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Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there. You’ll actually have to find the dark websites that you want to search on your own. Tor allows webpages, like clients, to protect their anonymity by configuring a server to connect with clients at a Tor relay in between. The server does not need to provide the IP address, and the user does not need it, instead using an onion address, a 56-character code that clients enter in place of a traditional URL. Users should note that while Tor Browser is pre-configured to work correctly, users on networks with firewalls or other security systems may experience difficulties.
How To Access The Dark Web Safely
Understanding the Deep Web
It’s possible to buy and sell illegal drugs, malware, and prohibited content in darknet marketplaces. Some dark web commerce sites have dangerous chemicals and weapons for sale. For an added layer of protection, consider purchasing a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN provides you with anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access.
What makes the dark web distinct from the broader deep web is the fact that dark web content can only be accessed via a special browser. In fact, it’s better in the interest of privacy that these pages aren’t readily visible. From this example, you can see that the “deep web” doesn’t have to be scary, illicit, or illegal. It’s further important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web — as the next section explains. The internet is home to billions of websites — an estimated 1.7 billion to be exact, although that number changes every day as new sites are made and others are deleted. Your daily internet activity likely falls within the publicly available and readily accessible portion of the internet (otherwise known as the surface web).
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This vast expanse of information includes databases, private corporate sites, academic resources, and personal email accounts. It is often confused with the dark web, which is a smaller segment within the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software to access.
Why Access the Deep Web?
Accessing the deep web can provide significant benefits, including:
- It is important to note that not all activities on the Dark Web are illegal.
- Once cryptocurrencies entered the picture in 2009, Silk Road and other black markets started popping up on the dark web, making it the place to be for various criminals.
- Zeroed-In Technologies offers curated human resource solutions and analytics to organizations.
- We only suggest accessing the dark web on mobile if you’re using a burner phone, as smartphones are often full of sensitive, identifying, and personal information.
- The former includes privately protected file collections that one cannot access without the correct credentials.
- Sites stored in the index are then ranked based on a variety of different factors, which is what decides how far up on the results page the sites appear in a search.
While ProtonMail has a solid commitment to privacy, its location has caused problems for users in the past. In 2021, it was forced by the Swiss courts to begin logging the IP addresses and browser fingerprint information of one of its customers. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more. That’s why family identity theft protection and financial fraud protection are key security layers needed to keep your life safe and secure. By using the Tor browser, internet users can access the Dark Web to communicate and share data in confidence, without the risk of being traced. Most users on the Dark Web are logged into a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to further conceal themselves.
- Research Resources: Access to academic papers, databases, and specialized content.
- Privacy: Enhanced privacy when browsing sensitive information.
- Communication: Secure communication channels for whistleblowers and activists.
To use the dark web, you can search .onion websites on Tor privately. The dark web is not invented for wrong use but to provide privacy and anonymity to whoever needs it for transferring confidential data. Security companies use recaptured Dark Web data to even the playing field against fraudsters. This information comes from infected devices, like smartphones and laptops, that allow access remotely to obtain user passwords or other personal data. When we think of the Dark Web, our first thoughts often turn to illegal marketplaces and extortion scams.
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. Reddit is also a valuable resource for finding the dark net or deep website you’re looking for.
How to Access the Deep Web
This makes guessing passwords across your accounts harder for hackers. Next, you’ll need the correct credentials to log into an account you own or a subscription to a paywalled website. Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. Although we are not promoting to buy illegal products and other goods, we can’t help but acknowledge certain instances in which such purchases could be justifiable. But when you are using the VPN before the Tor Browser then you will not be detected by ISP provider as well as other government agencies. When you are using the Tor network your IP address bounces from the different layer of the encrypted network so this is very hard to find out the person behind the network.
To safely and effectively access the deep web, follow these steps:
1. Prepare Your Tools
Before accessing the deep web, ensure you have the following:
- VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address.
- Specialized Browser: The most common choice is the Tor Browser, which allows you to access .onion sites.
2. Setting Up the Tor Browser
To set up the Tor Browser:
- Download the Tor Browser from the official website.
- Install the browser following the on-screen instructions.
- Once installed, open the Tor Browser and connect to the Tor network.
3. Utilizing Search Engines for the Deep Web
To find specific content within the deep web, consider using deep web search engines:
- Ahmia: Offers a search functionality specifically for .onion sites.
- Not Evil: Another search engine for navigating the dark web.
4. Knowing Safe Practices
When exploring the deep web, it’s crucial to follow safety practices:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid downloading files from untrustworthy sources.
- Be cautious of links and websites; many can lead to illegal or harmful content.
FAQs about Accessing the Deep Web
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web includes all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset that requires specific software like Tor for access and hosts illegal activities.
Is it legal to access the deep web?
Yes, accessing the deep web is legal. However, engaging in illegal activities found there is against the law.
Do I need to pay to access the deep web?
No, accessing the deep web itself is free. However, some specific services or tools might charge fees.
What should I be careful about on the deep web?
Be cautious of:
- Scams and phishing attempts.
- Illegal content that could lead to legal consequences.
- Websites that can compromise your security or privacy.
Conclusion
Accessing the deep web can unlock a wealth of information and resources if done safely. By preparing the right tools and following best practices, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet effectively.
