The world wide web has several layers. Legitimate users are familiar with the surface web, where data can be freely accessed using standard search engines, and the deep web, where information (e.g., personal bank accounts) can be accessed using unique login information. The third layer is the dark web (also referred to as the darknet), where content is not only very hard to access, requiring unique downloadable software programs, but users and transactions remain anonymous. Although there are legitimate users on the dark web, such as political dissidents, whistleblowers, and human rights activists, it is mainly a safe haven for criminal elements.

In this white paper, you will learn more about:

• The dark web and its users
• The challenges that law enforcement faces
• Why law enforcement uses WEBINT solutions to probe the dark web