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How to Find the Dark Web
You’ll also find best practices for deep web and dark web browsing, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about surfing deep and dark web websites. Sci-Hub is mostly useful for academics who know the PMID, DOI, or URLs of papers they want to access. At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public. If you use the Tor network regularly, you will want a way to share stuff with your dark web friends.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires specific software and knowledge. Here’s a detailed guide on how to find the dark web safely and effectively.
“Bitcoin has been a major factor in the growth of the dark web, and the dark web has been a big factor in the growth of bitcoin,” says Tiquet. All this activity, this vision of a bustling marketplace, might make you think that navigating the dark web is easy. The place is as messy and chaotic as you would expect when everyone is anonymous, and a substantial minority are out to scam others.
Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you. The dark web is filled with information theft from malware-infected users. Attackers can use tools like keyloggers to gather your data, and they can infiltrate your system on any part of the web.
Comparatively, portable operating systems like Tails, Whonix, ZeusGuard, and Qubes OS prevent unwarranted data collection and surveillance, limiting the data at risk in case of a breach. Revealing personal information about yourself on the dark web can have serious ramifications by allowing hackers to identify and target you. The dark web was originally created as an anonymity tool and is still used this way by many. It has proven useful to increase the safety of journalists and whistleblowers, for instance. It’s also a safe haven for free speech advocates and privacy-minded individuals.
Understanding the difference between the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web provides context for election officials as they build both proactive and reactive cybersecurity programs. For instance, data such as voter lookup information is stored on the Deep Web in many states. A user can only access their information using the voter lookup tool available on the Surface Web. Misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data intended for the Deep Web to the Surface Web is one of the most common sources of data breaches. Context on the various levels of the web is also valuable when responding to an incident affecting an election office or reading media or intelligence reporting regarding malicious cyber activity.
Understanding the Dark Web
Web pages on the open web will show up in search results on sites like Google and Bing. While a large volume of traffic visits on the open web every day, it only represents 4% of the content on the internet. Additionally, the dark web has a unique registry operator and uses security tools like encryption and firewalls, further making it inaccessible via traditional web browsers.
The dark web is often confused with the deep web; however, they are not the same:
- Deep Web: Refers to all parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by search engines (e.g., private databases, subscription services).
- Dark Web: A small segment of the deep web intentionally hidden and only accessible through specialized tools.
MFA can take the form of an authenticator app, email, facial recognition, fingerprint, push notifications, or SMS. However, email and text message MFAs are the least secure of all these options. It’s also imperative not to use the same password on more than one account. Whenever you use the same password across multiple accounts, hackers will be able to access all accounts after breaching just one of them.
The dark web is a small part of the much larger “deep web,” which also isn’t indexed by search engines — but authorized users can access it using common web browsers. The deep web is made up of email platforms, workplace portals, subscription services, and banking websites — basically anything that requires a login. The “surface web,” on the other hand, is the publicly available part of the internet that search engines index.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
To explore the dark web, follow these steps:
Tor Metrics
- To access the dark web, users need a special browser, the most common of which is Tor, short for “The Onion Routing” project, which launched in 2002 and serves millions of users.
- For example, you can configure the CyberGhost VPN app to automatically connect to a desired VPN server and open the Tor browser app on launch.
- Check out our what is Tor page for information about it and the steps you need to follow to install it.
- This is a deep web search engine that allows you to search for websites, but also files, maps, music, news, science, social media posts, videos etc.
- While a normal search engine lets you wade in the shallow end, the waters grow deeper, and more obscure the further you venture from the standard browsing experience.
- The dark web’s anonymity accommodates illegal activity and contributes to its reputation as being a haven for criminals.
- Download a Specialized Browser: The most common way to access the dark web is through the Tor browser.
- Visit the official Tor Project website.
- Download and install the application for your device.
- Modify Your Security Settings: Before diving in, adjust the security settings in the Tor browser.
- Go to the security settings menu.
- Select the highest security level to enhance safety.
- Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for an additional layer of security.
- Choose a reputable VPN provider.
- Connect before launching the Tor browser.
- Access Hidden Services: Use specific URLs with the .onion extension to explore dark web sites.
- Example: http://example.onion
- Remember, these links aren’t found on normal search engines.
Important Considerations
When exploring the dark web, keep the following in mind:
- Legal Implications: Engaging in illegal activities, such as buying drugs or accessing prohibited content, can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Security Risks: The dark web contains many threats, including malware and scams. Always be cautious about the sites you visit.
- Privacy Measures: Do not share personal information. Use pseudonyms and disposable email addresses for anonymity.
FAQs about the Dark Web
1. Is the dark web illegal?
The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities conducted on it are, such as trading illegal goods and services.
2. Can I be tracked on the dark web?
While the Tor network provides anonymity, it is still possible to be tracked through advanced techniques. Always take precautionary measures.
3. What types of content can I find on the dark web?
Content can vary widely, from forums and marketplaces to journals, research papers, and privacy-focused services.
4. How can I stay safe while browsing the dark web?
Utilize security practices such as using a VPN, avoiding personal information, and being cautious of downloads and links.
Conclusion
Finding the dark web requires careful navigation and an understanding of the risks involved. By following the outlined steps and being aware of legal and security concerns, you can safely explore this hidden part of the internet.
