“Is the dark web actually dangerous?” It’s a question that comes up again and again—often sparked by sensational headlines about hacker marketplaces, illegal drugs, or even “hitmen for hire.” News stories tend to amplify the most shocking corners of the dark web, making it seem like a shadowy underworld that’s inherently unsafe to even think about.
The truth is more nuanced. The dark web is simply a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. To access it, users need special software such as TOR (The Onion Router), which masks traffic and makes browsing anonymous. On its own, this technology is not malicious—it was actually designed to help protect privacy and free speech.
Where the dark web becomes dangerous is in its applications. Because of its anonymity, it has become a hub for illegal activities ranging from the sale of stolen credentials and personal data, to ransomware operations, to online drug and weapons markets. At the same time, it also provides a critical platform for journalists, activists, and everyday users who want to protect their communications.
In this article, we’ll separate myth from reality. We’ll break down what the dark web really is, the genuine risks it presents, where it can be used safely, and why businesses in particular need to pay close attention—not because of what they might do there, but because their data may already be circulating within it.
What the dark web actually is
To understand whether the dark web is actually dangerous, it’s important to first clear up what it is—and what it isn’t.
The dark web refers to websites and online communities that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. You won’t stumble upon them through a regular search query. Instead, they are intentionally hidden and require specialized software—most commonly TOR (The Onion Router)—to access. TOR routes traffic through multiple layers of encryption and servers, making it much harder to trace a user’s activity back to their location.
That doesn’t mean every dark web site is criminal. The technology itself is neutral: it can be used for privacy, security, or crime, depending on the intent of its users.
Surface web vs. deep web vs. dark web
It’s also useful to distinguish between the three main “layers” of the internet:
- Surface web: The part of the internet you use every day—sites like news outlets, social media, or e-commerce platforms. These are indexed by search engines and are publicly accessible.
- Deep web: Online content that’s hidden from search engines but still legal and common. Examples include academic databases, medical records, or paywalled subscription services. When you log into your online banking account, you’re in the deep web.
- Dark web: A small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and only accessible with tools like TOR. It is often associated with anonymity and, unfortunately, criminal activity—but it also hosts communities focused on privacy, free expression, and secure communication.
For a deeper dive into the technical and social aspects of this hidden network, see Prey’s guide on the dark web.
Why people consider it dangerous
If you search “is the dark web actually dangerous,” most results highlight its darker side. And it’s true—the dark web has become synonymous with crime because of the types of activities it often facilitates. Here are the main reasons why people consider it dangerous:
Criminal marketplaces
The dark web is home to underground marketplaces where illegal goods and services are openly traded. These include:
- Drugs and narcotics.
- Counterfeit money and forged documents.
- Weapons and explosives.
- Stolen credit card numbers, logins, and full identity kits known as “fullz.”
One of the most infamous examples was the Silk Road, an online marketplace shut down by the FBI in 2013. Since then, dozens of copycat sites have appeared, often disappearing after law enforcement takedowns or “exit scams.”
Forums for hackers and cybercriminals
Beyond markets, the dark web also hosts forums where cybercriminals gather to share tools, sell malware kits, and trade exploits. These communities are where phishing templates, ransomware-as-a-service offerings, and stolen credentials often circulate.
According to research by Digital Shadows, there are more than 100 active dark web forums where credentials and hacking services are exchanged daily.
Association with ransomware and data breaches
In recent years, the dark web has become a hub for ransomware operators. Groups like REvil and LockBit have used it to publish stolen data when victims refuse to pay ransoms. For businesses, this means that a single breach can quickly become a public shaming campaign on a dark web “leak site.”
A 2023 IBM report found that the average cost of a ransomware breach was $5.13 million—and part of that cost comes from data being sold or leaked on the dark web.
Reputation amplified by media and law enforcement
Law enforcement takedowns and media coverage have only amplified the dark web’s reputation. When police agencies announce seizures of dark web drug or weapons markets, it reinforces the image of the dark web as inherently criminal. While these takedowns are important, they also contribute to the perception that “everything on the dark web is illegal.”
The real dangers on the dark web
While the dark web itself is just a hidden network, there are very real dangers tied to what happens within it. The risks aren’t abstract—they affect individuals, businesses, and society at large.
For individuals
Ordinary users face significant threats if they venture into the wrong places or if their data ends up there:
- Scams: Fake marketplaces lure buyers with promises of cheap goods but simply take their money.
- Malware: Many downloads on the dark web are laced with trojans or ransomware. A 2022 report by Positive Technologies found that nearly 60% of files offered for free on dark web forums contained malware.
- Stolen credentials: Emails, passwords, and full identity kits are bought and sold daily. Once stolen, these details can be used for fraud or account takeovers.
- Identity theft: With enough leaked information—addresses, SSNs, credit card numbers—criminals can open new accounts or impersonate victims entirely.
For businesses
Organizations face some of the most severe consequences of dark web activity:
- Stolen data traded: Customer or employee credentials obtained in breaches are quickly sold. Once leaked, they may be reused in credential stuffing or phishing attacks.
