The internet we use is the surface web, which is indexable. The deep web is protected and is accessible through authentication, say the use of passwords. The dark web is not available through regular browsers. It is accessed through specialised networks.

The confidential communication of the government is generally channelised through non-indexible part of the internet.

You will be surprised that only 10 per cent of internet is surface web, whereas 90 per cent of internet is deep and dark web.

Dark is web is accessed through a browser Tor. It provides anonymity to the users.

One plus point is the freedom from censorship and freedom of expression that the dark web provides. At the same time, it is a market place for many dubious activities, such as selling stolen data (say credit card information), selling spurious drugs and narcotics, selling weapons and pornography.

Dark web URLs are complex and hexadecimal alpha-numeric strings. Surface web is indexed in the subdomain. domain, top-level domain format. Dark web strings have onion extensions, say a1.b2.c3.d4.e5.f6 onion. These addresses are accessed through Tor.

Dark web could have both state actors, and malicious actors. It could sell both legal and illegal things. There could be crypto trades, even when banned. Even payment of transactions could be through crypto.

Cyber security experts keep an eye on data floating on dark web. Banks and financial institutions monitor dark web. There are attacks on SWIFT network for foreign transactions.

Organisations upskill people monitor processes and keep an eye on technology to be safe.