What is Dark Web? Everything You Should Know

Uncover what the Dark Web is, how it evolved, and why businesses need to understand it. Explore legitimate and illicit uses, safety tips, and learn how SentinelOne combats emerging Dark Web risks.

The online world is much more than the websites that we regularly use in our day-to-day lives. Hidden from everyday browsing beneath social networks and corporate websites are a number of sites, markets, and forums that make up what is known as the Dark Web. According to the data, in 2023, there were over 2.5 million daily users in this hidden part of the web. By April of the same year, the usage had risen to around 2.7 million daily users, showing that people from all over the world are increasingly interested in concealing their online activities.

Exploring the Dark Web environment is critical for companies whose security depends on digital evidence. Criminals use these networks for illicit businesses, hacking services, and leakage of information. However, the Dark Web is not a bad place as it is also used by whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who cannot risk being exposed. While studying “What is Dark Web?” from a business perspective, you will learn how anonymity can be used for both good and bad purposes.

To help you gain a better understanding of the topic, in this guide, we will explain the Dark Web meaning, distinguish between the Dark Web, Deep Web, and Surface Web, and present the history of the Dark Web. You will learn about dark web browsers, search engines, and other tools enabling hidden activities, and we will help you to understand the dark web legalities that may arise. Furthermore, we will consider how to be safe if you plan to browse the dark web sites, how to effectively monitor the dark web for enterprises, as well as how SentinelOne can help fight against hidden threats.

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is said to be 5,000 times bigger than the surface web, and yet, it cannot be accessed through a normal browser or a search engine. In short, the Dark Web definition is based on the idea of an encrypted network that can only be accessed with the help of certain software. The dark web is a domain that provides anonymity to site owners and guests so they cannot be monitored by outsiders. Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, they are two different layers of the internet.

In the dark web, you can come across forums, markets, and hidden communities. These areas usually need specific darknet browsers such as Tor, which bounces the traffic through several layers or nodes to avoid the identification of IP addresses. While most people consider the Dark Web as a place where everything is illicit, from drugs and weapons to stolen identities and hacked accounts, it is also home to many a journalist, an activist, or a whistle-blower who requires protection. Thus, to answer the question  ‘What is Dark Web?’ it is crucial to identify it as a two-sided phenomenon–a safe haven for legal proponents of privacy and a home for cybercriminals.

History and Evolution of the Dark Web

The history of the Dark Web as a hidden network is tightly connected with the history of anonymous technologies and encryption. From the time of its emergence (the mid-1990s), government agencies have experimented with onion routing to protect communications of sensitive information.

These techniques, over time became public and thus led to the emergence of the hidden networks. As the features of dark web tools developed, the criminal mind saw the possibility of anonymous trade, leading to markets.

1. Government Research Origins: The roots of dark web browsers such as the Tor can be traced to the United States Naval Research Laboratory. The concept of onion routing was first used to protect intelligence communication, which could otherwise be easily traced online (mid-1990s). Finally, this research led to the creation of the Tor Project (2002), which allows civilians all over the world to surf the Internet with great anonymity. This government-sponsored research provided the foundation for Dark Web anonymity employed in the present day.
2. Rise of Online Marketplaces: As the use of encryption tools became more user-friendly, criminals figured out that they could sell their stolen data, drugs, or malware without being detected. The first platforms, including Silk Road (2011-2013) demonstrated that dark web sites could support a strong e-commerce market for anything ranging from drugs to identity theft. The ability to conduct illicit business transactions rapidly escalated, and thus, the dangers of the dark web to the neophyte users. It did not take long for enterprises to realize the importance of monitoring the dark web for their data that had been leaked and was now being sold.
3. Influence of Cryptocurrencies: In 2009, cryptocurrency & dark web nexus transformed anonymous markets by providing the opportunity to make payments. Bitcoin, which was the first digital currency, made it possible to purchase and sell contraband items without providing any of the client’s identity. Later on, more specific cryptocurrencies joined Monero and improved the anonymous factor even more. Consequently, the black market narcotics transactions shifted from small-scale to large-scale, including multimillion-dollar scams.
4. Crackdowns and Resilience:  Police departments around the world, aware of the threat, started to orchestrate large-scale takedowns of the dark web services. Some of the operations that took place include Operation Onymous (2014), which saw the agents take down markets and servers and arrest the operators. Although these crackdowns had a negative impact on user confidence for a short period, the history of dark web reveals that markets are remarkably persistent; new markets emerged within weeks of the shutdowns. The cat-and-mouse play goes on and on, and to this end, cybersecurity specialists scan the dark web addresses for new threats.

