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. It’s important to note that the dark web should not be confused with the deep web, which is a part of the internet individuals access regularly. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different things. Deep web content — which isn’t picked up by search engines, either — includes pages that typically require additional credentials to access. Your online banking accounts and email accounts, for instance, are examples of deep web content.
The dark web is a mysterious part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses for privacy and anonymity. If you are curious about exploring the dark web, here are some tips on how to do so safely:
How To Access The Deep Web
What is the Dark Web?
- Shadowy depths of the internet, where anonymity reigns, and curiosity intertwines with caution.
- Wasabi Wallet is a popular cryptocurrency wallet on the dark web, and it’s a safe choice for buying and sending cryptocurrencies.
- You may then watch the threat as it evolves in order to respond accordingly,” he says.
- It’s much faster and more reliable than Tor for a number of technical reasons.
If you become a victim, report the identity theft as soon as possible. And remember that there are better (and safer) ways to prevent identity theft than being forced to buy back your data off the dark web. Because privacy and anonymity are the hallmarks of the dark web, it’s easy to assume that everything that happens there is illegal.
Special Search Engines (Google)
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional browsers like Chrome or Firefox. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access websites on the dark web. These sites have .onion URLs instead of .com or .org.
At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public. One of its selling points is that even ZeroBin servers don’t know what you pasted. The data encryption takes place on your browser before it goes to the server.
Facebook — Dark Web Version Of Popular Social Media Site
How to Search the Dark Web Safely
Is Tor illegal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.
- Use a Secure Connection: Make sure you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your identity.
- Download the Tor Browser: The Tor Browser allows you to access the dark web anonymously and securely. It is designed to protect your privacy and prevent your online activity from being tracked.
- Be Cautious: Exercise caution when browsing the dark web, as there are many illegal activities happening there. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
- Verify Websites: Before entering any personal information or making purchases on the dark web, make sure to verify the legitimacy of the website. Look for reviews or recommendations from trusted sources.
The risk of being a visitor to this content could lead to being placed on a watchlist or immediate targeting for a jail sentence. The reputation of the dark web has often been linked to criminal intent or illegal content, and “trading” sites where users can purchase illicit goods or services. Approximately 90% of all websites are on the deep web, and many are used by entities such as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. What’s known as the dark web exists within the deep web; it’s an area of the internet that is only accessible by users who have a Tor browser installed.
This makes it almost impossible to track your dark web activity from beginning to end. Don’t get Tor confused with a VPN though, which uses tunnels to protect your data from lurkers. Learn the difference between using Tor and a VPN for anonymous browsing. Each node decrypts your data one layer at a time so it can be interpreted, then sent to your intended dark web destination. It’s from this process of ‘peeling’ off the individual layers of encryption, like the layers of an onion, where ‘the onion router’ gets its name.
FAQs about the Dark Web
Is it illegal to browse the dark web?
No, it is not illegal to browse the dark web. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is against the law.
Can I be tracked while browsing the dark web?
With the right security measures in place, such as using a VPN and the Tor Browser, your online activity on the dark web can be anonymous and difficult to track.
Does McAfee check dark web?
How McAfee Identity Protection can help. If you use McAfee Identity Protection, we'll scan the dark web regularly for your PII. And if we find your data on the dark web, we'll alert you through an email.
By following these tips and exercising caution, you can safely explore the dark web and satisfy your curiosity about this hidden part of the internet.
What is the real Tor browser?
Tor Browser, a modified version of Mozilla Firefox, hides your location, IP address, and other identifying data from regular websites. Tor routes your internet traffic through at least three intermediary nodes, encrypting it once per jump.
