The internet is a vast and mysterious place, filled with both light and darkness. While the surface web is full of information and resources that are easily accessible to the general public, the dark web is a hidden corner of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access.
What is the Dark Web?
The internet is home to billions of websites — an estimated 1.7 billion to be exact, although that number changes every day as new sites are made and others are deleted. Your daily internet activity likely falls within the publicly available and readily accessible portion of the internet (otherwise known as the surface web). However, there are additional “levels” of the internet beyond that top level. Some of these are well-known, established threats that circulate in this nook of the web. However, others may be taking advantage of the dark web’s reputation to trick users out of large sums of money.
Is The Dark Web Safe?
There are particular browsers, like the Tor Browser, which users will need to access the dark web. The attraction of using Tor is that it offers a lot of extra privacy. The Guardian called the dark web markets “the eBay of drug dealing” because drugs are among the most common goods on the dark web marketplaces. They were the most lucrative products on the Silk Road marketplace too. Dark web users can also find and buy other illegal substances, such as banned energy drinks. Once you have the necessary tools, you can visit dark web sites by adding their domains to the Tor browser’s address bar.
- With illegal marketplaces popping up and other illegal dark web activities, governments around the world felt the need to act.
- Attempting to even view these can be illegal in many countries and states, so stay well clear of them if you want to keep a clean record and conscience.
- Much like the Hidden Wiki, OnionLinks is a catalog of working dark web websites.
- The deep web includes all internet content protected by passwords, authentication forms, and firewalls — like subscription services, banking information, and email accounts.
- Dark Web Search Engines exist – but they are not as efficient as search engines you found on the Surface Web.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data, but it also hosts a number of legitimate websites and forums that are used for privacy and anonymity purposes.
Torch is funded primarily through advertising—purchased in BTC, of course—which is why you’ll find the front page blanketed with old-school banner ads of dubious origins. In this article, learn more about dark web links (also called Tor links or onion sites), then check out some of the best Tor sites. The deep web is about 90% of the internet, while the dark web makes up about 5%. A large portion of deepweb links are sites hidden behind security firewalls or authentication forms, such as banking sites or any of the billions of web pages that are password protected. In some ways, the dark web offers more browsing freedom, but the lack of safeguards can leave you exposed to hackers, malware, and other online threats.
What Is A Tor Browser?
How to Access the Dark Web
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To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser. Tor, which stands for “The Onion Router,” is a free, open-source software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously by routing your connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers around the world. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity or identify your location.
Dark Web Websites
Dark web websites, also known as “onion sites,” have a .onion domain extension and can only be accessed through the Tor browser. These websites are often used for illegal activities, but there are also many legitimate websites and forums on the dark web that are used for privacy and anonymity purposes.
Illegal Activities on the Dark Web
Drug markets: The dark web is home to a number of online marketplaces where illegal drugs are sold and traded. These markets operate similarly to mainstream e-commerce websites, with buyers and sellers rating and reviewing each other.
Weapons markets: The dark web also hosts a number of websites where illegal weapons, such as guns and explosives, are sold and traded. These markets are often used by criminal organizations and terrorists to obtain weapons.
Stolen data markets: The dark web is a popular place for hackers to sell stolen data, such as credit card information, login credentials, and personal identifying information. These markets are often used by identity thieves and cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information.
Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web
Privacy and anonymity: The dark web is often used by individuals who want to keep their online activity private and anonymous. This can include journalists, whistleblowers, and political activists who want to avoid government surveillance and censorship.
Free speech: The dark web is also used by individuals who want to express themselves freely without fear of retribution or censorship. This can include political dissidents, members of marginalized communities, and others who want to speak out against injustice.
Websites are usually labeled with registry operators like “.com” and “.org” and can be easily located with popular search engines. Dark web sites are not indexed by search engines, so there are no search engines to guide users. Browsing safely on the dark web is most effective when users have the exact URL for the website they want to visit. Use a search engine that works only on the Dark Web, such as DuckDuckGo or Startpage, which are private search engines only available there. Avoid visiting sites requiring logins or subscriptions, which can expose your information to malicious actors; alternatively, use virtual machines with Tor and VPN technology for added protection. The Dark Web offers many attractions, from illegal marketplaces to macabre videos.
Conclusion
The dark web is a hidden corner of the internet that is often associated with illegal activities, but it also hosts a number of legitimate websites and forums that are used for privacy and anonymity purposes. To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser called the Tor browser, which allows you to browse the internet anonymously by routing your connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers around the world. While the dark web can be a dangerous place, it is also a valuable resource for those who want to keep their online activity private and secure.