Dark Web vs Deep Web vs Surface Web

There is still a lot of confusion between deep web vs dark web. As a result, ‘Dark Web’ is often used interchangeably with ‘Deep Web,’ but in fact, they are two different things. The “Surface Web” comprises the WWW sites that are searchable using search engines such as Google or Bing.

Anything beyond that index, which is hidden behind a password or any software, is known as Deep Web or Dark Web. The difference between the deep web, dark web, and surface sites is essential for organizations that assess the threats that come from the internet.

1. Surface Web – Easily Indexed: The surface web comprises all the information that can be accessed by means of a standard web browser and by employing standard search engine crawlers. This includes news websites, social media pages, company websites, and online shops, among others. These domains can be accessed through links that are provided by the websites or through search engine results. It represents only a small part of the Internet, but people associate it with the term ‘Web.’
2. Deep Web – Unindexed Pages: Deep Web pages are not indexed in the typical search engines as they are either behind a paywall or in a private network. Some examples include the internal databases of the company, password protected emails, and paid journals and periodicals. This unindexed dimension is much larger than the surface web in terms of size. It is noteworthy that the deep web does not have any criminal implications, but some of the dark web sites are often referred to as deep web.
3. Dark Web – Anonymity by Design: The Dark Web is a part of the Deep Web, which consists of sites that are hosted in anonymous networks such as Tor or I2P. Also referred to as “v3 onion sites” on the Tor network, these domains have random characters and end with “.onion.” They are accessible through dark web browsers to ensure the user’s identity and IP address are concealed. This environment supports covert discussion groups, illicit trade, and safe ways of communication.
4. Accessibility Differences: It is as simple as searching on Google to find the surface sites. Most Deep Web pages require a username and password or the actual address of the page. In contrast, Dark Web resources are only accessible with the help of specific software or the dark web search engine that works within the anonymity networks. Many novices question, “what is the dark web?” when learning these unique accessibility steps, which are quite different from the simple and open surface web.
5. Content Variety: The surface web comprises articles, blogs, and e-commerce sites, while the Deep Web includes private information, password-protected documents, and internal networks. On the other hand, the dark web sites can contain anything from discussion forums for political activists to a market for narcotics. The range is vast, which proves that the activity on the dark web can be rather useful and legal, as well as completely unlawful.
6. Security Implications: While most of the surface and even Deep Web interactions are secure, due to the anonymity of the Dark Web, the risks are higher. This is the place where threat actors come to buy and sell stolen data and hacking tools or to partner with each other. Companies use dark web scan services to track stolen credentials or other intellectual property within the business. Where Dark Web vs Surface Web categorization helps is that it explains how much risk is in jeopardy when an organization’s data moves into the Dark Web.
7. Perception and Legality: Though the Deep Web is mostly innocuous, the dark web has a sinister image because of the black markets and hacking rings. This type of site is usually brought to the limelight when big drug or credit card fraudsters are apprehended. However, even the dark web sites contain many legal activities too, for example, political dissidents’ communication. In this case, perceiving all the content that is concealed as inherently unlawful overlooks the subtle aspects of the Dark Web.

How to Access the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is not easily accessible and one has to go through some extra steps to locate it. Unlike other conventional browsers, it is impossible to type .onion addresses directly. However, there are browsers that are developed for the dark web, such as the Tor Browser. But the process is not as simple as that, there are safety measures and privacy concerns that should be taken into consideration.

