One of the most common questions we get is, “What exactly is the Dark Web, and why should I worry?”  As the associated graphic shows, the Internet is very much like an iceberg.  What you see on top is what we search for every day, i.e., weather forecasts, sports scores, public news, free video games, etc.  The vast majority of the Internet is found on the Deep Web.  The Deep Web is made up of all those private areas that sites like Google and Yahoo can’tindex.  Most People use this part of the Internet.  

“Not me,” you say!  “I would never do anything illegal.” Of course, we know that, but please remember that there is a big difference between the Deep Web and the Dark Web.  Do you use online banking?  Read any news sites behind a paywall?  Maybe trade stocks or watch your IRA on your computer?  Use email?  Basically, if you have to log into a site, it is most likely a part of the Deep Web. 

The Dark Web is an offshoot of the Deep Web.  It is that dark alley you tell your kids not to walk down after hours.  And like many other things, its reputation is both well-earned and overblown.  While it is true that you can get just about anything illegal for sale on the Dark Web (drugs, guns, pornography, user credentials, stolen credit cards, etc.), it is also a place where people can truly have a safe and open dialogue.