What comes to your mind when you think about deep web or dark web, is a guy wearing a hoodie with a Windows laptop full of RGB lights. That is what most people think about deep or dark, it is a perception based on various social media posts and web series. 

But the truth is the deep web is not that deep and the dark web is not that dark. 

Let’s dive deeper into these 3 types of web, starting with the surface web. For your better understanding, we have divided every web category into 2 points, point no 1:- Why to surf and 2:-  How to surf.  

1. Surface Web

The surface web is one that we interact with in our daily lives and has most of the traffic. But still, this is only 20% of the complete web. 

The fact is nobody knows how big the web is, you can compare the web with the universe we only consider what we can observe. Just like the universe internet is also expanding is a rapid pace more than we can ever consume. 

Why to surf:

Most of the surface web is surfed for watching cat videos. 

Just kidding Surface Web accommodates activities like reading news, social media activities, and online shopping. 

Considering the transparency of the surface web it is also called the crear web of open web.  Most of the activities on the surface web are tracked by various organizations including government and private.  

How to surf:

Most of the surface web can surf through browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari. Search Engines are the most popular sites that are visited on the internet for example Google, YouTube, and Yahoo. Followed by the search engines 2nd spot is captured by social media apps like Meta, Instagram, and X.   

You can directly surf the surface web without any external tool, proxy, or VPN. 

2. Deep Web

The surface web is just the tip of the iceberg. Lurking beneath lies the deep web, a vast expanse estimated to be hundreds of times larger. Unlike the surface web readily indexed by search engines, the deep web remains hidden.

Why to surf:

The deep web isn’t all about secrecy. It holds a treasure trove of valuable, legitimate content – think academic journals, private databases, legal documents, and even password-protected social media profiles. Businesses utilize it for internal resources and communication.

Another use of the deep web is for illegal transactional use such as giving briefs and hiring hitmen. All of these transaction happens through blockchain cryptocurrency, making it a 

How to surf:

Most of the Search engines like Google and Yahoo can’t reach the deep web. You have to use specialized directories like The Invisible Web or The World Wide Web Virtual Library to visit. 

With the deep web, you need a tool for everything.  Certain content requires specific software. For academic papers, explore JSTOR or ScienceDirect.

To explore the deep web more you have to write precise search queries. Using  Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to narrow results. While searching in the deep web you need to use engines like DuckDuckGo for increased privacy. Because most of the deep web searches are monitored by secret government organizations like the FBI and MOSSAD.    

Caution to take in Deep Web:  

The deep web is the place where most phishing scam happens because now know the real identity here everyone has a sudo identity linked to their profile. That’s why there is no way you can track a scam and take action to prevent or punish it.  

To prevent any scams or phishing you must use a strong anti-virus and prevent giving sensitive information to any suspicious accounts or chats. 

3. Dark Web

Deeper still lies the dark web, a labyrinthine network shrouded in anonymity. Accessed through specialized browsers like Tor, it’s known for harboring illicit activities. But is it all bad?

Why to surf:

The dark web offers a haven for free speech in oppressive regimes. Journalists and activists use it to communicate securely. It can also be a marketplace for niche goods, from rare books to specific software.

How to surf

Use a reputable Tor browser and consider a VPN for additional security. Be wary of revealing personal information.

Transactions are often conducted using cryptocurrency, making them difficult to trace. Be aware of scams and illegal products.

The dark web is a breeding ground for malware and cybercrime. Only download files from trusted sources. Consider using a virtual machine for added protection.

Caution to take in the dark Web:  

The dark web is a complex and potentially dangerous environment. Venture in at your own risk.  For most users, the surface web and deep web offer enough exploration. If you must enter the dark web, prioritize security and be extremely cautious.

Conclusion

The Internet is like an iceberg, with its visible surface, expansive deep web, and mysterious dark web. While the surface web is our everyday playground for information, the deep web holds vast uncharted territories accessible through specific means. Meanwhile, the dark web, shrouded in anonymity, remains a cautionary realm. Understanding these layers unveils the complexity of our online world, reminding us to navigate responsibly and stay aware of the hidden depths beneath the familiar surface.