Starting from your email address, a persistent malicious hacker or scammer can scrape numerous details that can be used for financial fraud, identity theft, and many more types of cyber attacks. Despite its menacing name, the Dark Web is not illegal per se, nor is it unlawful to access it. However, the undeniable fact is that most of the activities that happen on the Dark Web are related to criminal actions. This colossal amount of information exists on the Deep Web (or “hidden web”), where almost all online activities take place. Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications.
Understanding the Dark Web
Reportedly, an attacker has been adding thousands of compromised nodes to the Tor network since January 2020. Tor network exit nodes strip off the final layer of encryption protecting a message before sending it on to its final destination. This means the node can see the contents of the message, even though it doesn’t know who sent the message. The Brave browser is a privacy-oriented Surface web browser that can also connect to the Tor network.
Of course, you can also find plenty of illegal items such as hacked Netflix accounts, stolen Social Security numbers, credit card account numbers, firearms, and drugs, too. The dark web may be safe in some cases—think legitimate content—and not in others. Only about 6.7% of global users use the dark web for malicious purposes, but it’s smart to be selective about the websites you access. Get Norton 360 Deluxe to encrypt your internet connection and help protect the personal data you send and receive online. You can conduct discussions about current events anonymously on Intel Exchange. There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks.
The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific tools to access and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also provides a platform for privacy and anonymity for users around the world.
What You Need to Access the Dark Web
“To avoid traceability we mix all your bitcoins together so tracking is impossible,” they say on their website, and it aims to keep the real identity of any user who uses it safe. A search engine with a design or appearance that will catch our attention as soon as we enter, as it is much more careful than the vast majority of search engines or sites that we find on the Deep Web. It also offers great speed, so searches are quite agile and it does not offer a long waiting time for results and a blacklist system. Hackers are not shy about offering their services freely to all those who require their help to achieve certain objectives, even if they have to cross the line of legality to do so. Although the Deep Web may be safe, it is best to avoid giving out any personal information, using your usual email accounts or helping hackers.
- These risks can be avoided when you are well-informed and know how to protect yourself against them.
- The link checker lets you test a .onion link to see if it’s active or not.
- If you’re wondering “how does one’s personal information get on the Dark Web?
- Silk Road, AlphaBay and Hydra are examples of dark web marketplaces that were once thriving but have since been shut down by authorities.
- One of its selling points is that even ZeroBin servers don’t know what you pasted.
Secure your data and keep hackers out of your account with a specialized dark web monitoring tool. Think of the dark web, then, as a small subset of the deep web that regular browsers can’t access. When you access the dark web, you’re not surfing the interconnected servers you regularly interact with. Instead, everything stays internal on the Tor network, which provides security and privacy to everyone equally.
Before learning how to find the dark web, it’s crucial to prepare yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge:
Each time victims pay the ransom amount, hackers get their cut of it – hence why many enterprises now include dark web monitoring as part of their security strategies. Deep web databases containing hotel bookings, online purchases and medical records could be compromised for criminal use. However, this site might not likely be hacked for illicit gain directly. Hackers could potentially utilize information found there to commit identity theft or fraud. This anonymity is not necessarily used exclusively for illegal activity. For instance, political dissidents under an oppressive government might use the dark web for communication.
- Tor Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor network. Download and install the Tor Browser for safe browsing.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): To enhance privacy, consider using a VPN to mask your IP address.
- Secure Operating System: Using a security-focused operating system like Tails can add an extra layer of security.
Therefore, this makes it a hub for illicit cybercrime activities such as drug trafficking, data leaks, illegal marketplaces, and other criminally motivated online activities. Security analysts can can conduct open source intelligence (OSINT) dark web monitoring to better understand threats. In this post, we’ll cover the top five dark web forums that will be critical to monitor in 2023 and some best practices to employ when conducting dark web monitoring. While many .onion sites host legitimate content, others can be involved in illegal activities, scams, or malware distribution.
I just have to put in the details I know, like a name, phone number, email, address, etc. In just a few seconds, it reports back to say if all of it matches an identity. This is a good way to view hard-to-find information because snapshots of websites — including many that are no longer live on the internet — have been archived here. I’ve successfully used Wayback Machine to dig up old blog pages that I can’t find anywhere else. Deep web people finders should be used in conjunction with a people search engine for maximum results. Below are the best deep web people search tools and tips I’ve gathered that can be used to locate someone you’ve lost contact with, research an individual thoroughly, etc.
Steps on How to Find the Dark Web
Once you have the right tools, follow these steps to find the dark web:
- Install the Tor Browser: Ensure that it is downloaded from the official Tor Project website to avoid malicious versions.
- Connect to the Tor Network: Open the browser and allow it to connect to the network, which can take a few moments.
- Access .onion Sites: Use search engines that focus on the dark web, as traditional search engines cannot access these pages. Some popular directories include:
- Ahmia
- Not Evil
- DuckDuckGo for Tor
- Stay Safe: Avoid sharing personal information. Stay away from sites that appear suspicious or are illegal in nature.
Contents
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
When exploring the dark web, safety should be your top priority. Consider these tips:
- Use Pseudonyms: Never reveal your real identity.
- Be Wary of Downloads: Files can contain malware. Only download from trusted sources.
- Trust your instincts: If a site feels unsafe, exit immediately.
FAQs About Finding the Dark Web
Can I access the dark web without special tools?
No, you need specific tools, such as the Tor Browser, to access the dark web.
Is the dark web illegal?
While there are illegal activities on the dark web, not everything is illegal. It’s vital to navigate carefully and follow the law.
How do I find reputable sites on the dark web?
Using well-known directories can help you find reputable sites. Always prioritize safety and verify sources before engaging.
What are the risks of accessing the dark web?
Accessing the dark web can expose you to illegal content, hackers, and scams. Always take precautions to protect your identity and data.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find the dark web involves preparation, understanding the necessary tools, and maintaining vigilance while browsing. By adhering to safety practices and navigating responsibly, you can explore this hidden aspect of the internet while minimizing risks.