Here are five ways that individuals might safely gain access to the Dark Web:

1. Installing Tor: Tor is the most used browser to access the dark web, it has an additional layer of security since the traffic is relayed through various volunteers’ nodes around the globe. When the Tor Browser is downloaded, users are able to access .onion domains. While the design of the network seems rather democratic and accessible to the public, its structure is rather intricate and focuses on anonymity. Tor is free to use, open source and fundamental in explaining what is the Dark Web from a technical perspective.
2. Additional Privacy Through VPN: When using a VPN with TOR, one’s security is enhanced as an extra layer of encryption is provided. This means that a VPN hides the original IP address of the user before the Tor traffic starts. This tactic helps to avoid exposing the usage of Tor to internet service providers (ISPs) or potential adversaries. Companies that make use of dark web monitoring may need their security personnel to use a VPN connection to avoid revealing their business’ IPs or locations.
3. Finding Reliable Onions: Browsing through .onion links at random can lead the users to access the wrong side of the dark web or even compromised sites. There are lists of sites and search engines that are specific to the onion network that can be used for this purpose. However, the reality is that it is not easy to verify the authenticity. Fake versions of authentic onion sites are widespread, which is why the use of the dark web is often considered risky.
4. Maintaining Operational Security: Navigating the dark web requires good operational security (OpSec). Some of the measures that can be taken include disabling scripts, preventing cookies, and avoiding the input of personal details. Dark web browsers are also vulnerable to attacks in case the right security measures have not been adopted. To organizations, it is wise to separate or isolate machines or even virtual environments from the internal networks to prevent them from being infected.
5. Legal Caution: While it is legal to browse the dark web, coming across black markets or illicit products and services could expose users to danger. This is because legal systems in different countries differ. Some jurisdictions actively monitor access to or from specific onion sites. The knowledge of its legality helps people avoid getting tangled from careful navigation of the dark web into the realm of the unlawful.

How Does the Dark Web Work?

Despite the ominous-sounding name, the Dark Web leverages encryption, volunteer relay nodes, and hidden domain systems that do not conform to conventional address resolution. Such architecture helps websites and services obscure their physical server locations.

From sophisticated routing of the original protocols to community-based anonymity systems, knowing what is the dark web at the functional level provides a better understanding of how it works. The following are the five fundamental attributes of the Dark Web:

1. Onion Routing: Onion routing is the idea that powers the Tor network, the most well-known and popular dark web network. Users and data travel through several nodes, where each layer independently encrypts the information and removes identifying data of the previous layer. This approach is important because no single node is aware of both the source and the destination of the data. It serves as a foundation for any dark website since it protects the identities of the users and the hosts of the services.
2. .onion Domains: As opposed to conventional web addresses with .com or .org suffixes, the addresses of the dark web sites have .onion endings. These are usually alphanumeric strings that appear to be random and are used in routing traffic using cryptographic keys. They do not use conventional DNS, and therefore, common search engines cannot crawl them. These onion URLs can be found with the help of specific Dark Web search engines focused on the Tor network, but it is difficult to determine the credibility of such dark web links.
3. Volunteer-Run Nodes: Tor relies on volunteers who establish relay servers around the globe and these people are critical for the proper functioning of the network. All nodes are run by volunteers, and each of them retransmits encrypted traffic, which makes it almost impossible to identify the source of a certain data packet. The use of volunteers proves that the dark web is not a single network. Instead, it is a loosely connected network of individuals in which anonymity is achieved through involvement of the members.
4. Evasive Techniques: Most dark web sites employ various technical mechanisms to counter efforts to track or penetrate them. For instance, some automatically block IP addresses that are commonly associated with surveillance. Some of them change domain addresses often in a bid to avoid seizures. These evasion strategies stem partly from the dark web’s dangerous truth as police operations and hackers’ attempts to infiltrate the marketplaces put the operators on the back foot.
5. Reputation and Trust Systems: The use of reputation scores in marketplaces is very common when conducting illicit transactions on the Dark Web. Buyers rate vendors as in eBay but in selling items that are prohibited, such as stolen data or counterfeit IDs. Likewise, legitimate communities also employ membership control by using a trust-based system that is used to remove trolls and other malicious users. In both strategies, the user reviews play the role of decision-making tools determining how Dark Web Services maintain their clientele.

Applications of the Dark Web

To answer the question, ‘what is the Dark Web used for?’, the first thing that comes to mind are criminal activities, ranging from hired hackers to an online drug market. However, it is equally helpful to human rights organizations, reporters, and oppressed societies who want to convey information discreetly.

Here are five general areas that will give an insight into the use of the dark web from both legal and unlawful points of view.

