Huntress research clarifies dark web vs deep web, highlighting legal uses and safe navigation for users

Huntress published a report detailing the structure of the dark web, aiming to clarify what it is and how to access it. The research outlines how the hidden internet operates, distinguishing it from the surface and deep web. It provides insights into the nature of these sites, addressing general curiosity about the state of the dark web and how users might find credible information within it.

How does the dark web differ from the deep web?

According to the Huntress report, the internet is divided into three distinct layers. The surface web consists of sites indexed by search engines, accessible via standard browsers without special software. The deep web includes unindexed but accessible sites, such as online banking or cloud storage, which require authentication or encryption. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that requires specific tools, like the Tor browser, to access.

What does the dark web environment look like?

Huntress notes that dark web sites often appear surprisingly ordinary, featuring familiar elements like pricing pages, customer reviews, and "About Us" sections. Many sites resemble standard e-commerce platforms, where threat actors advertise services and skills similarly to legitimate salespeople. However, the research observes that many of these sites are basic, outdated, or difficult to navigate, despite their functional similarities to surface web commerce.

Is the dark web exclusively used for illegal activity?

The report clarifies that the dark web is not inherently criminal. While it hosts illegal markets and forums, it is also used for legal purposes. Journalists, detectives, and activists use the network to maintain anonymity while researching or communicating. The Huntress research mentions that users can even engage in benign activities, such as playing chess or viewing user-submitted image galleries, demonstrating the network's varied utility beyond illicit trade.

How do users access this space safely?

Huntress advises that accessing the dark web requires specialized software, typically the official Tor browser, which provides the anonymity needed to reach .onion domains. The report suggests that while the infrastructure allows for anonymous browsing, users should approach it with caution. Understanding the technical requirements helps individuals assess the effort involved in monitoring these hidden channels, noting that safe access is possible from a distance.

Questions to ask your suppliers

Teams should verify whether vendors have policies regarding dark web monitoring for their own infrastructure. Ask if suppliers use specialized tools to detect if their credentials or data appear in hidden forums. Determine who within the organization receives alerts regarding third-party exposure. Check whether contracts include clauses about transparency if a supplier’s data is found in illicit markets. Ensure that incident response plans account for scenarios where supplier compromise impacts your own operational security posture.

What to do and how to stay safe: Huntress

• Review internal policies on accessing anonymous networks to ensure staff do not inadvertently expose corporate systems.
• Monitor for leaked credentials or data associated with your organization on known dark web indices.
• Verify that security tools can detect traffic patterns associated with Tor or other anonymizing services.
• Train staff to recognize phishing attempts that may originate from or reference dark web marketplaces.

Step-by-step guide: Browser Security Settings for Small Business Teams

General security guidance from the TechSec Feed newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

The deep web includes unindexed sites accessible via standard means, like banking portals, while the dark web requires specialized software like Tor to access.

Do dark web sites look different from regular websites?

No, Huntress reports that many dark web sites mimic legitimate e-commerce structures with pricing and reviews, though they may be outdated.

Can the dark web be used for legal purposes?

Yes, the research notes that journalists, detectives, and activists use the dark web for anonymous research and communication.