The Top 10 Secret Resources Hiding In The Tor Network
Understanding the Deep Web
The deep web refers to the part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. This includes databases, private corporate sites, medical records, legal resources, and more.
DuckDuckgo is a search engine that emphasizes protecting searchers’ privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results. If you try to access that same URL, through Chrome, for example, you won’t be allowed to view it. Because of the protection offered by the Darknet and its hidden services, activists in oppressive regimes are free to exchange ideas and organize themselves. Many of the websites hosted on the Dark Web are created by scammers and criminals intending to steal your personal information or extort money from you. We’ve taken a look at the most popular search engines, wikis, forums, and sources available on the dark net so you won’t have to.
Also, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion. Some alleged services like the professional “hitmen” may just be scams designed to profit from willing customers. Reports have suggested the dark web offers many illegal services, from paid assassinations to trafficking for sex and weapons. Illegal drug marketplaces like the Silk Road have been hijacked for police surveillance in the past. By utilizing custom software to infiltrate and analyze activity, this has allowed law officials to discover user identities of patrons and bystanders alike.
In contrast, the dark web is a small portion of the deep web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. Accessing the dark web often requires special software, but understanding how to get in the deep web can help you navigate these layers of the internet safely.
Your first step is to check if your personal information is for sale on the Dark Web. Use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to see if you’ve been the victim of a recent data breach. Later, the U.S. government developed The Onion Router (Tor) to let their intelligence officers communicate anonymously. This later became open source, leading to the Tor that we see today which lets civilians access the Dark Web, for good or bad. If you’re concerned that your personal information could be floating around on the Dark Web or Deep Web, you need to know what that means for your personal and financial safety. Stay vigilant and follow these extra tips to stay safe on the dark web.
- The Internet as most people know it is actually called the surface web.
- And if you’re researching Tor and the dark web for a school project, this page can help you with statistics.
- The most common way to access the dark web or deep web is by using the Tor network, and doing so is not nearly as complicated as you might think.
- When you read in the news about hackers stealing information from banks, tech companies, and hospitals, often that stolen information eventually ends up on the dark web.
- Tor and other onion routers like I2P, Freenet and Subgraph OS aren’t the only way to mask your identity online, but they are the most comprehensive.
To maintain anonymity, all transactions on the dark web are conducted with Bitcoin, a virtually untraceable digital currency, and other types of digital currencies. As a result, dark web users can interact, communicate, share files and conduct business confidentially. Just remember to cover your camera and your speaker when you download these apps. Browsing the dark web puts you at risk of cyberattacks such as DDoS attacks, botnets, and other malware or viruses. By simply entering the wrong URL or accidentally downloading a malicious file, you could install infectious viruses or malware. This can have a detrimental impact on your device or, even worse, expose your personal information.
Unless you’re on the dark web yourself, the only way to know whether or not someone is selling your data is to perform a dark web scan. We always recommend using a reliable VPN when accessing the deep web or dark web. Sites stored in the index are then ranked based on a variety of different factors, which is what decides how far up on the results page the sites appear in a search.
How to Get in the Deep Web
Accessing the deep web is relatively straightforward compared to entering the dark web. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Choosing the Right Tools
To get started with the deep web, you won’t need any specific software; accessing many sites can be done through your regular browser. However, specific sites or resources may require unique tools. Here are some options:
It is full of scammers, malware, and phishing websites — and these are just a few of the dangers. The main risks of visiting the dark web can be found in the table below. The dark web — aka, the deep web — is the second layer of the internet, which is not indexed by search engines. Websites and pages in the deep web might include password-protected content, private forums, and personalized resources.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN helps to anonymize your internet connection, ensuring better privacy.
- Tor Browser: This is essential for accessing the dark web, but can also be useful for exploring certain deep web sites.
- Specialized Search Engines: Use deep web search engines like Ahmia or Not Evil to find deep web content.
The dark web and deep web are not the same — all sites on the dark web are technically part of the deep web, but much of the deep web is not part of the dark web. The deep web is simply the part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, such as email inboxes, banking portals, or any site that requires authentication or a password. ProtonMail is a Swiss-based encrypted email service that doesn’t require personal information when you sign up. ProtonMail’s end-to-end encryption makes it one of the best onion sites for easy-to-use, secure, anonymous email. To access the Dark Net, users must download the TOR network, a decentralized network of servers that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. The ‘Dark Web’ uses complex systems that anonymise a user’s true IP address, making it very difficult to work out which websites a device has visited.
2. Familiarizing Yourself with Deep Web Content
Some common types of content found on the deep web include:
- Academic journals and research articles.
- Library databases and archives.
- Online learning resources.
- Private databases from various industries.
- Member-only forums and communities.
3. Accessing the Deep Web
For straightforward access, follow these steps:
- Launch your regular web browser.
- Utilize academic databases or library resources, such as JSTOR or Google Scholar.
- Visit sites that are intentionally kept out of mainstream search results, like online forums or specialized services.
- If you wish to explore more sensitive areas, consider using the Tor Browser along with a VPN.
Safety Precautions
While exploring the deep web, consider the following safety measures:
- Maintain Anonymity: Never share personal information.
- Use a Secure Connection: Ensure you are using a reputable VPN.
- Remain Cautious: Be aware that there are illegal activities on the dark web; avoid engaging in any illegal content.
- Install Security Software: Keep your device protected with updated antivirus software.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web contains information that is not indexed by search engines, including legitimate content. The dark web is a smaller part of the deep web that requires special software for access and is often associated with illegal activities.
Is it safe to access the deep web?
Accessing the deep web is generally safe if you take appropriate precautions such as using a VPN and avoiding illegal activities.
Can anyone access the deep web?
Yes, anyone with an internet connection can access the deep web, but certain parts may require special tools like the Tor Browser.
Are there any advantages to using the deep web?
The deep web can provide access to valuable information not readily available on the surface web, such as academic research, private databases, and specialized knowledge repositories.
In conclusion, understanding how to get in the deep web can open up many avenues for research and information gathering. Just remember to prioritize safety and legality while exploring this less accessible side of the internet.
