What is the dark web, and how does it work?

What is the dark web? 

The dark web is a part of the internet accessible through software such as Tor or I2P (the Invisible Internet Project). While often called “the seedy underbelly of the internet” due to its association with illegal activities, it contains a network of unindexed web content that serves both legitimate and criminal purposes. Many users access the dark web for privacy protection, secure communication, and accessing information in countries with internet censorship.

Freenet was the first major dark web platform, and Tor followed as a project developed by the Naval Research Laboratory to enable anonymous communication. Unlike regular browsers, where your identity and location can be tracked, Tor was designed to allow people to communicate without revealing who they are or where they're located. While its original purpose was to protect privacy and enable secure communication for journalists, activists, and other people in dangerous situations, it also became a haven for illegal activities, such as the Silk Road black market, where anonymous users could buy and sell illegal items, including drugs or sexually explicit materials.

How does the dark web work? 

The dark web runs on networks that hide a user’s identity by moving traffic through several encrypted steps. Tools like the Tor browser send your connection through a chain of volunteer-run servers, so no single server knows who you are or what site you’re visiting. This system lets people reach .onion sites that aren’t indexed by regular search engines.

You can also use a dark web search engine, like DuckDuckGo or Torch, to help you source dark web websites. These search engines allow you to gain access to dark web sites that can’t be indexed. Regular search engines such as Google or Bing can’t be used because they can only search for indexed websites on the open web. 

What is the difference between the open, deep, and dark web? 

The web is commonly divided into three parts: the open web, the deep web, and the dark web.

The open (surface) web 

The open web, also called the surface web, is the set of sites and content indexed by “regular” search engines like Google and Bing. Open web examples include news sites (like The New York Times or Yahoo), shopping (e-commerce), blogs (ranging from food blogs to financial advice and everything in between), and social media networks (like X, Facebook, and Instagram). 

The deep web 

On the deep web, internet users can access unindexed content that isn’t found on regular search engines. Information on the deep web is hidden behind a wall and can include online banking, private databases, subscription services, educational materials, email accounts, employer networks, paywalled sites, and private social media profiles. Deep web content is often regular information, accessible only to individuals with the proper login credentials or specialized software. 

The dark web 

The dark web differs from the open and deep web because it requires specialized browsers like Tor to access its networks. It’s considered a subsection of the deep web and hosts various types of content, including black markets, discussion forums on diverse topics, whistleblowing platforms, news sites for censored regions, and private communication channels alongside illegal marketplaces.

What percent of the internet is the dark web? 

The dark web makes up only a tiny fraction of the internet, with estimates ranging from 0.01% to 6%. In comparison, the deep web, which includes private databases, email accounts, paywalled sites, and other unindexed content, accounts for roughly 90% of all online data. The open web, the portion of the internet indexed by search engines like Google and Bing, makes up about 4% of the total.

What can you find on the dark web? 

The dark web hosts various types of anonymous sites and content. While it’s known for illegal marketplaces selling items like drugs and stolen financial information, the dark web also hosts legal products and services. Some people use it to buy legal items anonymously for privacy reasons, access uncensored books or information, or obtain materials that might be restricted in their country but legal elsewhere. However, it’s important to note that navigating these marketplaces carries significant risks regardless of the item’s legality.

What happens on the dark web: 

• Marketplaces offer buyers and sellers a place to purchase various items anonymously. While many focus on illegal goods, some also sell legal products that buyers want to purchase privately. These markets typically run transactions using cryptocurrency. 
• Platforms for whistleblowers allow people to share leaked or sensitive information online. 
• Leaked data websites may exist to sell information or to share stolen sensitive personal information. This can include sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and login credentials.
• Hacked streaming sites allow individuals to view illegal pirated copyrighted content. Accessing this type of stolen content is illegal. 
• Illegal or sexually explicit content is sold through the dark web, including that which exploits children. The people selling content that exploits minors hide on the dark web to avoid criminal charges. 
• Forged document sellers host sites where they can create personalized fake documents for individuals. Again, the dark web gives them cover for their illegal activities. 
• Drug trafficking sites allow people to purchase drugs online anonymously, often with anonymous payment methods such as cryptocurrency.  
• Hacking or cybercrime tools exist on the dark web for hackers to distribute cyberattack services or software and discuss or share hacking tools. 

Legitimate reasons to use the dark web

While the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, many people use it for perfectly legal and important reasons:

• Privacy and security protection. Journalists, activists, and whistleblowers use the dark web to communicate securely when reporting on sensitive topics or exposing wrongdoing. The anonymity protects them from retaliation or government surveillance.
• Bypassing censorship. People living in countries with strict internet censorship use the dark web to access blocked news sites, social media platforms, or educational resources. 
• Protecting personal privacy. Some people use the dark web simply to browse the internet without being tracked by companies or governments.
• Secure communication. The dark web provides encrypted messaging and email services that offer stronger privacy protections than regular communication platforms, making it valuable for anyone who needs secure communication.
• Research and education. Security researchers, academics, and law enforcement professionals study the dark web to understand cybersecurity threats and develop better protection methods.

Legal considerations of the dark web 

The dark web is legal if you’re not accessing illegal sites or purchasing items illegally. Certain sites, such as those selling or showing child exploitative materials or forged documents and drug trafficking sites, are generally not legal to access. 

Law enforcement departments do monitor illegal activities on the dark web, so be aware of what you’re accessing and its legality. Individuals may be subject to laws on the dark web, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).

Dangers of the dark web 

Those using the dark web will likely come across a few dangers. While anonymized services offer benefits, they also carry risks.

Pros of the dark web

The dark web offers several advantages:

• Anonymity with a high level of privacy, which makes it hard for activity to be tracked. This higher level of privacy (higher than on the open or deep web) allows users to protect their identity. 
• Unfettered access to information, content, and transactions that are typically not possible using normal websites (on the open or deep web). 
• Safer platform for sensitive data and whistleblowers. It’s considered a haven for activists and journalists to share information securely. 

Cons of the dark web

Significant risks also come with dark web use:

• Your device and personal information may be exposed to malicious software through scams or malware. 
• Those using the dark web should also consider the legal risks and the legality of their online interactions. Many activities on the dark web are classified as illegal. 
• Law enforcement departments may set up “honey pots” to catch criminals or those using dark web sites for illegal activities. Users are then caught and arrested for their crimes. 

What to do if your information is on the dark web 

If your information is on the dark web, update any passwords for accounts that you’re concerned about. Turn on two-factor authentication, so you’re protected in the future. You can also set up dark web monitoring and use an identity protection service to receive alerts as soon as your information has been found on the dark web. 

If you’d like to learn more, you can take a look at our guide on how to find out if your information is on the dark web.

What is the top dark web monitoring service?

Dark web monitoring software and services vary and offer a sliding scale of benefits. The “best” service will depend on your personal needs.

NordProtect’s dark web monitoring is considered one of the best on the market. The service provides visibility into leaked or stolen data and continuously scans the dark web. It has the power to monitor spaces such as deep- and dark-web forums, marketplaces, Telegram channels, and ransomware blogs. 

Your online presence is often at risk, but with tools like NordProtect, you have access to identity theft protection.