Proton themselves state that using Tor to access the dark web version of Proton Mail offers security advantages. Using the Tor browser makes it harder for third parties to see the websites and mail services you’re visiting. Moreover, if ProtonMail gets blocked in your country, Tor can circumvent this block. Dark.fail is a convenient platform that allows you to monitor the uptime of various .onion websites. In other words, it lets you check which popular dark sites are online at any given moment.
What Is Tor?
Exploring the Deep Web: A Guide on How to Get in the Deep Web
Torch is funded primarily through advertising—purchased in BTC, of course—which is why you’ll find the front page blanketed with old-school banner ads of dubious origins. Search engines on the dark web are a bit of a contradiction because dark web sites by definition are not indexed by traditional search engines. In this article, learn more about dark web links (also called Tor links or onion sites), then check out some of the best Tor sites. But even though technologies such as Tor are used to facilitate illegal activities, the technology itself isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s become popular with journalists and activists and even regular citizens who value privacy and freedom of expression.
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This hidden layer of the web can offer unique information and services. However, accessing it requires some specific knowledge and tools.
That groundwork was the basis for the Tor Project, which was released in 2002 and launched a browser in 2008. With the creation of Tor, users could now browse the internet completely anonymously and explore sites that were deemed part of the “dark web.” The dark web, also known as the “darknet”, is a portion of the internet that lies outside the boundaries of traditional search engines. The Internet is an excellent resource and playground for those willing to access the parts which make them a stronger, more complete person.
On the software end, the use of Tor and other anonymized browsers is not strictly illegal. In fact, these supposed “dark web” browsers are not tethered exclusively to this portion of the internet. Many users now leverage Tor to browse both the public Internet and the deeper parts of the web privately. You’ll also encounter marketplaces where users sell or purchase everything from illicit drugs to services requiring upfront payment. The Deep Web and Dark Web should not be confused, although both may refer to portions of the Internet. We’ve already mentioned the importance of using a VPN and a browser like Tor Browser when accessing the dark web.
Therefore, it is always a prudent thing to get a VPN, when you are exposed to risk. On your Android or iOS device, download and install a browser app capable of accessing the Tor network on mobile. For Android we recommend Tor Browser, as it is built by The Tor Project. Despite there being no official iOS app built by Tor Project, they have endorsed Onion Browser—an open source Tor browser.
Understanding the Deep Web
Before diving into how to get in the deep web, it’s essential to understand its structure:
- Surface Web: This is the part of the web that is indexed and accessible via standard search engines.
- Deep Web: This includes databases, private corporate websites, and content behind paywalls that cannot be accessed through search engines.
- Dark Web: A small subsection of the deep web, often associated with illegal activities, requires specific software and configurations to access.
But when you’re accessing a website through TOR it’s like asking another user to ask another user to ask another user to fetch the webpage information for you. This is not a request, it’s a prerequisite, and this is done through a special web browser called, surprisingly enough, TOR. As you might expect, browsing the deep web isn’t quite as simple as clicking on a few links or searching Google.
There are darknet websites for news sources like the BBC or New York Times, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay. Most of the time, these dark web sites are for people who can’t get to the open web version of the site, usually because their countries have strict internet laws. When thinking about the Dark Web, we usually think about the websites that you can’t access using your conventional browsers. Indeed, this part of the internet isn’t indexed by traditional search engines and doesn’t use typical domains you see online. In principle, the dark web is just a version of the internet that you can only access using a Tor browser and where it’s almost impossible to identify the users and owners of the websites on there. However, because it’s almost completely anonymous, there are a lot of illegal images, information, products, and services on the dark web.
We continuously monitor activities or policy violations, as well as threat hunting SOC Services, and 24/7 eyes on glass threat management. Getting that hot new movie may be tempting, but it could very easily come with a side of malware. NordVPN is particularly important as it encrypts your data and ensures malicious elements on the dark web can’t cause harm to you. You can try all of NordVPN’s features by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you do anything illegal on the dark web, you can still be prosecuted.
Necessary Tools for Accessing the Deep Web
To safely explore the deep web, you will need to utilize specific tools:
- Tor Browser: This is the most common tool for accessing the deep web. Tor (The Onion Router) allows users to browse anonymously.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security to your internet connection, concealing your IP address.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using a privacy-focused operating system like Tails, designed for anonymity.
Steps to Access the Deep Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get in the deep web:
- You can use the VPN rated #1 with no restrictions for a month – great if you want to binge your favorite show or are going on a short trip.
- On the other hand, using the dark web can be safer for whistleblowers, journalists, or dissidents whose communications are being monitored by governments or other organizations.
- When you search for a site on the Surface Web, your network can be traced back to your IP address.
- If you want to get on the dark web on your iPhone, know that Tor isn’t available for this platform.
- However, email and text message MFAs are the least secure of all these options.
- Download and Install Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website to download the browser. Always verify the integrity of the download.
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a trustworthy VPN service and connect to it to protect your identity.
- Launch Tor Browser: Open the Tor Browser. You will notice it connects to the Tor network, granting you access to .onion websites.
- Browse Carefully: Be mindful of the links you click on and the information you provide. Stick to known and trusted .onion sites.
- Practice Good Security Habits: Avoid downloading files, do not share personal information, and maintain anonymity at all times.
Things to Keep in Mind
While exploring the deep web can be intriguing, it’s crucial to consider safety:
- Legality: Not all content on the deep web is illegal, but many domains are linked to illicit activities. Always be aware of the law in your jurisdiction.
- Scams: The anonymity of the deep web can make it a hotspot for scams. Exercise caution when engaging with unknown parties.
- Security Risks: Malware and other security threats are prevalent on certain dark web sites. Always maintain security best practices.
FAQs About the Deep Web
Q1: Is the deep web illegal to access?
No, accessing the deep web itself is legal. However, engaging in illegal activities while on the deep web is not.
Q2: Can I use regular browsers to access the deep web?
No, standard browsers cannot access .onion sites. You need to use the Tor Browser or other specialized software.
Q3: What kind of information can I find on the deep web?
The deep web contains academic databases, private websites, and forums with specialized information. Some areas are more controversial and linked to illegal activities.
Q4: Is it safe to explore the deep web?
While it is possible to explore safely, it requires caution. Use privacy tools like Tor and a VPN, and steer clear of suspicious links and downloads.
Understanding how to get in the deep web opens up new realms of information, but it must be approached with care and responsibility. Always prioritize your safety and privacy while exploring this hidden part of the internet.
