Surface, Deep and Dark web

Surface web, dark web and deep web:

The internet can be divided into three main layers: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web.

1. Surface Web: This is the part of the internet that is indexed and accessible through search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. It includes websites, web pages, and online content that are publicly available and can be accessed without special software or permissions.

2. Deep Web: This refers to the portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. It includes things like private databases, subscription services, password-protected websites, and other content that isn't accessible to the general public. Examples include personal email accounts, online banking, and certain academic databases.

3. Dark Web: This is a small, intentionally hidden portion of the deep web. It requires special software such as Tor (The Onion Router) to access. The dark web contains websites and content that are intentionally hidden and often associated with illegal activities. While there are legitimate uses for anonymity, like protecting the privacy of activists or journalists, it's known for hosting illegal marketplaces, forums, and other activities that require a high degree of anonymity.

It's important to note that while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, not everything on the dark web is illegal. There are also legitimate, privacy-focused uses for it. However, users should exercise caution and be aware of potential risks when exploring this part of the internet.

Most of your online accounts fall under the category of the deep web. This includes things like your email accounts, social media profiles, online banking, and any other accounts that require a username and password to access. These accounts are part of the deep web because they are not indexed by search engines and require authentication to access. They are also considered private and not publicly accessible without the proper credentials.

Your online accounts like Facebook account, Gmail account, bank account etc, which are part of the deep web, require authorization in the form of a username and password to access. This means that only individuals with the correct login credentials can gain entry to your accounts. It's important to keep your login information secure and not share it with others to help protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

The surface web is estimated to comprise only a small fraction of the entire internet, typically around 4% to 10%. This includes websites, pages, and content that can be indexed and accessed through search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. The vast majority of the internet is made up of the deep web, which consists of content that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific authentication or permissions to access. The dark web, a small portion of the deep web, is even smaller in comparison. Keep in mind that these percentages are estimates and can vary depending on how one defines and measures the different layers of the internet.

Server location of dark web

The servers hosting dark web content can be located anywhere in the world. They are distributed across various countries and regions, often in locations where there may be less stringent regulations or enforcement regarding internet activity.

It's worth noting that due to the anonymous nature of the dark web and the use of encryption and technologies like Tor (The Onion Router), it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact physical location of these servers. This anonymity is intentional and is one of the reasons why the dark web is used for activities that require a high degree of privacy or anonymity.

The communication on the dark web typically starts on the surface web and then transitions to encrypted pathways like Tor (The Onion Router) for added privacy and anonymity. Initially, data may travel through regular internet infrastructure such as optical fibers, but once it enters the Tor network, it's routed through a series of volunteer-operated servers (nodes) which encrypt and anonymize the traffic.

This layered approach helps obscure the origin and destination of the data, making it difficult to trace. It's important to note that while the initial connection might pass through the surface web, once inside the Tor network, the data follows a distinct and encrypted path.

Threats on utilizing dark web

Utilizing the dark web can be dangerous for several reasons:

1. **Illicit Activities**: The dark web is known for hosting illegal marketplaces, where various illicit goods and services are bought and sold. This includes drugs, weapons, stolen data, and more. Engaging in these activities is not only illegal but can also put you at risk of criminal prosecution.

2. **Malware and Scams**: Many websites on the dark web are not trustworthy, and some may contain malware or be involved in scams. Engaging with these sites can lead to the compromise of your personal information or financial loss.

3. **Lack of Regulation and Safety**: The dark web operates in a largely unregulated environment. This means there are fewer safeguards against scams, fraud, and other criminal activities. Transactions can be risky, and there's no recourse if something goes wrong.

4. **Privacy Risks**: While the dark web provides a level of anonymity, it's not foolproof. Law enforcement agencies have successfully tracked down individuals engaged in illegal activities on the dark web. Additionally, there are risks of encountering malicious actors who may attempt to compromise your privacy or security.

5. **Exposure to Disturbing Content**: The dark web can contain extremely disturbing and illegal content, including child exploitation material, violent imagery, and more. Accessing such content is not only morally reprehensible but can also have serious legal consequences.

6. **Psychological Impact**: Engaging with certain aspects of the dark web, particularly exposure to illegal or disturbing content, can have a negative psychological impact on individuals.

It's important to exercise extreme caution if you choose to explore the dark web and to be aware of the potential risks involved. Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can have severe legal consequences. It's generally recommended to avoid the dark web unless you have a specific, legitimate reason for using it and are well-informed about the associated risks.

Do all malwares come from dark web servers?

Not necessarily. While some malware may originate from sources on the dark web, it's important to understand that malware can come from various places on the internet, including both the surface web and the deep web.

Malware can be distributed through:

1. **Infected Websites**: Legitimate websites can be compromised by cybercriminals, leading to the distribution of malware to unsuspecting visitors.

2. **Email Attachments and Links**: Malicious emails often contain attachments or links that, when clicked, can download and install malware on a victim's system.

