Internet traffic first passes through the Tor Network, and then through the VPN. This means the VPN provider doesn’t see your real IP address and the VPN protects you from those bad exit nodes. The dark web has no shortage of criminal activity, scams, phishing sites, suspicious links, and malware designed to trick newbies. Links posted to the clear web, in particular, are often malicious. And because there’s very little use of HTTPS on the dark net, verifying whether or not a website is genuine using an SSL certificate is not feasible. Even when using security measures and your own common sense, accessing deep web content still poses a risk.
Introduction to Dark Web Pages
Clarke released Freenet, an early peer-to-peer network that facilitated anonymous communication via a decentralized network of Freenet’s users. On the one hand, this is considered beneficial for people living under strict regimes where censorship is common. On the other hand, it can lead to trolling, the spread of misinformation, and unsavory comments that users wouldn’t be allowed to make on the surface web. You can use this community-edited link database to find everything from anonymous chat rooms, to Dark Web social networks, and blogs about various interesting subjects. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence. The dark web is unregulated, which is why it is important to protect yourself while browsing.
When both buyers and sellers are anonymous, the credibility of any ratings system is dubious. Ratings are easily manipulated, and even sellers with long track records have been known to suddenly disappear with their customers’ crypto-coins, only to set up shop later under a different alias. The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
In order to access it at all, you will need to use an anonymizing web browser and a virtual private network (VPN). The terms deep web and dark web are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The dark web is a segment of the larger deep web and similarly refers to anything on the internet that is not indexed by and, therefore, accessible via a search engine like Google.
The term dark web pages refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. They require specific software to access, with the most common being Tor.
It’s also different from the deep web, which refers to all the content on the internet that is behind paywalls, password-protected webpages, or other authorization measures. While the deep web can be accessed using a normal browser, you need to have the specific link and password. Like the Surface Web, the Dark Web isn’t all about shopping, it also supports informational websites and communities. On the Dark Web, you can also find information about data breaches and cyberattacks, and cybercriminals commonly use Dark Web sites to communicate and plan their attacks. One of the main benefits of the Dark Web is that it provides greater anonymity and privacy than the Surface Web.
This number, which provides an estimate for the size of the Tor network, complements the findings of an Onionscan report from 2017, which reported a live rate of 4,400 live sites out of 30,000. Please don’t download anything you’re not 100% certain is legitimate to avoid the risk of compromising your data. Using Tor means your ISP won’t be able to see the sites you visit, but they will be able to see you accessed Tor.
What are Dark Web Pages?
When using such websites, especially if you plan on asking some personal questions yourself, an extra layer of security is always welcome. If you use a VPN, your data gets encrypted before it even reaches the Tor Network. Check out the video below to find out exactly how and why you should use a VPN with Tor. Their 2016 reporting on sexual abuse won the Pulitzer Prize that year. ProPublica is accessible on the “clearnet” — the regular internet you’re using right now. Accessing it via a Tor browser gives you a layer of anonymity and security and allows you to bypass country blocks.
Beneath VT is an educational and entertainment blog dedicated to exploring the steam tunnels beneath Virginia Tech. I included Beneath VT in this guide because it stands out from other sites on the dark web, and it’s also interesting and fun to read. Dark web domains are generated in a cryptographically secure way, so they look like random strings of 16 characters or more (like 3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion, for example). SecureDrop is an open-source submission system that nonprofit organizations (NGOs), journalists, and news organizations can use to share and receive sensitive files securely. It’s used by 50+ news organizations, including ABC, Bloomberg News, CBC, and The New York Times. Often, dark web visitors use cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to engage in such e-commerce transactions anonymously with reduced risk of being caught.
Dark web pages exist within the larger structure of the deep web, which encompasses all online content not indexed by standard search engines. This includes web pages requiring passwords or subscription fees, as well as private databases.
The dark web is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using special browsers that anonymize user identity and location. These pages often use unique domain extensions, such as .onion.
Characteristics of Dark Web Pages
Dark web pages are characterized by:
- Anonymous access: Users can navigate anonymously, helping to protect their identity.
- Specialized browsers: Most require browsers like Tor or I2P.
- Varied content: Content ranges from forums, marketplaces, and whistleblowing platforms to illegal services.
Legitimate Uses of Dark Web Pages
Despite its reputation for illegal activity, the dark web has legitimate uses, such as:
- Whistleblowing: Journalists and whistleblowers use dark web pages to communicate securely.
- Privacy protection: Individuals in oppressive regimes may access information safely.
- Research purposes: Security experts and researchers study dark web pages to understand cyber threats.
How To Access The Deep Web Safely
Risks Associated with Dark Web Pages
Engaging with dark web pages entails numerous risks, including:
- Legal consequences: Accessing illegal content could lead to criminal charges.
- Malware threats: Many dark web sites are laden with malicious software.
- Scams: Fraudulent schemes and scams are prevalent on these platforms.
FAQs about Dark Web Pages
1. Are all dark web pages illegal?
No, not all dark web pages are illegal. Some serve legitimate purposes, such as privacy advocacy and secure communication.
2. How do I access dark web pages safely?
- Accessing the Dark Web requires the use of a Tor-enabled browser.
- The TOR Browser can be downloaded for free at Run the file and install it like you would any other download and then you’re ready to surf the Dark Web.
- This led to the creation of projects to facilitate anonymous communication and file sharing.
Using a secure VPN along with the Tor browser can enhance privacy and security while accessing dark web pages.
3. Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the dark web provides anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked through various methods, such as misconfigured software or online behavior.
4. What should I avoid on dark web pages?
Avoid engaging in illegal activities, downloading unknown files, or sharing personal information on dark web pages.
Conclusion
Dark web pages represent a complex and multifaceted segment of the internet. While they hold potential for privacy and legitimate communication, they also pose significant risks. Understanding what they are and how to navigate them safely is essential for anyone looking to explore this hidden online realm.
