Deep Web Background Check: What is It & How Does it Work?

Michelle Wilson - February 14, 2024

The deep web is the portion of the Internet that isn’t crawled or indexed by search engines. These pages can include the inner portions of websites or social media platforms requiring a membership or account to access. Searching the deep web will require the proper credentials or an outside background check company to access all information.

What is the Deep Web?

The deep web refers to any area of the Internet that remains inaccessible through standard search engines. It holds pages that search engines can’t index, including private databases, paywalled websites, and dark web material. Estimates believe there are over 200,000 websites currently accessible on the deep web at any time.

What is a Paywalled Website?

A paywall website is any platform offering subscription services to access content online. Users must pay a subscription (usually a monthly fee) to access any content. Anything hidden behind this requirement is considered a paywall. Popular examples of these websites include news article platforms or streaming services like Netflix. Popular search engines don’t index these website pages.

How to Search the Deep Web for Information

Searching the deep web sounds intimidating, but you need credentials or tech experience to access the information. Many users find tools like InfoMine and WWW virtual reality helpful in retrieving academic information on the deep web. If you’re searching the deep web to uncover specific information about an individual, TOR is the most popular web search engine to do so. Having a VPN active before starting your search is always a good idea.

Users don’t require special software or programs to access the deep web; an internet-enabled device and proper credentials will allow instant access. Many individuals regularly access the deep web without even realizing it.

Can a Background Check Company Perform a Deep Web Search?

Whether a background check company uses deep web searches in its screening depends mainly on the platform. Several companies will use this screening to confirm details unavailable on Google or other social media platforms. Contact the company directly to verify whether a company offers deep web screening.

What Information is Available on the Deep Web?

Although the deep web sounds intimidating, it’s a term used for all areas of the Internet not accessible through standard search engines. These websites keep the information contained due to privacy and relevance. Users would find it somewhat unnerving to know that anyone searching online can access their banking information, emails, or Netflix history.

Who Uses the Deep Web?

Most internet users will regularly access the deep web. The most common access points include internal networks through businesses and academic institutions. Likewise, many people will use the deep web when accessing intranets. Interested individuals can access these portals using a specific VPN service and proper credentials.

What is an Intranet?

An intranet is a local or restricted network commonly found with private networks. This method allows companies access to internal communication, employee engagement, and team collaboration. Additionally, companies can incorporate documentation and communication channels into the workplace.

What are Subscription Services?

The subscription business model is a recurring and ongoing method of accessing information or content online. Customers can renew their subscriptions after specific periods or cancel the service. Examples of these deep web platforms include Netflix, software as a service, and news websites.

Why Perform a Deep Web Background Search?

A deep web background search is the first to find detailed information about another individual. Users can start the background check using another person’s first and last name. From there, the company’s algorithm will automatically scan through public records and databases to compile a comprehensive report. Examples of personal data include the person’s real name, birthday, address, and contact information.

Additional information may include criminal history, credit reports, social media accounts, and deep web details (such as personal accounts or profiles).

How Does a Background Check Company Source Information?

A background check company can source information about an individual in several ways. Scanning online search results is a preliminary method of finding details, and background check companies can scour billions of web pages and archives to pull all relevant information about an individual.

Compiling Internet History

Alternatively, search methods may include collecting interactions with websites, although this method is quite controversial. The deep web can showcase any platform, website, or service used online by an individual. These services can prove beneficial when trying to find sensitive information or hard-to-find details.

Pulling Patent or Trademark Information

If the individual has applied for a patent, background check companies can access the full-text patent database for the local country trademark office. These details, including the name, patent title, and other relevant information, will often be used within the screening report.

Using Invisible Web People Search Engines

These tools will collect information from online public records, including public transactions, court documents, phone number listings, and anything shared publicly by the individual.

How to Access the Deep Web Individually

Although traditional search engines don’t index the deep web, finding relevant information is still possible. Accessing information through the deep web starts with logging into any website or portal that offers membership or exclusivity. For example, logging into a Google account or email platform is part of the deep web. Websites that provide member-exclusive content or search functionality (such as Expedia or Travelocity) are other areas of the deep web.

Enter the Exact Website Address

As search engines don’t index the deep web, knowing the exact address is the only way to access such sites. Individuals can access resources through outside sources for specialized websites that categorize deep web content. For example, users can pull up relevant academic resources through PubMed or Project MUSE without the original journal being indexed online.

Are There Risks Using the Deep Web?

The deep web doesn’t pose a risk to users any differently than accessing content online would pose a risk. The deep web is content unavailable to the public from standard search engines. Potential viruses and spyware can occur when downloading programs or applications from the deep web, but not at a different level than standard web searches. Always remain mindful of the information you access or download online, using antivirus software to screen anything on the PC.

Is Accessing the Deep Web Legal?

While the deep web’s contents may be hidden from the public, accessing the content is legal. Alternatively, taking information or content that doesn’t belong to you is illegal.

Conclusion

The deep web is anything found online but not indexed in regular search results. This content will commonly include membership websites, private accounts, or irrelevant databases for the average user. A deep web search requires proper sign-in credentials or outside access using a background check company. Although accessing the content is perfectly legal, stealing information or misusing content is criminal.