Intranet vs Dark Web: Is Your Data Secure?
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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13 March 2025
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14 mins read
Do you think intranets are the most secure way to access and transfer information and that the dark web is the only place your data is at risk?
An Intranet is the go-to network used by organizations to provide safe transfer of information and communication within the organization. The dark web is one of the many layers of the internet and is infamous for many suspicious activities.
The blog covers the differences between the intranet and the dark web, how they are useful, and what the risks might be when you access them.
What is an Intranet?
An intranet represents a smaller version of your regular internet that is deployed by different organizations to communicate with their employees. The intranet platform provides a safe and secure space to discuss, communicate, and transfer sensitive information without the fear of any external factors.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a sublayer of the internet that cannot be accessed through your regular browser. It uses Tor as an entry point search engine to access websites that are restricted and inaccessible through regular means. It is a dangerous part of the internet where you will find malicious activities taking place, but it also offers a secure and anonymous experience that can be used for good as well.
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Intranet vs Dark Web: 4 Major Differences
| Features | Dark Web | Intranet |
| Accessibility | Requires special software like Tor | Restricted to selected users only |
| Purpose | Anonymity, illicit activities, and privacy | Private communication, security, and collaboration |
| Content | Black markets, secret databases, and black market forums | Company databases, news, tools, and directories |
| Security | High risk of scams, cybercriminals | Secure with access controls and encryption |
Is Intranet Better For Organizational Security?
Intranet is a go-to choice when it comes to company data and information. It's a safer and easier option compared to having a site on the dark web. Intranet offers enhanced security and is easy to monitor since access is only given to selected employees of the company.
Although the dark web provides anonymity and privacy of the highest level, the risks far outweigh the rewards, and it is simply convenient for organizations to choose an intranet network.
The idea of an intranet dates back to the dawn of the World Wide Web; it is still considered to be a go-to tool when it comes to organizational communication and security.
The intranet is an extensive tool that aims to cover all organizational bases within a single portal, but there are a few drawbacks.
First off, most intranet providers charge a hefty sum, and not all organizations are eager to dish out substantial amounts of cash for a private network.
A lot of smaller-scale companies just use the regular web since it is completely free and worry about the security risks later.
Are Intranet Networks Secure?
An Intranet is a private, secure network used mostly by organizations. The network has restricted access and is available to employees, but that does not stop it from being part of the surface web.
This makes the Intranet vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches, as we have seen in the cases of Deloitte, Bank of America, T-Mobile, and more.
Hackers have also claimed that leaked data and sensitive information is on the dark web, where it can be used for malicious activities. Both personal and organizational information is prone to these attacks, and you must be careful if your data is on the dark web, as it can result in multiple exploitations.
How to Find Out If Your Data Is on the Dark Web?
Data breaches are extremely common in this day and age. Most of us get our data leaked without even knowing it. PureVPN helps you stay up to date with the latest security features and dark web monitoring.
How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
- Download PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
- Visit the Members Area to get access.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor.
- Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.
- Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.
7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach.
8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are the primary uses of an Intranet?
Intranet systems are used within every major organization. The portal systems used by banks, universities, and other companies are all part of the intranet network. Intranet is a way to communicate securely and without any risks.
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What are the risks of using the Dark Web?
The dark web has many legitimate uses like rerouting security, anonymity, and more, but these features attract a lot of criminals to the platform. This makes surfing the dark web quite dangerous since cybercriminals could hack your sensitive information without you even knowing.
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Can I be tracked on the dark web?
Yes. Your activities on the dark web are vulnerable to tracking by government surveillance, hackers, and intruders. Techniques such as malware, browser exploits, and website vulnerabilities commonly compromise your identity.
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Is it safe to use the Intranet?
An Intranet network is safe to use since it is only accessible to a select number of people and is easy to monitor. Any suspicious activity performed on an intranet server is immediately spotted.
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Is it illegal to visit the dark web?
No, it is entirely legal to visit dark websites until and unless you do not engage in illicit activities. Remember to keep your identity anonymous while you are on the dark web.
Conclusion
The intranet is a great way to communicate securely within an organization without the hassle of setting up extensive security on regular communication platforms, but one can not deny that it carries risks. The dark web is inherently risky and could damage your reputation if you are less concerned about your privacy.
