By Joe Seanor, CISSP | Cyber Investigator & Network Security Expert
Say the phrase “dark web”, and you’ll get a mix of reactions:
- “Isn’t that where hitmen advertise?”
- “Can I buy credit cards there?”
- “Is it illegal just to go there?”
As a cybersecurity professional and investigator, I’ve spent years exploring and tracking threat actors in the darker corners of the internet. And I’m here to tell you:
The dark web is misunderstood—and dangerous not just because of what’s on it, but because of what people think it is.
Let me take you on a safe, jargon-free tour.
What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires special software to access—most commonly the Tor browser. It’s called “dark” not because it’s evil, but because it’s not indexed by search engines like Google or Bing.
It exists inside what’s called the deep web—all content not publicly accessible (think: password-protected databases, internal company portals, etc.).
Surface Web = Public Google-able sites
Deep Web = Behind logins (banking, cloud dashboards)
Dark Web = Intentionally hidden and accessed via Tor or similar networks
What You Will Find on the Dark Web
Yes, there’s crime. But there’s also activism, journalism, and community.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | What’s There |
|---|---|
| Illegal Marketplaces | Stolen data, drugs, counterfeit goods |
| Forums | Hacking tutorials, phishing kits, exploits |
| Whistleblower Platforms | Secure leaks (e.g., SecureDrop used by journalists) |
| Political Content | Banned speech from authoritarian regions |
| Private Communications | Encrypted messaging, file drops |
Is It Illegal to Access the Dark Web?
No—accessing the dark web is not illegal. Using the Tor browser is perfectly legal in most countries (including the U.S.).
What’s illegal is engaging in criminal activity while you’re there (e.g., buying stolen data, hiring a hacker).
Many people use Tor for privacy, anonymity, or to avoid censorship—not for crime.
How Cybercriminals Use the Dark Web
Where it gets serious is this: the dark web is a hub for cybercrime infrastructure.
As an investigator, I’ve tracked:
- Phishing-as-a-Service platforms (you rent a fake login page and get a cut)
- Zero-day exploit auctions
- Ransomware negotiation sites (yes, with customer service chats)
- Stolen credentials marketplaces (sometimes sold in bulk by region or industry)
This is where threat actors collaborate, exchange tools, and sell the data they steal from small businesses like yours.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Dark Web
- “It’s only for criminals”
→ False. Journalists, activists, and everyday people use it for privacy. - “You’ll get hacked instantly”
→ False. Just browsing with Tor is no more dangerous than using Chrome—unless you start clicking on malicious links. - “It’s impossible to track anyone there”
→ False. Many dark web arrests happen every year. Mistakes, honeypots, and metadata can all reveal identities.
Should You Be Concerned?
Yes—but not in the way Hollywood tells you.
As a small business owner or individual, the real risk isn’t from you visiting the dark web. It’s that your credentials, customer data, or proprietary information could be sold on it.
If you’re breached, chances are high that your data will end up listed on a dark web marketplace.
What You Can Do Today
1. Use a password manager
Never reuse passwords. If one site gets breached, attackers try the same password on others.
2. Enable MFA everywhere
This one step blocks most account takeovers—even if your password leaks.
3. Monitor dark web exposure
Use tools like HaveIBeenPwned, or hire a cybersecurity partner to monitor for your domain and employee emails.
4. Don’t go exploring without knowing what you’re doing
Curiosity is fine—but be safe, use a VPN, and never click links in forums unless you know the source.
Final Thoughts
The dark web isn’t just crime and shadows. It’s a mirror reflecting the best and worst of digital privacy.
As a cybersecurity expert, I recommend understanding it—not fearing it.
Because the more we know, the less power cybercriminals have over us.
Stay secure,
Joe Seanor
CISSP | Private Cybersecurity Consultant