There are many reasons why a search engine would not index a page—perhaps it is an old page with no identifiable keywords, or it is part of an organization’s members-only site. The deep web could also be used to house private information and information that needs to remain secret, such as legal or scientific documents, medical records, or competitor information. Basic online hygiene can prevent security lapses when accessing the deep web.
A further 870 people were reportedly arrested in relation to the site. These days, it can seem increasingly difficult to protect valuable assets and data from the reaches of threat actors. This is particularly true for enterprise organizations working with sensitive data in key sectors like healthcare, energy, and finance. You could certainly go much deeper into the topic, but we hope the information provided here has given you a basic understanding of what the deep web/dark web are, how they function and why they exist.
Scammers use this data for malicious activities like identity theft and account takeover. ⁴ Child members on the family plan will only have access to online account monitoring and social security number monitoring features. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more.
Advocates defend the dark web as a last potential refuge against oppressive governments and communities. The dark web’s anonymity accommodates illegal activity and contributes to its reputation as being a haven for criminals. This anonymity, coupled with access difficulties and a high barrier to entry, facilitates all manner of illicit activities such as drug and human trafficking, weapons deals, and money laundering. Unlike regular search engines like Google and Bing, dark web search engines usually don’t track web activity or log your search history.
A VPN allows a user to encrypt all the internet traffic traveling to and from his or her device and route it through a server in a location of that user’s choosing. A VPN, in combination with Tor, further adds to the security and anonymity of the user. To keep your online activities private, the Dark Web uses advanced encryption, different from what you use every day.
Sociologist Isak Ladegaard, who built an algorithm to monitor sales data on Silk Road-type marketplaces, declared that all the media coverage boosted people’s awareness of the existence of the dark web. The Silk Road was perhaps one of the most well-known examples of an illegal marketplace in the darknet. It was shut down in 2013 but not before it showed the world how easy it was to buy illegal drugs, counterfeit documents, and other questionable items online. The dark web can help protect users’ privacy in ways the surface web often fails to do. For example, users evading government censorship can share information about what is happening in their country. Whistleblowers often come to the dark web to find allies who can take their secrets and share them more publicly elsewhere.
To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people and read the news. From our experience, these servers aren’t as fast as regular VPN servers or double VPN servers. If you want to stay safe online, get NordVPN now at a 67% discount. Which of the methods above is the safest way to access the dark web? If you want to use Tor with websites that normally block its network, you need to use VPN over Tor.
How Do You Find the Dark Web?
The dark web is a portion of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires special software, and it’s commonly associated with illegal activities. However, it also hosts legitimate sites that emphasize privacy and anonymity.
Understanding the Dark Web
Other Deep Web Tools
To navigate the dark web safely and effectively, it’s important to understand its structure and access methods:
- Surface Web: The part of the internet you typically use daily.
- Deep Web: Contains information not indexed by search engines, like databases and private content.
- Dark Web: A small slice of the deep web that requires specific tools to access.
Essential Tools for Accessing the Dark Web
To explore the dark web, you need the right software:
- Tor Browser: A specialized browser designed to access websites with a .onion domain. It anonymizes your browsing activities by routing your connection through multiple servers.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): To enhance your privacy and security, using a VPN in tandem with the Tor Browser is advisable.
- Whonix: An operating system designed for security and anonymity, often used by advanced users.
- The dark web primarily hosts websites with “.onion” domain extensions and is renowned for harboring illicit activities, including illegal marketplaces, cybercrime forums, and other hidden services.
- According to the Privacy Affairs Dark Web Price Index, attackers can make a lot of money from stolen personal information on anything from credit cards to Netflix accounts.
- The browser is open-source software that is free to download and enables anonymous communication online.
- After all, not everyone buying on the dark web may need something illegal — they may only want to purchase goods anonymously.
How to Access the Dark Web
Follow these steps to access the dark web safely:
- Download and Install Tor: Get the Tor Browser from the official website to avoid malicious versions.
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a reliable VPN provider and install the software before launching Tor.
- Launch Tor Browser: Open the browser, ensuring that you are connected to the internet via the VPN.
- Explore .onion Websites: Use directories or reliable sources to find .onion websites to visit.
Finding Dark Web Resources
When searching for resources on the dark web, consider these strategies:
- Directories: Use websites that list .onion links, such as The Hidden Wiki.
- Forums: Engage with communities on platforms like Reddit or specialized forums to glean recommendations and insights.
- Reputable Sources: Look for credible articles or guides that provide updated links and resources.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Dark Web
When you explore the dark web, prioritize your safety with the following tips:
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Remain anonymous and avoid sharing any identifiable information.
- Be Cautious with Downloads: Files may contain malware. Avoid downloading anything unless you trust the source.
- Stay Away from Illegal Activities: Engaging in illegal behavior can lead to legal consequences.
- Use Security Features: Enable security settings in Tor and use HTTPS wherever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the dark web?
The dark web serves various purposes, including privacy protection, political activism, and artistic expression, but it also hosts illegal activities.
Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities can result in serious consequences.
Can I get hacked on the dark web?
While the dark web offers anonymity, it also poses risks. Always adhere to safety measures to minimize vulnerability.
What are .onion sites?
.onion sites are specially coded websites meant to be accessed through the Tor network. They provide unique anonymity features.
By understanding how to find the dark web and navigating it safely, users can explore its depths while protecting their identity and data.
