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Dark web domains tend to be inconsistent — new ones pop up and others disappear, which makes sense since some of these sites may be offering questionable or illegal goods and services. The dark web can certainly be dangerous — with no regulation, it’s a riskier place to hang out than the surface web. Malware and scams are scattered like landmines around the dark web. And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim.
The deep web, often misunderstood and shrouded in secrecy, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. While it may have gained an infamous reputation due to its association with illegal activities, it also hosts valuable information and resources that can be accessed legally. If you’re curious about exploring the depths of the internet, here’s a guide on how to get in the deep web.
1. Understand the Difference: Surface Web vs. Deep Web
Before delving into the intricacies of the deep web, it’s essential to understand the distinction between the surface web and the deep web.
- Surface Web: This refers to the portion of the internet that is indexed by search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing. It includes websites that are publicly accessible and easily discoverable through searches.
- Deep Web: The deep web, on the other hand, encompasses all the content on the internet that is not indexed by search engines. It includes private databases, member-only websites, intranets, and other hidden resources.
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2. Use a Secure and Anonymous Browser
When venturing into the deep web, it is crucial to prioritize your privacy and security. One popular browser that enables anonymous browsing is Tor (The Onion Router).
How to Access the Dark Web on a Phone?
Most of that information is hidden simply because the vast majority of users won’t find it relevant. Much of it is tucked away in databases that Google is either not interested in or barred from crawling. Other dark web search engines include Not Evil, Torch, Haystack, and Ahmia. The subreddit r/deepweb is a good starting point for asking more experienced users about how to search the dark web and deep web for the content you want. Lastly, The Hidden Wiki is a collection of dark web links — but the links may not work and may lead to dangerous websites. Dark web browsing is not as simple as regular web surfing, but there are some tools you can use to chart your journey.
With Tor, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through several volunteer-operated servers, making it challenging for anyone to trace your online activities back to you. By using Tor, you can anonymize your presence on the deep web.
3. Access .onion Websites
Is the dark web safe and do I need a VPN to access it?
There are many legitimate uses for dark web services and communication. As search engine crawlers do not catalog these pages, you would need to know the exact link to access a website in this area of the internet. This could include government services to access your records, health care services, members-only areas, intranets, or corporate resources. No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media.
The deep web is known for its .onion domains, which are not accessible through conventional browsers. To access these hidden websites, follow these steps:
Much like the internet itself, the dark web is the product of the U.S. government attempting to build communication networks for military and self-defense purposes. This is akin to the things you actively hide from other people, and what you don’t want anyone else to learn. This doesn’t have to be deep, dark secrets—not even your closest friends need to know the password to your email account, for instance. Anyone who wants to access the dark web on their iPhone while also being concerned about their security should use Tor and a good VPN like NordVPN. It is therefore highly recommended to use VPN software to get on to the dark web safely. When you buy or download files from illegal markets, you put yourself at risk and the police can track down the illegal purchases and prosecute you.
- Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
- Launch the Tor browser and give it a moment to connect to the Tor network.
- Type the desired .onion URL in the address bar and hit Enter.
- Your connection will be routed through multiple servers before reaching the .onion website.
4. Exercise Caution and Stay Safe
While exploring the deep web, it’s vital to remain cautious and take necessary precautions:
- Be vigilant: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Stay anonymous: Use pseudonyms instead of revealing personal information.
- Avoid illegal activities: Engaging in illegal behavior can have severe consequences.
- Protect your device: Keep your antivirus software updated and avoid sharing sensitive data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is accessing the deep web illegal?
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A: No, accessing the deep web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities within the deep web is against the law.
News websites like the BBC, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay all have onion websites. These dark web websites are usually for people who can’t access the surface web version of the site, often because of strict internet regulations in their countries. 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.
Q: Are there any legal uses for the deep web?
- Anyone choosing to explore the depths of the deep web, regardless of the reason, is a target for malicious attacks.
- 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.
- To further reduce your exposure to dark web dangers, you can run a dark web scan to see if any of your data has leaked onto the black market.
- Accessing the dark web from a country where the Tor Network is banned or restricted?
A: Absolutely! The deep web hosts various legal resources like academic databases, research materials, private forums, and more.
Q: Can I be traced while using Tor?
A: While Tor provides anonymity, it is not foolproof. Advanced techniques may potentially compromise your privacy. Therefore, exercise caution and follow best practices.
Q: Are there alternative browsers to Tor?
A: Yes, besides Tor, other browsers like I2P (Invisible Internet Project) and Freenet also offer anonymous browsing capabilities for accessing the deep web.
Now armed with the knowledge of how to access the deep web securely, you can embark on your journey into the hidden realms of the internet. Remember to always prioritize your safety and use this vast resource responsibly!
