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Significantly smaller than the tiny surface web, the dark web is considered a part of the deep web. Using our ocean and iceberg visual, the dark web would be the bottom tip of the submerged iceberg. Dark Web websites can only be reached via Tor, making them harder to track or block.
Understanding the Dark Web Websites
Instead, visitors must access sites on the Tor Network using a special browser developed by the Tor Project. However, there are many websites engaged in highly illegal or harmful activity. You can access it on the regular web or using its .onion website, but all links are .onion links. Only onion sites that opt in are crawled by AHMIA, and AHMIA maintains a blacklist of abusive and dangerous sites.
However, to be even safer, we recommend taking some extra safety measures on top of this, such as using a VPN. For a complete lists of tips and advice, have a look at our article on how to safely access the dark web. Only people with the right user credentials can access these pages. NordVPN’s Double VPN feature routes traffic through two servers instead of one. Furthermore, it has a dark web monitoring feature, which crawls the dark web and will alert you if your credentials appear anywhere.
The term the dark web websites often instills a sense of mystery and intrigue, fueled by media portrayals and anecdotal stories of illicit activities. However, this enigmatic part of the internet serves various purposes, and understanding it requires a nuanced perspective.
You can conveniently track the uptime of numerous.onion websites with Dark.fail. In other words, you can use it to see which well-known dark sites are active at any particular time. There are no tracking or javascript tricks used on the website.
TorLinks is similar to The Hidden Wiki, allowing you to find .onion sites quickly and easily. If The Hidden Wiki goes offline or is unavailable, your first choice should be TorLinks. It also allows you to find alternatives for many sites that are no longer available on the Dark Web. Yet, when it comes to anonymity DuckDuckGo has a proven track record which is why the privacy advocate team behind DDG is known as a long-time foe of Google. Despite its reputation, the Dark Web is a relatively small part of the overall Internet. It is estimated that only around 4% of all websites are accessible through the Tor browser.
Although you do not believe it, there are still reliable newsrooms and one of them is ProPublica. The content of this site is provided by 75 independent journalists dedicated to exposing the abuses of the government, companies and any institution involved in corruption cases. Bybit is undoubtedly one of the most popular platforms for trading digital assets. User-friendly interface, advanced trading options, low fees, and many other features make this crypto exchange platform a paradise for traders. But unfortunately, you can’t simply access Bybit and start trading there anywhere in the world, as it is banned in many countries, the United States included.
Since it’s hosted on the Tor network, dark web users don’t have to worry about being tracked or their personal information being revealed while exchanging information with media outlets. DuckDuckGo is one of the leading private internet search engines on the open web. It doesn’t track your browsing history, location, or any other data. It’s so secure and privacy-oriented that the Tor browser uses it as the default search engine. The term “deep web” refers to the part of the internet that’s behind closed doors, such as paywalls. In order to get access, you’ll need to know the exact web address (otherwise known as a URL), as search engines do not index deep web websites.
Onion URLs generally contain a string of seemingly random letters and numbers. Once you are certain that you have the correct URL, save it in an encrypted note—the Tor browser will not cache it for later. Otherwise, there’s a good chance of falling victim to a phishing scam like this fake Bitcoin mixer.
What is the Dark Web?
At its core, the dark web is a segment of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines such as Google or Bing. It exists on an encrypted network, accessible only through specific software, the most popular being the Tor browser.
Characteristics of the Dark Web Websites
Some defining characteristics of the dark web websites include:
- Anonymity: Both users and website operators can maintain their privacy.
- Access regulations: Requires specific browse tools to access.
- Varied content: While there are illicit sites, there are also forums and resources for activism, privacy, and free speech.
Common Types of Dark Web Websites
Websites on the dark web can be categorized into several types:
- Marketplaces: Sites for buying illicit goods like drugs and stolen data.
- Forums: Communities discussing various topics, including hacking and digital security.
- Anti-censorship platforms: Tools for those in oppressive regimes to share information.
- Whistleblowing sites: Platforms where individuals can expose wrongdoing anonymously.
Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web
Despite its notorious reputation, the dark web websites also provide valuable services:
- Privacy and free speech: Bloggers and journalists can share information without fear of retribution.
- Accessing prohibited information: Individuals in restricted countries can obtain news and resources.
- Community support: Online support groups for those dealing with sensitive issues, such as mental health.
- The process is pretty much the same as you would on a computer.
- Additionally, Tor exit nodes are often blocked by websites that don’t trust them, and Tor over VPN can’t do anything about that, either.
- However, today’s most popular search engines — including Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo — only index a portion of the internet.
- This means that the IP address of the site cannot be identified, meaning that information about its host, location or content is hidden.
- It will conceal your IP address, encrypt your traffic and prevent anyone from knowing that you’re using a Tor browser, whilst ensuring your privacy and security.
The Risks Associated with Dark Web Websites
Engaging with the dark web websites carries inherent risks, including:
- Legal implications: Accessing illegal content can lead to criminal charges.
- Scams and fraud: Many dark web transactions are unregulated and can result in loss of funds.
- Exposure to malware: Numerous sites can infect users’ devices with harmful software.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark Web Websites
1. Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on these sites is against the law.
2. How can I protect myself on the dark web?
To stay safe:
- Use a reputable VPN.
- Avoid sharing personal information.
- Be cautious about the websites you visit.
3. What do people commonly search for on dark web websites?
Users typically search for:
- Illicit goods and services.
- Forums for discussing security and hacking.
- Cryptocurrency trading.
Conclusion
In summary, while the dark web websites are commonly associated with illicit activities, they also encompass various legitimate uses that empower users seeking privacy and freedom of expression. However, navigating this world requires caution and awareness of the associated risks.