1. Anonymous Communication: Opposition activists residing in authoritarian countries employ dark web websites to access information restricted by the state. They use secret channels and encrypted messaging applications to share their experiences without worrying about getting in trouble. Likewise, sources share sensitive information with reporters and journalists using onion services to maintain anonymity. This is a perfect example of how the Dark Web meaning goes beyond crime and unites technology and activism.
2. Illicit Marketplaces: Although the site owners might have legitimate reasons for creating their sites, the dark web has earned a reputation for hosting black markets for drug dealings, arms, stolen credit cards, and fake documents. These are the online marketplaces that are powered by cryptocurrencies as they employ encryption and trust ratings to facilitate transactions. Although the police occasionally close these markets, new ones are always established quickly, thereby perpetuating the dark web as the marketplace for everything unlawful.
3. Hacking and Cybercrime: Hackers in the dark web can create groups with the purpose of hacking, selling kits, or even disseminating stolen information. The authors have found that ransomware operators may communicate and negotiate payments through chat portals located in the Onion. For organizations, therefore, the monitoring of the dark web is critical for identifying the time when stolen credentials or proprietary information finds its way to these markets so that appropriate action can be taken.
4. Political Activism and Whistleblowing: Apart from activism in oppressive states, journalists and human rights activists use the dark web to handle sensitive data. Secure drop boxes allow the sources to drop files and avoid identification, thus minimizing any possible risk that may be involved. The open architecture allows for freedom of speech without the watchful eye of the government or the corporations. Therefore, it can be concluded that dark web websites are useful for the protection of civil liberties.
5. Community and Niche Forums: Amid the swirl of illicit commerce, the dark web also hosts smaller niche communities. These may concern privacy rights or freedoms, unconventional lifestyles, or hobbies and interests. Since users are not identified, they are free to talk about issues that are considered shameful or embarrassing on the platform. Although they are not as dramatic as hired killers’ services, such forums show that the dark web is not as dark as the headlines make it seem.

Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web

Even when explaining what is Dark Web, one should not focus only on negative cases. While its primary focus is based on criminal trades, there are many legitimate dark web uses for these onion services.

The dark web is not only a safe haven for criminals indulging in illicit activities but also for people involved in research, business, corporate espionage, and more. The following are five lawful purposes that show how the network aids in legal purposes:

1. Secure Whistleblower Platforms: Onion domains are used by high-profile organizations such as WikiLeaks for whistleblowing. This structure makes sure that document leaks do not occur, and where it does occur the source is well protected. In many areas where there is no legal protection for whistleblowers, anonymity is a necessity in the dark web. These channels have revealed cases of corporate malfeasance, government irregularities, and violations of human rights, among others.
2. Protection for Journalists: Journalists reporting in hazardous environments receive threats, stalking, or even physical attacks. They use dark web browsers to contact the editors and the sources away from the eyes of the local authorities. In this way, reporters minimize the chances of interception through the use of onion addresses. This ensures that critical stories are aired on the global platform without compromising the fact that the Dark Web is a place for illegal activities only, which people refer to as a dark web illegal zone.
3. Privacy-Focused Applications: For citizens who are in search of strong protection for their privacy, there are messaging tools that are available on the dark web. People who want to protect themselves against data harvesting or tracking by large companies can use onion services to hide messages. For instance, there are forums that are aimed at cryptos and they are always discussing how to ensure that one does not compromise their anonymity when making purchases. In such circumstances, the usage of the dark web is consistent with the protection of the privacy of the users.
4. Human Rights Organizations: International human rights organizations and human rights activists use onion sites to collect evidence in war zones. These platforms shield vulnerable populations from retaliation, enabling honest accounts of war crimes or governmental overreach. Sometimes, such protected archives are indexed by dark web search engines, thereby making the relevant data available for researchers. In such scenarios, there is no preconception that ‘dark’ is associated with ‘bad.’
5. Educational and Research Projects: Some universities and cybersecurity specialists use the creation of dark web sites, so-called honey pots, or make-fakes to analyze trends and consumers in the black markets. This way, researchers get insights that would help in developing solutions for monitoring the dark web. They examine transaction behavior, linguistic expressions, and protection procedures used by criminals in order to strengthen their legal defense.

Challenges and Limitations of the Dark Web

As much as the Dark Web offers anonymity, it has challenges that affect its functioning, especially for anyone who may be conducting business there legally. From slow network connection speeds right up to the point of being a hunting ground for scammers, this hidden internet is far from being smooth.

