The dark web is intentionally hidden and requires the use of special tools like the Tor browser, which enables anonymous communication and browsing.
In contrast, the clear web is the publicly accessible portion of the internet that standard search engines index and search. It consists of websites and resources that are openly available to users without any special access requirements or encryption protocols. The deep web includes all the pages that search engines don’t index including password-protected websites and websites that choose not to be “crawled” by search engines. The deep web contains content that’s stored in databases that support services on the clear web, such as social media platforms or subscription streaming services.
While the dark web hosts various illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen data, drugs, and weapons, it also facilitates other activities, including privacy-focused communication, political activism, and sensitive information sharing in oppressive regimes.
The anonymity provided by the dark web makes it appealing for both legal and illegal purposes, as it allows users to communicate and share information without revealing their identities or locations.
Though threat actors are often associated with the dark web, they gather in many areas across the clear & dark web and illicit Telegram channels. Dark web monitoring is one essential piece of a comprehensive cyber threat intelligence strategy.