First thing first, we must clarify that Deep Web is not the same as Dark Web. The Deep Web refers to the entire set of internet that we do not see. It is the content that is not freely open. It’s basically what you can’t find on Google. Such as files hosted on a cloud server, email messages, etc. Most of the internet content is on the Deep Web. The Dark Web is a section of the Deep Web, it is the black or dark part of the internet and this part must be accessed through the use of certain tools. This is where the illegal content is found.
The Dark Web can be accessed through a specific browser, the best known is the Tor Browser. It cannot be entered through Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. One way to explain the Dark Web, the DeepWeb, and the normal Web is by comparing it to an iceberg. The visible tip of the iceberg is the normal Web, what we see, what we find when browsing. This represents only 4% of the total. The Deep Web is the vast majority of the internet and represents 90% of the total and is the largest mass of the iceberg and the Dark web represents a minority, 6% and is within the Web.
But before thinking about entering these parts of the internet we have to take into account that we can:
▸You could access compromising content
Among the illegal information that you can access, there are videos of pedophilia, mutilations, murders, etc. Accessing material of this type can be compromising for you, even if you have seen it just out of curiosity. Since there are authorities (police, investigators) who track users who access this illegal content and who are therefore accomplices of the crime that is committed. You could have several charges if they find out that you are the person who is viewing this type of web content.
▸You could meet criminals
In the Deep Web there are curious people like you or investigators specialized in digital crimes, but there are also people of bad life. By accessing the Deep Web you could be being tracked by a hacker who can, in a matter of seconds, empty all your accounts. In worse cases, you may never have privacy again.
▸You could fill your PC with viruses
Another risk of entering the Deep Web is that being in no man’s land, you are more likely to infect your PC with viruses. Therefore, it is also recommended that if you are going to enter the Deep Web from your laptop or PC, you have an excellent antivirus, or failing that, do not use your own computer or laptop.
Related reads:
Tor Browser – Is the platform as safe as we think?
Risks of accepting Cookies while browsing the web
