--- title: What Is The Dark Web? description: What is the Dark Web? On Time Tech shares insights into the Dark Web and how it impacts businesses in San Francisco. --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web#0) 2 min read # What Is The Dark Web? [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Nov 11, 2020, 4:54:16 AM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) ## Staying Secure in The Age of the Dark Web If you are an active Internet user, you have likely heard of the “dark web,” or an unindexed network of websites that allows users to remain anonymous. Because of its anonymity, the dark web is often associated with criminal activity and other dangerous scams. Unsuspecting individuals’ personal information can be compromised on the dark web, leading to a series of privacy issues. The question is: what are the dangers of the dark web to everyday Internet users and what are the best ways to stay protected from potential hackers? The following recap of [On Time Tech’s](https://www.ontimetech.com) Tech Tip will shed light on the intricacies of the dark web and how you can ensure that your confidential information remains secure. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce\_SELRES\_start"></span> ### How Large is the Dark Web? Because the dark web is discussed less than everyday email, social media and work websites that make up the “surface web,” it might be tempting to believe that its size is insignificant. However, this could not be further from the truth. The dark web is found within what is called the “deep web,” which constitutes 96% of the Internet compared to the surface web’s 4%. In fact, Forbes recently reported that there are [2 million active users](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/04/23/five-key-reasons-dark-web-markets-are-booming/#242277c76f6f) on the browser TOR (The Onion Routing), which acts as the main browser on the dark web. The sheer size of this untrackable network suggests that many innocent Internet users could be targeted by ill-intentioned individuals on the dark web. ### Protecting Yourself From Potential Risks With over [80,000 unique sites on TOR’s browser](https://www.businessinsider.com/dark-web-changed-the-world-black-markets-arab-spring-2020-3), there is no shortage of opportunities for hackers to buy and sell confidential information such as credit card information, bank accounts, subscription credentials and software used to break into private devices. On Time Tech experts say there’s a good chance that some of your personal information is on the dark web without your knowledge -- luckily, taking steps to protect yourself on the Internet isn’t complicated. ### Trust Our IT Professionals The best way to guarantee that your confidential information remains secure is to consult the experienced professionals at [On Time Tech](https://www.ontimetech.com) for a dark web scan. With almost 15 years of perfecting our IT services, we are eager to provide you with unbeatable technology solutions for your day-to-day operations. Simply [fill out our short contact form](https://www.ontimetech.com/contact-us/), give us a call at (415) 294-5250 or email our helpful team at info@www.ontimetech.com. On Time Tech’s knowledgeable staff is equipped to keep your private information safe from malicious hackers on the dark web. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![Everything You Need to Know About the Dark Web](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/GettyImages-701249404.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-dark-web) #### [Everything You Need to Know About the Dark Web](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-dark-web) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Jul 31, 2019, 7:12:37 AM What Is the Dark Web and How Can You Stay Off It? [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-dark-web) [![Stop Worrying About Cybercrime & Start Following These 4 Simple Tips to Secure Your Data While Surfing the Web!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Security.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/stop-worrying-about-cybercrime-start-following-these-4-simple-tips-to-secure-your-data-while-surfing-the-web) #### [Stop Worrying About Cybercrime & Start Following These 4 Simple Tips to Secure Your Data While Surfing the Web!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/stop-worrying-about-cybercrime-start-following-these-4-simple-tips-to-secure-your-data-while-surfing-the-web) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Nov 19, 2014, 11:15:28 AM Along with all of its impressive features and capabilities, the Internet also presents a huge security risk. Odds are, you do your banking online,... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/stop-worrying-about-cybercrime-start-following-these-4-simple-tips-to-secure-your-data-while-surfing-the-web) [![Staying On Top Of the Latest Web Articles Is Now Free!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/instapaper-1.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tech-tips/staying-on-top-of-the-latest-web-articles-is-now-free) #### [Staying On Top Of the Latest Web Articles Is Now Free!](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tech-tips/staying-on-top-of-the-latest-web-articles-is-now-free) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Oct 8, 2014, 1:13:19 PM Did you say free? That’s always a word that’s worth looking into if it comes from someone you trust. [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tech-tips/staying-on-top-of-the-latest-web-articles-is-now-free) ![OTT White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/OTT%20Logo/OTT%20White%20logo.png?width=524&height=140&name=OTT%20White%20logo.png)   ##### About About On Time Tech is an IT Support and Computer Services company serving California. We provide services to the areas in and around We know businesses like yours need technology support in order to run highly-effective organizations. Leverage pro-growth technology services for your company now. ##### Explore On Time Time Explore On Time Time - [Our Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Contact](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/contact/) ##### Contact Contact **San Francisco:** 1717 Fifth Ave San Rafael, CA 94901 [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) Business Hours: M-F: 8AM-9PM - [Privacy Policy](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/privacy-policy/) © 2026 On Time Tech [*Facebook*](https://www.facebook.com/ontimetechsf/)[*Twitter*](https://twitter.com/on_time_tech?lang=en)[*LinkedIn*](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontimetech/)[*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubqs9PU_WWF-RFhfK9xNpw) [![Alura White logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VN%20-%20Division%20Logos/Alura%20White%20logo.png?width=295&height=115&name=Alura%20White%20logo.png)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/) [![Next.I.T._White-Logo](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Next.I.T._White-Logo.png?width=328&height=136&name=Next.I.T._White-Logo.png)](https://next-it.net/) [![White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png?width=313&height=103&name=White-OTT-Logo-1-768x253.png)](https://www.ontimetech.com/) [![Valeo-Logo-White (1)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png?width=288&height=123&name=Valeo-Logo-White%20(1).png)](https://valeonetworks.com/) *Return to Top* ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lance Stone", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin" }, "dateModified" : "2024-01-10T16:28:25.957Z", "datePublished" : "2020-11-11T09:54:16.000Z", "headline" : "What Is The Dark Web?", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/what-is-the-dark-web", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/OTT%20-%20Color%20Logo.png" }, "name" : "Valeo Networks" } } ```