This understanding makes it easier to define what is the dark web from a practical perspective. Here are five of the most important challenges for both the ordinary customers and the proprietors of the marketplaces:

1. Unpredictable Service Reliability: Due to the fact that dark web browsers establish connections through layers of volunteer nodes, the connections can be very slow or sporadic. Tor sites can disappear at any time, and it is common knowledge that most of them shut down abruptly when law enforcement agents arrest the operators and confiscate their servers. This lack of reliable uptime puts off legitimate businesses from relying solely on dark web hosting. Therefore, most of the legal onion sites duplicate their content on the surface web for ease of access.
2. Scams and Fraud: Buying and selling in the black market entails that the buyers do not have any protection in case the products are not delivered. Thus, in the case of legitimate onion services, it is challenging to distinguish between the two. Fraudsters use anonymity to disappear after receiving the money from the victims. Therefore, the dark web can be as dangerous for criminals as for those who decided to become a part of this community for the first time.
3. Limited Search Functionality: There are search engines in the dark web but they are not as advanced as those of Google or Bing. Indexing of links in the onion sites is random and there are many fake and dead links. This patchy indexing leaves it for users to search for information in other curated directories or forums. Consequently, even beneficial research conducted in the dark web environment is apt to be a frustrating endeavor.
4. Security Vulnerabilities: Threats that are still apparent for the dark web users are operating system exploits, JavaScript, and phishing. One simple click and an individual’s identity is revealed or malware is installed. Essentials of OpSec include disabling scripts and constant patching, among others, and they are crucial for any organization. For businesses, these vulnerabilities support the idea that dark web monitoring should be the responsibility of security teams using secure tools.
5. Legal Ambiguities: Some countries consider browsing the dark web as suspicious, while others have passed very broad laws that may outlaw possession of certain contents. Customers are likely to violate local and international laws that govern the use of the internet and social media. Sometimes, well-intended research can turn into legal issues if not conducted properly. This rather vague environment demonstrates that Dark Web legality is nothing more than an enigma with variable regulations.

Best Practices for Staying Safe on the Dark Web

Regardless of the purpose of your interests in the dark web sites, whether it is for security purposes or for communicating anonymously, prudence is advised. It is dangerous because it contains many fake links, unreliable markets, and risks of police or hacker intervention.

Here are five recommendations on how to reduce the risk while surfing the Dark Web.

1. Use a Dedicated Device: It is unwise to access the dark web from a personal or corporate network. Malware or exploits could be something that puts the integrity of the data at risk. One way of doing this is by having a dedicated computer or a virtual machine that acts as the target for suspected threats. Most security professionals keep such environments rigorously isolated for dark web purposes only, thus not posing a threat to the primary infrastructure.
2. Employ Multiple Layers of Anonymity: Tor alone isn’t foolproof. Using dark web browsers alongside a genuine VPN service enhances the anonymity level by hiding your location. The use of scripts is disabled, while the use of plugins is also limited to minimize the risk of IP leaks. Combined, these layers protect you from different tracking methods–from malicious onion sites to mass surveillance.
3. Verify Onion Addresses: Counterfeit onion sites are a prevalent problem. Cybercriminals clone popular dark web websites to phish login credentials or scam users out of money. It is always good to compare onion links with directories or verify the vendor’s official statement. They have designed fake sites that, as soon as you enter one wrong letter, you become prey to their data collection schemes.
4. Don’t Reveal Personal Information: Sharing any information that can lead to the identification of your real self is counterproductive in achieving anonymity. Any information regarding payment details, shipping locations, and personal conversations that take place in hidden chat rooms must be handled carefully. This way, users reduce the chances of blackmail or doxxing occurrences in their online interactions. This also applies to cybersecurity teams that are assigned the responsibility of conducting the dark web scan.
5. Treat All Content with Caution: Each file and media found on the dark web presents risks and dangers of different levels. Some of the dark web videos may be linked to malicious code in file types. Opening documents without sandboxing can lead to compromise as soon as the document is opened. The best way to protect yourself from trojans, crypto miners, and other hidden threats is to keep a skeptical mentality.

