What is the black web?
Reviewed by Anthon Wansland
Head of Product & Co-Founder
Serus is a privacy company with paid tools to find and remove your personal data. This page is free and based on official sources.
Definition
The black web is a popular name for the dark web: the part of the internet that runs on overlay networks and needs special software, such as the Tor Browser, to reach.
- Category
- Security
- Also called
- blackweb, black internet
- Last updated
Sources checked: cisa.gov
Last verified against the official page:
"Black web" is not a technical term. People use it for the dark web, and that's how this page treats it.
CISA's report on the dark web and cybercrime separates three layers. The surface web is what search engines index and anyone can reach. The deep web is content search engines don't index, which needs a login or specific software, like a bank account page or a company's internal portal. The dark web is narrower: it runs on overlay networks that use the internet but require specific software, such as the Tor Browser, with addresses ending in .onion. CISA notes the term is sometimes used loosely for criminal forums on ordinary domains, so the line isn't always strict.
Is it illegal?
Using Tor isn't what makes something illegal. But criminals use the dark web to trade stolen data, so your email, passwords or card details can end up there after a breach.
Why it matters to you
Once your data is posted there, it is out of your hands. What you can do is find out whether your details appeared, change the passwords that leaked and watch for the scams that follow. Serus monitors the dark web and breach databases and alerts you when your data appears. For more, see our guide on the dark web.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Use a unique password for every account
A leaked password is only dangerous where you reused it. A password manager makes unique ones easy.
- 2
Turn on two-factor authentication
It blocks most logins that use a leaked password alone.
- 3
Check whether you were in a breach
Search your email on a breach-notification service and change passwords for any account listed.
- 4
Watch for follow-up scams
Leaked data fuels phishing and fake bank calls. Don't act on unexpected messages.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Is the black web the same as the dark web?
In everyday use, yes. 'Black web' is a popular name for the dark web, though it isn't an official term.
Is the black web the same as the deep web?
No. The deep web is any content search engines don't index, like your online banking page. The dark web is a small part that needs special software such as Tor.
What can I do if my data shows up on the black web?
Change the leaked passwords, turn on two-factor authentication and watch for phishing that uses your details.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.