Dark web
Parts of the internet accessible only through specialised software like Tor, commonly associated with the trade of stolen data, fraud tools, and criminal services.
Also known as: darknet, dark net
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The dark web is a portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and requires specific anonymising software (most commonly the Tor browser) to access. While it hosts legitimate privacy-focused communities, it is also home to criminal marketplaces where stolen personal data, compromised account credentials, payment card details, malware, and fraud-as-a-service tools are bought and sold.
For fraud victims, the practical concern is that their data — from a breach, a phishing attack, or a skimmer — may be available on dark web forums, enabling further attacks months or years later. Some identity-monitoring services scan dark web marketplaces and alert you if your email or card details appear.
The dark web is distinct from the 'deep web', which is simply the part of the internet not indexed by search engines (such as your online banking pages).