- Phishing kits and ransomware: Dark web forums often host ready-made phishing templates and ransomware-as-a-service, lowering the barrier for attackers.
- Breach coordination: Cybercriminal groups use the dark web to plan and coordinate large-scale attacks, making it a hub for collaboration.
This is why many organizations track dark web data breaches—because once stolen data is on the dark web, the window to contain damage is dangerously short.
For society
Finally, some dark web dangers have broader social impact:
- Illegal arms: Weapons, explosives, and even “DIY” instruction kits circulate in marketplaces.
- Child exploitation: Unfortunately, the anonymity of the dark web has been exploited to host illegal and harmful communities. Law enforcement agencies worldwide dedicate resources to shutting these down.
- Organized crime: Drug cartels and other groups use the dark web to move products, launder money, and expand reach.
The FBI’s takedown of the Silk Road in 2013, and more recently the “Operation Disruptor” initiative in 2020, illustrate how law enforcement continues to chase organized criminal activity on the dark web. Yet every time one market closes, others emerge to replace it.
What’s not dangerous about the dark web
So, is the dark web actually dangerous? Not always. While it’s often portrayed as a hub of criminal activity, the dark web also plays an important role in supporting privacy, free expression, and human rights. The danger doesn’t come from the technology itself—it comes from what people choose to do with it.
Legitimate uses of the dark web
- Journalists protecting sources: Reporters working on sensitive investigations use the dark web to communicate with whistleblowers and sources securely. Many major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Guardian, maintain dark web portals where sources can upload documents anonymously.
- Activists in oppressive regimes: In countries where the internet is censored or heavily monitored, activists use TOR and dark web platforms to bypass restrictions. This allows them to share information with the outside world without putting themselves at immediate risk of surveillance or arrest.
- Privacy advocates: For privacy-focused communities, the dark web is simply another tool for anonymous browsing. Researchers, academics, and digital rights groups use it to discuss encryption, online freedom, and policy without their conversations being tracked.
TOR’s role in anonymity
The TOR network—the backbone of most dark web activity—was originally developed with funding from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the 1990s. Its goal was to protect government communications. Today, TOR is maintained by a nonprofit organization and continues to serve as a critical tool for online anonymity.
Using TOR doesn’t mean you’re doing something illegal. In fact, millions of people use it every day for perfectly lawful activities. The danger comes from interacting with criminal markets, downloading malicious files, or engaging in illegal transactions—not from accessing the dark web itself.
How people actually end up at risk
While the dark web itself isn’t automatically dangerous, the way people interact with it often creates the real risks. Most threats come from a combination of curiosity, inexperience, and the illusion of anonymity. Here are the most common ways individuals and businesses put themselves in danger:
Clicking malicious links
Dark web directories and forums often contain links that look harmless but lead to malicious sites. A single click can expose a system to spyware, ransomware, or trojans. Unlike the surface web, where browsers and search engines flag dangerous domains, there are far fewer safeguards in hidden networks.
Downloading files with malware
It’s common for files offered on the dark web—whether cracked software, databases, or media—to be loaded with malware. Once downloaded, they can compromise devices, steal credentials, or provide attackers with remote access. A 2022 study by the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed that more than half of dark web downloads tested contained malicious code.
Falling for scams or fake marketplaces
Many dark web marketplaces aren’t what they seem. Some exist solely to trick buyers into handing over money without delivering goods. Others vanish in “exit scams,” where site operators suddenly shut down, taking customer funds with them. Because payments are usually made in cryptocurrencies, recovering funds is nearly impossible.
Using stolen credentials without realizing legal risks
Some people enter the dark web simply out of curiosity and end up interacting with stolen data. But even accessing or attempting to use stolen credentials can have legal consequences. For businesses, employees who unknowingly use leaked credentials also create a massive attack surface, since criminals frequently reuse these details in phishing and credential stuffing campaigns.
For a deeper dive into these risks and how they play out, see Prey’s analysis of dark web cyber threats.
How businesses face hidden risks
For organizations, the dark web represents a threat surface that extends far beyond casual browsing. Even if a company never actively accesses it, their data may already be circulating there—and that’s where the real danger lies.
Stolen credentials and credential stuffing
One of the most common threats businesses face is when employee logins appear on the dark web. These credentials are often reused across multiple accounts, creating opportunities for attackers to conduct credential stuffing attacks. By automating login attempts with leaked usernames and passwords, cybercriminals can quickly breach internal systems, VPNs, or cloud apps.
This is especially dangerous for SMBs and mid-market companies, where password reuse policies are often weak and security budgets limited.
Corporate data leaks fueling phishing and ransomware
When corporate email addresses, customer lists, or financial details appear on the dark web, they don’t just sit idle. Attackers use this information to:
- Launch highly targeted phishing campaigns.
- Tailor ransomware attacks that exploit known weaknesses.