Dark Web Myths vs. Reality

There is a lot of controversy and fabricated information regarding what the Dark web stands for. Hysteria grew faster than rational thinking, with some people portraying the whole place as a hub for criminal activities or, conversely, a hacker’s paradise.

Here are six common myths and the related facts that provide more context to the dark web concept.

Myth: It’s Entirely Illegal

Fact: Although there are criminal activities on the dark web, not all activities occurring in the hidden network are illicit. As mentioned earlier, dissidents, journalists, and other common internet users also use onion services to protect themselves. Blanket criminalization fails to recognize the dark web as a safe haven for freedom of speech in authoritarian societies.

Myth: You Can Never Be Caught

Fact: Police and other law enforcement organizations engage in sting operations through the use of undercover agents and statistical analysis. Markets are closed, and sometimes logs or databases containing users’ information get seized by authorities. If you engage in the dark web in criminal activities, the cover you take can quickly be brought down by investigations. Even technical slip-ups can betray your real identity.

Myth: It’s One Huge Unified Network

Fact: The concept of the dark web is not as unified as it seems. It is estimated that tens of new or existing hidden services disappear or reemerge within one day. It is decentralized, and at times, different platforms have their specific software or even invitation codes. This chaos is exactly why the non-initiated get lost in the dark web more often than not, and not because it is a unified whole.

Myth: Accessing It Automatically Infects You with Malware

Fact: Watching Onion sites is not a sure way to get a bad end. Standard security precautions, such as disabling scripts and using the newest dark web browsers, significantly decrease malware threats. If one is careful, most of the legitimate onion services present very little risk. The threat mainly emanates from the users rather than the network.

Myth: Only Hackers Use It

Fact: Politicians, simple internet users, and even scholars are among the people who use dark web websites. Some are mere coders or even criminals, while others are passionate about privacy. The user base is quite extensive and is not limited to any particular age, gender, or geographical location. The idea that there are only malicious or technical gurus does not reflect the truth that the onion services draw all sorts of people.

Misconception: It is the Same as the Deep Web

Fact: Deep Web includes all the sites that are not indexed by search engines (for example, your personal Gmail), whereas the Dark Web is specifically designed to be anonymous. The confusion comes from the fact that both are invisible to search engines, however, the usage of the dark web requires specific software such as the Tor browser. The difference is critical to understanding what is dark web properly.

How SentinelOne Protects from Dark Web Threats

SentinelOne’s visibility hunting feature provides clear insights into your dark web history across any given endpoint at any time of the day. It offers live screenshots of records related to malicious activities, and with a simple query, you can track DNS requests originating from your workstations.

SentinelOne’s Singularity Endpoint continuously monitors system activities, file changes, and other critical processes to protect against malware and dark web security threats. It actively scans workflows, services, and systems to detect compromised credentials.

Additionally, SentinelOne can identify sensitive data and assets within your organization, leveraging its AI-powered threat intelligence to prevent potential data breaches. You can apply automated actions to control and secure access to sensitive data.

SentinelOne’s agentless CNAPP provides KSPM, CSPM, AI-SPM, and EASM features to assess vulnerabilities in cloud workloads, IT infrastructures, and services. It enforces compliance with regulatory standards like SOC 2, NIST, and CIS Benchmarks while identifying sensitive data exposures. The platform records detailed cloud workload telemetry using Storylines technology. Automated actions isolate compromised systems and secure access to critical assets, reducing risk exposures. SentinelOne’s integrated identity protection safeguards defend against Active Directory and Entra ID attacks, stopping dark web-driven phishing and credentials theft. Its powerful forensics capabilities and automated response actions ensure that potential dark web threats are quickly identified and contained.

As SentinelOne continues to evolve, it helps mitigate security risks by blocking suspicious activities and alerts your teams before damages occur.

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Future of the Dark Web

The dark web will continue to develop with the help of new anonymity technologies, changes in legislation, and the needs of users. Forecasting its future entails analyzing trends in encryption, regulations, and cryptocurrencies.

