The Deep Web is the collection of all websites that are not indexed by search engines. Some Deep Websites are unconventional marketplaces that offer a disturbing range of products or services. You can buy or broker illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, stolen credit cards or breached data, digital currencies, malware, national identity cards or passports. You can contract digital or criminal services, ranging from spam campaigns to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
How to Find the Dark Web
The system, which is still available today, allows users to express themselves freely without being tracked online. However, buying illegal items or conducting other illegal activity on the dark web remains illegal, just as it would in the physical world. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence.
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.
Methodology For Choosing The Best VPN For Safely Accessing The Dark Web
The number of users across relays has increased in 2023, and the number of relays themselves has increased, according to Tor metrics, suggesting dark web usage is on the rise. It’s become more diversified and more comprehensive, and one area that is seeing growing interest is ransomware attacks that are spurring criminal activity on the dark web. However, one of the challenges for law enforcement in taking out these groups is that they rotate their infrastructure. A recent law enforcement crackdown saw a coordinated takedown of many, many servers because if they miss one single server, the whole thing stays running, says Owenson. “So, if all enforcement goes after one server, they’ve got servers all over the world that automatically fill in and replace when those servers are taken down,” he says. Getting that hot new movie may be tempting, but it could very easily come with a side of malware.
When you envision the dark web, it may conjure up images of hackers trading stolen Social Security numbers or drug dealers advertising their products online—and that’s not completely wrong. While the dark web can be a helpful tool for sourcing legitimate products or ensuring private communication, it’s also a hotspot for illegal internet activity. You can conduct discussions about current events anonymously on Intel Exchange. There are several whistleblower sites, including a dark web version of Wikileaks. Pirate Bay, a BitTorrent site that law enforcement officials have repeatedly shut down, is alive and well there.
Accessing the dark web can be an intriguing adventure for those looking to explore its depths, but caution is essential due to the potential risks involved. Understanding how to find the dark web is vital for navigating this hidden layer of the Internet safely.
Locating surface web websites is possible because search engines can index the web via visible links (a process called “crawling” due to the search engine traveling the web like a spider). The Internet is sizable with millions of web pages, databases, and servers all run 24 hours a day. But the so-called “visible” Internet (aka surface web or open web) — sites that can be found using search engines like Google and Yahoo — is just the tip of the iceberg. First, a Tor host “advertises” a hidden service by creating and publishing a service descriptor to a distributed directory service.
What is the Dark Web?
It’s a hidden collective of sites that you could only access through a special browser. Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default, it is definitely where the murkiest transactions on the internet take place. A study by researchers at King’s College London that examined the contents of over 2,700 darknet sites found that approximately 60% of them hosted illicit content.
The dark web refers to parts of the Internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software to access and is often associated with anonymity and privacy.
Steps to Find the Dark Web
Here’s a guide to help you find and explore the dark web safely:
- Download Tor Browser:
The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor Browser. This browser helps you browse anonymously by routing your connection through multiple servers.
- Use VPN for Added Security:
Before launching the Tor Browser, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for an extra layer of privacy and security.
- Understand .onion Domains:
Many dark web sites use the .onion domain, which is only accessible through the Tor network. Familiarize yourself with these types of URLs.
- Access Dark Web Directories:
Look for dark web directories to find lists of reputable sites. Some popular directories include:
- Hidden Wiki
- DarkNetLive
- Ahmia
- Stay Anonymous:
Do not share personal information while browsing the dark web. Always maintain your anonymity.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to prioritize safety:
- Keep your software updated: Ensure your Tor Browser and VPN software are up-to-date.
- Be cautious with links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links as they may lead to harmful content or scams.
- Do not download files: Downloading files from the dark web can introduce malware to your device.
FAQs About the Dark Web
1. Can I access the dark web without Tor?
No, the dark web requires specific software like the Tor Browser or alternatives for access. Regular browsers cannot reach these sites.
2. Is the dark web illegal?
The dark web is a space where both legal and illegal activities occur. Accessing it is not illegal, but engaging in unlawful activities is.
3. What should I do if I encounter illegal content on the dark web?
It’s important to exit the site immediately and consider reporting the content to relevant authorities.
4. How can I ensure my device doesn’t get infected?
Stick to trusted sources, avoid downloads, and maintain updated antivirus software on your device.
- Find our round-up of the 15 best dark web websites, alongside the specific .onion links you need to start browsing on Tor.
- However, some may request access to your location, photos, contact list, and even microphone.
- Remember to turn on your VPN and antivirus before attempting to visit the dark web.
- Additionally, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee with no conditions, meaning that you can request a refund if you don’t need it anymore.
- Our extensive monitoring service keeps tabs on up to 60 unique types of personal data and can notify you up to 10 months sooner than similar services.
By following these guidelines on how to find the dark web, individuals can explore this enigmatic part of the Internet while safeguarding their privacy and security.
