article revealed that out of 2,723 dark web sites analyzed, 57% were dedicated to illicit content and illegal activities.
For this, it is important to go to the dark web in a secure and anonymous way.
3. Legitimate uses of the Dark Web
Despite its sulphurous reputation, the Dark Web is not only populated by criminals.
It is also used for legitimate purposes by:
- Whistleblowers who denounce scandals or abuses of power
- Journalists who protect their sources and communicate securely
- Military and intelligence services that exchange sensitive information
- Citizens from countries subject to censorship who bypass restrictions to access information
In these cases, the anonymity offered by the Dark Web protects lives and defends freedom of expression.
How to Access the Dark Web Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you wondering how to go to the deep web and access the dark web safely?
This detailed tutorial explains step by step how to get to the Internet darknet network, that part of the deep web that is not indexed by traditional search engines.
1. Download and install Tor Browser
To access the dark web, you'll need a specific browser called Tor Browser.
Tor, which stands for “The Onion Router,” is a computer network designed to anonymize your IP address and protect your online privacy.
- Go to the official Tor Project website (torproject.org) and click on the “Download Tor Browser” button.
- Select your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux) and language, then click on”Download“(Download).
- Once the download is complete, open the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Tor Browser.
2. Set up and launch Tor Browser
- Launch Tor Browser from the shortcut created on your desktop or in your start menu.
- A configuration window will open. Select”Connect“(Connect) to connect directly to the Tor network. If you are in a country where Tor is censored, choose”Configure“(Configure) for alternative connection options.
- Wait for the web browser Tor Browser establishes a connection to the Tor network. This may take a few moments.
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3. Use a VPN for increased security (optional)
For an added layer of security and anonymity, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in addition to Tor to safely access the dark web.
A VPN will hide your real IP address and encrypt all your internet traffic (and your privacy at the same time) on the “World Wide Web”:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN service which does not keep connection logs.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server before launching Tor Browser.
4. Browsing the Dark Web
- Once Tor Browser is launched, you can access dark web sites that have “.onion” addresses. These website addresses are not accessible via conventional browsers such as Google Chrome.
- To find sites on the dark web, you can use index pages like “The Hidden Wiki.” Type The Hidden Wiki address into the Tor Browser address bar and press Enter.
- On The Hidden Wiki, you'll find links to various dark web sites, organized by categories. Click on a link to go to a site.
- Be extremely careful when browsing the dark web. Many sites host illegal activities and may contain malware. Only open pages you trust and don't download anything without being sure of the source.
5. Stay anonymous and safe
- Don't enter personal information on dark web sites, such as your real name, address, or bank details.
- Use a unique screen name that is not linked to your online identity on the surface web.
- Cover your webcam and mute your microphone to avoid unwanted surveillance.
- Always sign out of Tor Browser when you're done browsing the dark web. Click on the menu button (the three horizontal lines) in the top right corner, then select”New Identity“(New identity) to reset your Tor session.
By following this step-by-step tutorial, you will be able to access the dark web while maintaining your security and anonymity.
Remember that while anyone can technically access the darknet, it's a place that poses significant risks if you don't take the necessary precautions.
Always be vigilant and think carefully before engaging in any activity on the dark web.
What is the Darknet?
The Darknet refers to a set of superimposed networks that are only accessible via specific software, configurations, or permissions.
These networks often use non-standard communication protocols and guarantee the anonymity of users.
The most well known darknets include:
- Tor (The Onion Router): A decentralized network that routes traffic through multiple nodes to mask the identity of users.
- I2P (Invisible Internet Project): An anonymous network that uses end-to-end encryption to protect communications.
- Freenet : A decentralized peer-to-peer network that focuses on freedom of expression and resistance to censorship.
Darknets have many legitimate uses, such as the protection of whistleblowers, communication between journalists and sources, or access to information in countries subject to censorship.
FAQs
What is the clean web?
The clean web represents the part of the Internet that is accessible to the public via search engines. It is the visible web that we use daily for most of our online activities.
What is the dark web?
The Dark Web (or Dark Web) refers to sites and services that can only be accessed via Darknets, in particular the Tor network. These sites have “.onion” addresses and require a special browser like Tor Browser to access them.
What is the darknet?
The darknet is a part of the dark web that requires specific configurations to access it, often via networks like Tor or I2P. It is designed for anonymity.
How do I get on the darknet?
To go to the darknet, download and install the Tor browser, then use it to access .onion sites. Be sure to take safety precautions like using a VPN and avoiding giving out personal information.
Conclusion
The Deep Web is a vast and unknown space that houses a multitude of sites and content that are not indexed by search engines.
From personal pages to specialized databases to geo-restricted content, the Deep Web is full of information that is not accessible on the surface.
Although access to certain parts of the Deep Web is restricted or requires authorization, most Internet users regularly browse it without even knowing it, especially when they consult their online accounts or dynamically generated pages.
Understanding how the Deep Web works makes it possible to better understand the structure of the Internet as a whole and to become aware of the extent of information that is beyond the reach of traditional search engines.
