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Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Access to this hidden part of the web requires specific techniques and software. Here’s a detailed guide on how to search the dark web.
Whenever you’re online, but especially if you go on the dark web, you need a VPN to encrypt all your communications and data. Prior to Keeper, Darren served as an advisor to JiWire, now called NinthDecimal. NinthDecimal is the leading media and technology service provider for the WiFi industry. He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer and a principal shareholder of Apollo Solutions, Inc., which was acquired by CNET Networks. There are also many tools that can be use to monitor the dark web and scan for personally identifiable information and even respond to attacks. Most e-commerce providers offer some kind of escrow service that keeps customer funds on hold until the product has been delivered.
Both of them include antivirus, webcam protection, and real-time data breach alerts on top of the Surfshark VPN package. The websites mentioned above are a good starting point for your first dark web experience. But keep in mind that surfing the dark web can be as risky as it is exciting, and Tor’s protection isn’t always enough. Using a VPN with Tor can’t guarantee a 100% secure experience, but it definitely makes it a lot safer. I still believe that going into Tor without dark web links at hand is a fool’s errand. But some people insist on search engines, and several Tor engines exist.
Here is an example of some illicit items you may find on the dark web. In fact, it’s better in the interest of privacy that these pages aren’t readily visible. From this example, you can see that the “deep web” doesn’t have to be scary, illicit, or illegal. It’s further important to distinguish the deep web from the dark web — as the next section explains.
1. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools
Using a VPN in conjunction with the Tor (The Onion Router) browser is the best way to access the dark web safely. A dark web VPN prevents websites and your ISP from knowing when you’re using the Tor browser. This is good practice generally, but particularly important in countries where the Tor browser is blocked, such as China, Russia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. Now you have a Tor browser and you can access the dark web safely on your iPhone. URLs of darknet websites are known as “Tor Hidden Services” and can be identified from regular websites.
To navigate the dark web safely, you need specialized tools:
Check out our list of the top dark web search engines and learn how to access the dark web safely. Then get a VPN to encrypt all your online activity and stay safe wherever the web takes you. The surface web is everything that’s publicly available and accessible through search or typing a URL into your browser. Some of those pages can still be accessed if you have the URL while others require you to have login credentials. According to expert estimates, the deep web is 500 times larger than the surface web.
For the most security-conscious, you can even install the Tails operating system on a flash drive and run Tor from that. By implementing these protective measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and protect your personal information while navigating the Dark Web and engaging in online activities. It provides a space where individuals can share ideas, communicate securely, and access information without the fear of being monitored or suppressed. You may want to use Tor to avail yourself of some of the Dark Web’s services. Even though you might benefit from increased anonymity on the dark web, this is never a reason to engage in illegal activities.
Owenson acknowledges Tor has legitimate uses for privacy and circumventing censorship; however, his research suggests the vast majority of activity is criminal in nature. “We observe a handful of new ransomware double extortion pages a month; in some cases, these are rebrands of previously known ransomware groups. The volume of dark web domains has remained stagnant, even though the overall traffic has increased recently,” Estes says. Data is the most common commodity sold on the dark web, according to Nirmit Biswas, senior research analyst at Market Research Future. “Account credentials, credit card information, addresses and social security numbers have all been hacked. Someone might not even realize they’ve been hacked, yet their company and employee information could be sold,” Biswas says.
Widely considered one of the best private search engines, it’s the default search engine on Tor browser. DuckDuckGo has a simple interface, with a search box in the middle of the page, and its list of search results is also formatted like Google’s. And it’s not just a deep web search engine — DuckDuckGo works for surface websites, too.
- Tor Browser: This is the most widely used tool for accessing the dark web. It anonymizes your internet traffic.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a VPN can add an extra layer of security and privacy.
- Search Engines: Some search engines are designed for the dark web, such as Ahmia, Not Evil, and DuckDuckGo for .onion sites.
2. Set Up Your Environment
Before diving into the dark web, it’s vital to set up a secure environment:
- Ensure your operating system is up to date.
- Consider using a separate device or a virtual machine to safeguard your personal information.
- Disable scripts and plugins in your Tor browser to enhance security.
3. Accessing the Dark Web
Once your tools are ready, you can begin your search:
- Download and install the Tor Browser from the official website. Avoid third-party downloads.
- Launch the Tor Browser and connect to the network.
- Use dark web search engines to look for specific content or sites.
- Explore popular dark web directories, which can provide links to various sites.
4. Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Your safety should be your top priority while searching the dark web:
- Never share personal information.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links to reduce the risk of malware.
- Be cautious of illegal content and activities.
5. Useful Resources
Here are some resources to keep you informed and safe:
- Dark Web News: Offers updates on news and events related to the dark web.
- Reddit: Various subreddits discuss the dark web and share information safely.
- Books and Guides: Reading about dark web practices can enhance your understanding.
FAQs about How to Search the Dark Web
Q1: Is accessing the dark web illegal?
A1: Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities there is against the law.
- Dashlane offers 3 different plan tiers to meet your specific security needs.
- The VPN’s encryption will hide from your ISP the fact that you’re using Tor.
- The website was shut down in 2013 and its founder is serving a life sentence in prison.
- Even when using security measures and your own common sense, accessing deep web content still poses a risk.
- I also recommend using an antivirus (like Norton 360) to protect your device from malware infections.
Q2: Can I be traced while using the dark web?
A2: While using Tor can help anonymize your activities, it is still possible to be traced, especially if you reveal personal information.
Q3: What kind of content can I find on the dark web?
A3: The dark web hosts various content, from forums and blogs to illegal marketplaces and sensitive materials.
Q4: How can I protect myself on the dark web?
A4: Use a VPN, avoid sharing personal information, and stay aware of the risks involved.
Conclusion
Learning how to search the dark web can be a valuable skill for those looking for specific information or resources. By following the appropriate steps and staying vigilant, you can explore this hidden part of the internet more safely.