3. **File Sharing Networks**: Malware can be distributed through peer-to-peer file sharing networks, where users unknowingly download infected files.

4. **Social Engineering**: Cybercriminals may use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into downloading and executing malware.

5. **Software Vulnerabilities**: Malware can exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems to gain access to a system.

While some specialized forms of malware, like specific strains used in advanced cybercrime activities, might be found or discussed on the dark web, it's not the exclusive source of all malware. Staying vigilant, using reputable security software, and practicing good internet hygiene are important steps in protecting yourself from malware, regardless of its source.

Who governs World Internet?

The worldwide internet is not governed by a single entity or organization. Instead, it operates under a decentralized system with various stakeholders involved in its management and oversight. Here are some key organizations and their roles:

1. **Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)**: ICANN is a nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the internet. This includes management of domain names and IP addresses.

2. **Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)**: The IETF is a global community of engineers, researchers, and others who work on the development and maintenance of internet standards.

3. **World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)**: W3C is an international community that develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web. This includes standards for HTML, CSS, and other web technologies.

4. **Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)**: These are organizations responsible for the allocation and registration of Internet number resources (IP addresses) within a particular region of the world.

5. **National Governments and Regulatory Authorities**: Governments around the world have their own policies and regulations related to the internet within their respective jurisdictions.

6. **Internet Service Providers (ISPs)**: ISPs are private companies that provide internet access to individuals and organizations. They play a crucial role in the functioning of the internet.

7. **Users and Online Communities**: Ultimately, individual users and online communities play a significant role in shaping the way the internet is used and the content that is created and shared.

It's important to note that while there are these organizations and entities involved in internet governance, the internet itself is a global, interconnected network of networks. This decentralized nature is a fundamental characteristic of the internet.

Do Dark and surface web intersect anywhere?

Yes, the dark web intersects with the surface web at specific points. These intersections occur when users on the dark web need to access resources or services that are hosted on the surface web. 

For example, when someone on the dark web wants to access a website that is not part of the dark web, they would need to use a special tool like Tor (The Onion Router) to connect to the surface web. This allows them to access websites, servers, or content that are publicly available and indexed by search engines.

Additionally, some services or content on the dark web may have origins or connections on the surface web. For instance, a website hosted on the dark web might provide links or references to resources on the surface web.

While there are these intersections, it's important to remember that the dark web and surface web operate separately, and accessing the dark web requires deliberate action and specialized tools.

Domain of Dark Web

Websites on the dark web typically use a special top-level domain called ".onion". This domain is not part of the standard domain system (like .com, .org, .net), and it can only be accessed using a Tor-enabled browser. The .onion domain helps anonymize and obfuscate the actual server's location, providing an additional layer of privacy for users accessing dark web sites. Keep in mind that browsing .onion websites requires specific software like the Tor browser, and it's important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with exploring the dark web.

The name "Onion" in the context of Tor's .onion domains is a play on words that reflects the layers of encryption and anonymization that the Tor network provides.

Much like the layers of an onion, which can be peeled back one by one, the Tor network encrypts and routes data through a series of volunteer-operated servers (nodes). Each server only knows the previous and next nodes in the route, adding a layer of anonymity. This layered approach to encryption and routing is what inspired the name ".onion" for Tor's special top-level domain.

So, when you access a website with a .onion domain through the Tor browser, your connection is passed through multiple layers of encryption, similar to peeling back the layers of an onion, before reaching its destination. This provides a high level of privacy and anonymity for both users and website operators on the dark web.

The programming languages used on the dark web are not inherently different from those used on the surface web. The choice of programming language largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of developers creating websites or services on the dark web. Some commonly used programming languages for web development, which could be employed on the dark web, include:

1. **Python**: Known for its simplicity and versatility, Python is widely used for web development, including on the dark web. It's favored for its readability and extensive libraries.

2. **JavaScript**: JavaScript is essential for creating dynamic and interactive elements on websites. It's a fundamental language for front-end web development.

3. **HTML/CSS**: These are not programming languages, but they form the backbone of web development. HTML is used for structuring content, while CSS is used for styling and layout.

4. **PHP**: PHP is a server-side scripting language often used for back-end web development. It's used in conjunction with HTML to create dynamic websites.

5. **Ruby**: Ruby, along with the Ruby on Rails framework, can be used for building web applications, including those on the dark web.

6. **Java**: Java can be used for both front-end and back-end development, and it's commonly used in enterprise-level web applications.

7. **C#**: This language, along with the ASP.NET framework, is often used for creating dynamic web applications on the Microsoft platform.

8. **SQL**: While not a traditional programming language, SQL (Structured Query Language) is crucial for interacting with databases, which many websites rely on for storing and retrieving data.

Remember, the choice of programming language is influenced by factors such as the specific requirements of a project, developer expertise, and the technologies supported on the hosting platform. The dark web, like the surface web, encompasses a wide range of content and services, so the languages used can vary depending on the purpose of the website or service.

Why is dark web websites unknown to Google?

The dark web is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google because it requires special software and configurations to access. 

