Most of us use the internet for pretty common reasons, be it social media, buying products and services, and streaming content.

But the landscape of the internet comprises multiple levels: the surface, deep, and dark web. The latter two of these three layers have garnered many rumors and a dubious reputation over the years, but what are they really all about?

Deep vs. Dark Web: A Quick Comparison

Let's run over a quick comparative table before getting into the specific elements and dangers of the deep web and dark web.

These two internet layers can overlap to some degree, but there are some important differences, in terms of both accessibility, legality, and safety, to keep in mind.

What Is the Deep Web?

The deep web is the layer that exists between the surface and dark web, as shown in the iceberg diagram below.

Though you may have never heard of it, the deep web takes up a huge majority of the web as a whole. Private databases, unused websites, intranets, and other sites that your search engine can't pick up via a default search can be found in this realm.

But private online accounts also comprise the deep web. This includes private messages, bank accounts, and forums that cannot be directly accessed via a browser search.

For instance, you can search "Gmail" via Google and get the Gmail login page as the first result. But you can't access your friend or relative's Gmail account by simply searching for it online. To do this, you need to log in using the correct credentials. This makes it a deep webpage.

How to Access the Deep Web

You can access the deep web via your regular browser, or use dedicated deep web search engines. If you're looking to access one of your private accounts, this can usually be done via the login page you find through a simple browser search.

However, if you're looking to search solely for deep web content, a deep web browser is the way to go. Maybe you want to find a very old website that no one uses anymore, or search for a specific set of public government records. This is much easier via a deep web browser, such as The Wayback Machine, SearX, and USA.gov.

What Are the Risks of the Deep Web?

Despite its slightly elusive name, the deep web isn't an outright cybersecurity threat. But it still certainly holds its fair share of dangers to look out for. Just like the surface web, the deep web can host shady sites operated by illicit individuals.

Make sure you're not using a malicious deep web search engine or directory when trying to find particular sites. It's always best to go for the more reputable option than a shadier tool you've never heard of before. Such sites may be fitted with malware, be it to steal your data online or infect your device directly. It's also wise to use a VPN when using the deep web to make sure your IP and activity remains private.

Should You Access the Deep Web?

Accessing the deep web is legal, so long as you're only logging into or accessing private pages if you have authorization. For instance, accessing a public database is harmless, but logging into someone's bank account without their permission is considered hacking.

To avoid running into cybercrime on the deep web, you need to know how to spot malicious sites. Taking note of shady privacy policies, spelling errors, and weird URLs can all help you steer clear of illicit actors on the deep web.

It's generally safe to use deep webpages, so using this layer of the web while still remaining vigilant shouldn't be a problem for you. Employing security protocols like VPNs can help you remain anonymous on the deep web, helping you dodge tracking and hacking.

What Is the Dark Web?

The dark web is generally seen as the most secretive layer of the web (though some theorize there is a shadow web or Mariana's web hiding below the dark web). Here, you'll find a wide range of different platforms and content that the surface and deep web likely do not host.

Sometimes, this is because the website creator simply doesn't want their platform found by surface web users, but it may also be due to the legality of the content or services being offered. After all, a website selling illegal firearms likely won't last long if it's listed on Google.

How to Access the Dark Web

You can access the dark web fairly easily via the Tor browser. This is a free browser that uses a data encryption technique known as onion routing to keep you mostly anonymous as a user. Your IP address and activity are masked via onion routing through three rounds of encryption (through three separate nodes), which makes Tor perfect for accessing the dark web.

Tor can be easily installed on macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows, and is fairly easy to use. However, your data is not encrypted when it hits the first node of the onion routing process, which is why it's wise to always have a VPN active when you're accessing the dark web.

What Are the Risks of the Dark Web?

A common misconception held by many is that the dark web is entirely illegal. This is not the case. There are plenty of harmless sites on the dark web, but this layer's huge amount of illegal services and content should definitely be considered if you're thinking about accessing the dark web.

Of all the internet layers discussed here, the dark web is arguably the most dangerous. There are illicit figures in every corner of the web, but the dark web was popularized by those who want to access content that usually wouldn't be allowed on the surface or deep web. Much of this content is illegal, so it's no surprise that you may come across some shady users while perusing the dark web. What's more, a lot of dark websites are riddled with malware, so just a click or two may infect your device without your knowledge.

However, the dark web also has a clear focus on user privacy. Encryption is a mainstay on the dark web, with most users having their IPs and browsing activity obscured via onion routing. Yes, you may be able to enjoy an elevated level of privacy, but don't forget that a lot of malicious users also flock to the dark web, and there's no saying they won't target you if you're not careful.

Should You Access the Dark Web?

If you have no real need to access the dark web, it's best to steer clear. Without enough knowledge and technical expertise regarding the dark web, it can be all too easy to click on a dangerous platform that puts you at risk.

Using the dark web as a novice often makes you an easy target for hackers. After all, this space is used by cybercriminals who find the surface web too exposing, so there's no saying that you won't fall for a nasty scam or open the door to a cyberattack when using the dark web.

If, however, you think the dark web can benefit you, make sure you have a VPN active at all times, and don't take any unnecessary risks.

No Part of the Web Is Risk-Free

Whether you're scrolling through social media on the surface web or checking out secret news sites on the deep web, you're never immune from online threats. But if you educate yourself on the risks and do what you can to stay safe, your chances of being caught up in a cyberattack can stay low. If you're considering delving into the deep or dark parts of the web, stay vigilant and keep that VPN active to protect your data.