Dark Web vs Deep Web: 14 Key Differences
-
By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
-
12 February 2025
-
16 mins read
This might sound cliche, but the Internet is not secure!
Beneath the familiar websites and social media feeds lies a mysterious side called the deep web. And within that, a more secretive and controversial platform exists called the dark web.
Although used interchangeably, they are not the same. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between the deep and dark web.
What is the Deep Web?
The deep web is the vast portion of the Internet hidden from standard search engines like Google or Brave. It is a collection of content requiring specific access credentials. Many academic resources, medical records, and internal business networks are included in the deep web.
It also includes information crucial for research, professional work, and secure organizational operations, but generally not intended for public consumption. You will need trusted credentials to access those resources or private databases.
Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web
Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web, a subset of the deep web, is intentionally hidden and requires special software like Tor for access. The dark web is often considered risky, as sensitive data can be exploited for illegal activities. However, that's not entirely true, as it can also benefit certain legitimate activities.
Dark Web vs Deep Web: Major Differences
| Features | Deep Web | Dark Web |
| Accessibility | Requires specific login credentials, URLs, or access permissions | Requires a specific browser, for example, TOR. |
| Size | Carries a large content base. | Smaller than the deep web, but still massive. |
| Content | Private databases, academic journals, medical records, internal company intranets, cloud storage, paywalled content, dynamic content (requires login) | Hidden services (websites with .onion addresses), forums, marketplaces, file sharing networks, encrypted communication platform. |
| Anonymity | Some content might be anonymous, some can reveal your identity. | Higher degree of anonymity is a core feature and is important to maintain to stay safe. |
| Security | Not completely safe but security and privacy can be maintained. | Often associated with higher security risks due to illicit activities and anonymity. |
| Legality | Mostly legal content, though some may be restricted or require subscriptions | Contains both legal and illegal content. |
| Examples | Online banking portals, university library databases, corporate intranets, cloud storage, paywalled news articles | Silk Road (defunct), various black markets, Tor forums, encrypted chat platforms |
| Purpose | Secure private data, trusted communication, access to restricted information, and content behind paywalls | Anonymity, privacy, access to information in censored environments, illicit activities |
| Risks | Data breaches, malware, phishing scams, unauthorized access | Exposure to illegal content, malware, scams, legal repercussions, surveillance |
| Software | Standard web browsers (with correct credentials) | Tor browser, other specialized software |
| Search Engines | Not accessible via Google, Bing, etc. | Not indexed by standard search engines; requires specialized search tools within the dark web |
| Indexing | Not indexed by standard search engines | Not indexed by any standard search engines, deliberately hidden |
| Legality | Usually legal content. | A mix of legal and illegal content. |
| Reputation | Generally good, as it is a part of the internet maintained for better privacy in services. | Negative reputation, due to illegitimate activities. |
Is it Safe to Access the Deep Web and the Dark Web?
Deep web is generally safer and requires proper authentication, but some risks remain. Some Deep Web websites may be vulnerable to identity theft, malware, and phishing. You can also sometimes access illegal content unintentionally.
On the other hand, the dark web is considered a platform where you can find a market for illegal activities. You could become a target of data theft while on the dark web, as some people operate to steal your information.
#Mexico 🇲🇽 - Allegedly, Unauthorized access to Fiscalía General de la República is on
— Dark Web Intelligence (@DailyDarkWeb) July 17, 2023
Threat actor claims to have dumped more than 10GB of data including, records of sessions, documents, list of employees and more.#DarkWeb pic.twitter.com/gQi2FQ05pw
How to Find Out If Your Data is on the Dark Web?
Your concern is understandable! To maintain privacy, there's a need to check whether or not your data is on the dark web. You can use PureVPN to enable dark web monitoring to get real-time alerts in case someone reveals your data on the dark web, giving you enough time to take action.
You will get to know if it was leaked previously once your privacy score is analyzed. If you suspect that your data might be a part of any breach and is on the dark web, then you can do the following:
- Reset your passwords,
- Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA),
- Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
- Install PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
- Visit the Members Area to get access.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor.
- Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.
- Mention the code sent to your registered number and you’re done.
7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach.
8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.
How Can a VPN Enhance Online Privacy
A reliable VPN can be the best option to access the dark web, providing you:
Secure and Private Access
When exploring the dark web, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes incoming traffic through a secure server.
Hide Your IP Address
A VPN hides your IP address and protects your location on multiple platforms, which makes your online identity anonymous.
Prevent Cyber Threats
Prevent scammers, hackers, and malicious actors who target netizens like you and me with phishing and identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Is VPN better than TOR?
Yes, a premium VPN with enhanced security features is better than TOR. Although Tor provides encryption for your data, it might be a wee complex for some of you to use and even slow down your connection.
-
Can I access the deep web with a VPN?
Yes, you can access some resources on the deep web with a VPN, but others might not be available as they require a trusted IP address. If you want to access the deep web with a secure and private IP address, you can choose PureVPN's dedicated IP address and add it to a whitelist.
-
Can I use a free VPN to access the dark web?
No. Free VPNs attract a vast user base but lack basic security and privacy features. They have no encryption protocols and might expose your identity on the dark web, making you vulnerable to data theft, stolen identity, and scams.
-
Can I be tracked on the dark web?
Yes. Government surveillance, hackers, and intruders are always trying to track your activities on the dark web. Specific methods, such as malware, browser exploits, and website vulnerabilities, can be used to track your identity.
-
What is the best VPN to access the dark web?
PureVPN offers the best security features for accessing the dark web, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, WireGuard, and an internet kill switch. Plus, with tracker blocker, dark web monitoring, and data removal service, you can get added privacy against dark web vulnerabilities.
Wrap Up
The deep and dark web are worth exploring, but they have inherent risks! By prioritizing your safety, you can have a better experience! Using PureVPN to access the dark and deep web is crucial. You must adopt basic security practices, such as keeping a separate dark web identity, avoiding exploitable features, and keeping your family away from the network by isolating the device.