- Combine leaked data with social engineering to impersonate executives or finance teams.
The result is a higher likelihood of successful attacks that look credible because they are built on real leaked data.
Regulatory fines and compliance risks
Businesses in healthcare, finance, and education face an additional layer of risk: compliance obligations. If data subject to HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR shows up on the dark web, regulators may impose fines for failing to adequately protect it. Beyond the financial hit, organizations also risk reputational damage and customer trust erosion.
Why scanning isn’t enough
Running a one-time dark web scan can reveal whether an organization’s data has been leaked in the past, but it doesn’t help track ongoing exposures or active threats. This is why enterprises must move from scanning to monitoring—so they can detect leaks in real time, prioritize responses, and avoid fines.
For practical steps, see Prey’s guide on data security strategies for dark web threats.
Staying safe if you explore the dark web
Curiosity drives many people to explore the dark web, but safety should always come first. Even if your goal isn’t to buy or sell anything illegal, the risks of malware, scams, and surveillance are real. So, is the dark web actually dangerous for ordinary users? It can be—unless you take precautions.
Here are key steps to reduce your exposure if you choose to explore:
Use of VPN + TOR
Accessing the dark web typically requires TOR (The Onion Router). But TOR alone does not guarantee privacy. Pairing it with a virtual private network (VPN) adds another layer of encryption, masking your IP address before your traffic even enters the TOR network. This helps reduce the chance of tracking and keeps your ISP from logging TOR usage.
Never download unknown files
One of the fastest ways to get into trouble is downloading files from dark web sites. Many free downloads are embedded with trojans, spyware, or ransomware. If you must download something, treat it as potentially malicious—use a secure sandbox or avoid it altogether.
Don’t share personal data
The anonymity of the dark web can create a false sense of security, tempting users to share personal details. But posting your real name, email, or payment information ties your identity to dark web activity and increases the risk of fraud or exposure. Stick to pseudonyms and never reuse personal accounts.
Use disposable identities
If you want to create an account on a dark web forum or marketplace—whether for research or awareness—always use disposable usernames, burner emails, and unique credentials. Never reuse your real passwords or professional contact details.
Even “safe” browsing carries risks
Even if you’re just “looking around,” the dark web is unpredictable. Simply clicking the wrong link can lead to malicious redirects or expose you to disturbing and illegal content. That’s why the safest recommendation is to treat every interaction as high risk, even if it looks harmless on the surface.
Monitoring: the proactive safety net
Even if you never open TOR or browse a dark web forum, your information can still end up there. Data breaches, phishing attacks, and third-party leaks often expose credentials, financial details, or corporate records that are later sold or shared on underground marketplaces. For businesses, this means the dark web is dangerous not because they visit it—but because their data might already be circulating within it.
Why monitoring matters
A one-time scan can tell you if your data has been exposed in the past. But without continuous monitoring, you won’t know when new exposures appear. Criminals don’t wait for annual audits—they act the moment credentials are leaked. That’s why organizations are shifting from passive scans to proactive dark web monitoring.
Monitoring provides:
- Real-time alerts: Notifications when stolen credentials or sensitive data appear on underground sites.
- Context: Insight into the type of breach, when it occurred, and how attackers might use the data.
- Integration: The ability to connect monitoring to your broader security ecosystem, including SIEM and dark web monitoring.
- Resilience: The chance to reset passwords, lock accounts, or notify customers before attackers exploit stolen data.
Prey’s approach
At Prey, we go beyond scanning. Our Breach Monitoring Solution provides domain-wide coverage, continuous detection, and actionable intelligence. This allows security teams to focus on prevention and response rather than discovering leaks long after the damage has been done.
It’s a critical layer of defense in what we call the identity perimeter—the boundary where leaked or stolen credentials become the entry point for cyberattacks. You can learn more about this concept in our guide to the identity perimeter and the dark web threat.
Final verdict: is the dark web actually dangerous?
So, is the dark web actually dangerous? The answer is more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
- The dark web itself is a tool. It’s simply a network designed to provide anonymity and privacy.
- It becomes dangerous when combined with crime, scams, and carelessness. Markets for stolen data, phishing kits, and ransomware operators exploit its anonymity to thrive.
- For organizations, the greatest danger isn’t browsing the dark web—it’s having your data traded there without your knowledge.
In other words, the dark web isn’t inherently evil. It’s the activities carried out within it that make it risky for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
“The dark web is not inherently evil—it’s what people do on it that makes it dangerous.”
Ready to protect yourself?
The good news is that you don’t need to venture into the dark web to defend against its risks. The best defense is awareness and proactive monitoring. Here’s where to start:
- Run a dark web scan for your personal email or your organization’s domain to check for exposed credentials.
- Educate staff about phishing, credential reuse, and the dangers of leaked logins.
- Deploy continuous monitoring to detect stolen data early and take action before attackers exploit it.
Prey provides continuous monitoring, real-time alerts, and actionable intelligence that go far beyond scanning. With visibility into where your data appears on the dark web, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
