The internet is a vast network, yet most users interact with only a small part of it. Beyond the websites indexed by search engines lies the dark web, a portion of the internet that requires specialized software to access. The dark web has drawn considerable attention recently, particularly in cybersecurity and online privacy.
The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which includes all areas of the internet not indexed by search engines. While the deep web contains many routine sites like email accounts and databases, the dark web is intentionally hidden and often associated with anonymity and privacy. Understanding the dark web is increasingly important for both businesses and individuals, as it plays a role in cybersecurity—ranging from potential data breaches to the development of emerging online threats.
This article provides a clear, factual overview of the dark web, its uses, and its implications for cybersecurity. We will explore how it functions, examine its legitimate and illegitimate uses, and discuss its impact on cybersecurity practices.