1. **Non-Standard Domains**: Websites on the dark web use a special top-level domain called ".onion" which is not recognized by standard search engines. This domain is specific to the Tor network and cannot be accessed without using the Tor browser.

2. **Encrypted and Anonymized**: The dark web relies on encrypted connections and a layered network of volunteer-operated servers (Tor nodes) to anonymize traffic. This makes it difficult for standard search engines to crawl and index its content.

3. **Intentional Privacy and Anonymity**: The dark web was designed to provide a high level of privacy and anonymity for users. This means that its infrastructure intentionally operates separately from the standard web, making it inaccessible to conventional search engines.

4. **Content Restrictions**: Much of the content on the dark web is intentionally hidden, and it often requires specific credentials or permissions to access. This contrasts with the open nature of the surface web, which is designed to be publicly accessible.

Because of these factors, search engines like Google are not able to access or index dark web content. Accessing the dark web requires using specialized software like the Tor browser, which allows users to connect to the Tor network and access .onion websites.

Both the surface web and the dark web use the same underlying internet infrastructure, which includes protocols, standards, and programming languages. The difference lies in how the content is accessed and the level of privacy and anonymity provided.

Both the surface web and the dark web can be built using a variety of programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, and others. These languages are used to create websites, web applications, and other online content.

The distinction between the two lies in how the content is accessed and whether it's indexed by search engines. The dark web requires specialized software like the Tor browser for access, while the surface web can be accessed using standard web browsers. Additionally, the dark web is intentionally designed to provide a higher level of privacy and anonymity, whereas the surface web is more public and easily searchable.

So, while the programming languages used may be the same, the way in which the content is presented, accessed, and the level of privacy provided differ between the two.

The Tor Browser, which is specifically designed for secure and private browsing, uses its own built-in search engine called "DuckDuckGo" as the default search engine.

DuckDuckGo is known for its strong emphasis on user privacy. It does not track user activity or personalize search results based on past behavior, which aligns with the privacy-focused goals of the Tor network.

Users of the Tor Browser can, however, choose to use other search engines if they prefer. DuckDuckGo is simply the default option provided by the Tor Browser for users who prioritize privacy and security.

Why is dark web not banned?

The dark web, while associated with certain risks and illegal activities, is not entirely banned for several reasons:

1. **Legitimate Uses**: The dark web serves legitimate purposes as well. It can provide a platform for privacy-focused communication, protect the identities of activists and journalists, and offer a means for individuals to bypass censorship or surveillance in oppressive regimes.

2. **Technology Neutrality**: Governments and regulatory bodies generally aim to maintain a stance of technology neutrality. This means they focus on regulating behavior rather than specific technologies. Banning the dark web entirely would be a complex and potentially impractical task due to its decentralized and anonymized nature.

3. **Global Jurisdiction Challenges**: The dark web operates across international borders, which poses challenges for consistent regulation and enforcement. Different countries have different legal frameworks, making it difficult to implement a universal ban.

4. **Balancing Rights and Freedoms**: Restricting access to the dark web raises questions about individual rights to privacy and freedom of expression. It's a delicate balance between safeguarding these rights and ensuring public safety.

5. **Law Enforcement and Investigation**: Law enforcement agencies often use the dark web to gather intelligence and track down criminals involved in illegal activities. Banning it entirely could potentially hinder these efforts.

Instead of an outright ban, many countries focus on targeting specific illegal activities and prosecuting individuals involved in criminal behavior on the dark web. This approach allows for a more nuanced response that attempts to balance privacy and security concerns. Keep in mind that policies and approaches may vary by country.

Where are dark web contents indexed?

Dark web contents are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Instead, they are indexed within the Tor network itself.

Within the Tor network, there are specialized search engines designed to index and provide access to .onion websites. These search engines are specifically built to navigate the dark web and help users find content hosted on .onion domains.

Examples of dark web search engines include:

1. **Ahmia**: Ahmia is a Tor search engine that indexes .onion websites. It's designed to provide an anonymous and secure way to search for content within the dark web.

2. **Not Evil**: Not Evil is another search engine for the Tor network. It's focused on providing access to .onion sites and is known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface.

3. **Grams**: Grams is a search engine primarily used for finding products on darknet markets, but it also indexes other types of content on the dark web.

These dark web search engines operate within the Tor network, allowing users to access .onion websites while maintaining their anonymity. Keep in mind that while these search engines can help users discover content on the dark web, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks associated with exploring this part of the internet.

The dark web operates on a different system than the standard Domain Name System (DNS) used on the surface web. Instead of relying on DNS, which translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses, the dark web uses a different method to route traffic.

Dark web websites use a special top-level domain called ".onion". These domains are not part of the standard DNS hierarchy and are not accessible using regular web browsers. Instead, they can only be accessed using a Tor-enabled browser, which has its own way of resolving .onion addresses.

This means that while the dark web does have a form of addressing for its websites, it does not use the traditional DNS system that is used on the surface web.