Here are five signs of what the hidden Internet of tomorrow may be like:

1. Evolving Anonymity Protocols: Advanced methods of encryption, better systems of routing, and upcoming networks of privacy can make the dark web even better. Scientists are currently experimenting with the use of post-quantum encryption to ensure security against future advancements in computing. This increased complexity makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to penetrate the dark web, thus pointing to the fact that the dark web is still very difficult to crack.
2. Rise of Alternative Networks: At the moment, Tor is the most popular, but there are other anonymity networks like I2P that may become more popular in the future. All have their special attributes, from the high speeds to the enhanced compatibility with streaming. These alternatives expand the classification of dark web sites since they provide various possibilities to host concealed content. A more fragmented hidden internet may require different approaches to scan and monitor the dark web.
3. Cryptocurrency Innovations: The connection between cryptocurrency & dark web will probably evolve further as more coins promote anonymous transfers. The presence of privacy-focused blockchains such as Zcash or Beam proves that the need for anonymous financial instruments remains present. Governments, on the other hand, have not been left behind in the development of digital currencies that either slow down or redefine the dark markets.
4. Stricter Regulations: Parliaments in different countries are considering passing legislation that will ban or regulate the use of tools on the dark web. For example, proposals aim at encryption or anonymity services through the implementation of backdoors or mandatory data retention. These policies could reduce the general usage of the internet but may result in an increase in use by criminals. The dark web may split into two distinct poles, the purely criminal and the purely legal, but with specialized niches in between.
5. Growth in Corporate Intelligence: It is expected that more companies will pay attention to the dark web in order to prevent data leaks and to recognize new threats. This has made them require proof that the organization has effective scanning solutions in place before they can be covered. Consequently, the use of the dark web for the right purposes, such as by security personnel and brand protection teams, will increase significantly. It is possible that such professionalization may affect the nature of hidden online communities in the future.

Conclusion

Despite the sinister name, the Dark Web is only one part of the overgrown internet that is much larger than what most search engines show. To fully comprehend what is Dark Web, one has to grasp the legal and illegal personas, legitimate uses of anonymity, hidden websites, and whistleblowers. B2B companies, in particular, are experiencing increasing risks to their assets from threats originating from these concealed forums and markets. Despite the fact that it can be used for anonymity, freedom of speech, and journalism, the Dark Web is home to some of the worst internet scams. As a result, business entities should pay attention to the dark web and strengthen endpoint protection measures to mitigate risks.

So why wait? Advance to the SentinelOne Singularity platform and equip your enterprise with AI-powered protection against the emerging threats. Contact us for a demo today and become prepared for new and enhanced threats in 2025.

FAQs

What is the dark web used for?

The dark web has legitimate and illegal uses. It is used for anonymous messaging, secure data transfer, and communication of information. It is used by criminals for conducting illegal markets and trading stolen information, whereas journalists and activists use it for protecting their identity and sources in oppressive regimes.

How do I get on the dark web?

The dark web is accessed with the help of special software like the Tor Browser. Download and install Tor first, and optionally a VPN for added security. After that, browse .onion websites through dark web directories or search engines, being careful to follow proper security practices.

How to connect to the dark web?

To connect, open the Tor Browser after installation. Add an extra layer of privacy using a good VPN. With Tor on, you can visit .onion websites through dark web-specific search engines or curated lists. Be mindful of operational security by disabling scripts and avoiding the leakage of personal data.

Who created the dark web?

The dark web came into existence as an offshoot of government experiments with anonymous communication. Onion routing was first developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and the Tor Project, starting early 2000s, put this technology into the public domain, giving rise to the dark web.

Can I access the dark web from my phone?

Yes, the dark web can be accessed from mobile as well. Tor Browser versions for Android and iOS allow smartphone users to access.onion sites. However, extra caution is advised—use a good VPN and ensure the security settings of your device are up to date to minimize risks.

Is the dark web illegal?

Surfing the dark web is not illegal in itself. It is an anonymous communications network. Surfing it to commit illegal acts such as purchasing contraband or selling stolen data, however, is illegal and subject to law enforcement.

Is the dark web dangerous?

The dark web is dangerous due to the presence of scams, malware, and illegal material. Users are vulnerable to exposure to phishing and cybercrime. The use of tight security measures, dedicated hardware, and awareness are required to prevent these threats.

What is a dark web browser?

A dark web browser, like the Tor browser, is designed to access hidden networks. It routes traffic through several encrypted nodes, concealing user identity and location. These browsers grant access to.onion sites not indexed by normal search engines, allowing anonymous browsing.