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Understanding the Deep Web
Knowing how to get on the dark web is one thing, but how do you search the dark web? Below, you can find our recommended dark web tools for exploring this part of the internet. Make sure to follow all the steps outlined in this guide to ensure that you remain anonymous and safe. The Tor browser, used to access darknets, was designed to facilitate anonymous message sharing among U.S. spies spread across the world.
When suspicious activity is detected, the company is immediately notified so they can take appropriate action. If you wish to invest in highly effective dark web monitoring services to protect your organization from dark web surprises, see what Dark Web ID can do for you. By patronizing sites or marketplaces that facilitate these things, you may be inadvertently supporting these illegal activities and contributing to the harm caused by them. Unlike typical web browsers, Tor Browser uses onion routing, which encrypts and routes traffic through multiple servers around the world to hide your IP address and provide private browsing. In addition, all domains on the Tor network end with the top-level domain .onion (instead of .com).
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Unlike the surface web, which makes up approximately 5-10% of the internet, the deep web contains valuable information, databases, and private content.
To stay safe on the dark web, we prefer using a premium VPN service like NordVPN. You may accidentally reveal personal information or click on the wrong link and infect your computer with malware. The rest of this guide will focus on how to mitigate these risks. Accessing the deep web doesn’t require a special browser or unique protocols. The dark web, however, can only be accessed through the Tor browser. The encrypted nature of the browser means everyone trying to access the dark web remains anonymous by default.
What is the Dark Web?
The surface web, also known as the visible web or indexed web, refers to the part of the internet that is easily accessible and indexed by traditional search engines. It consists of websites and web pages that are openly available to the public. Examples include news sites, social media platforms, online shopping websites, and any website that can be found through a search engine. The content on the surface web is designed to be easily discovered, making it the most familiar and commonly used layer of the internet.
NordVPN offers a 30-day, no-risk trial subscription when you sign up on this page. This provides a full month’s access to all of the features of the #1 VPN for the Dark Web. This is an excellent way for Dark Web users to provide additional privacy protection when accessing the Dark Web. Social networks, such as Facebook, have created dark web versions of their sites to address privacy problems related to their surface web versions. ExpressVPN had created a .onion version of its website to allow greater privacy and anonymity for Tor browser users.
Same goes for reading internal memos on your company’s corporate intranet. Not because it’s dark or dangerous, but because it’s not available to see without proper login credentials. Deep web content makes up most of the internet — by some estimates, 96 percent or more, says CSO Daily.
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.
Government agencies and contractors can employ services like Peraton’s TORNADO to frequently check the dark web to understand if people are talking about them and what they are saying. TORNADO automatically and anonymously combs through the entire dark web every 30 days based on specific keywords that help identify information that may pose potential harm. Exploiting open source intelligence provides situational awareness. One of the reasons personal and company data is such an attractive target for threat actors is because it is often sold on to others on the dark web. Hacked cryptocurrency wallets and web service accounts (such as the aforementioned PayPal and Netflix) are also becoming more common on the dark web.
Often confused with the deep web, the dark web is a small segment of the deep web that has been deliberately hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It requires specific software to access, such as Tor.
How to Get into the Deep Web
- The dark web has also been used for other nefarious activities, such as the sharing of child pornography and the planning of terrorist attacks.
- Remember, just because something is hidden on the Dark Web does not make it legal or ethical.
- The deep web is made up of content that search engines such as Google do not index.
- One thing I often see is people confusing the dark web and deep web.
- URLs of darknet websites are known as “Tor Hidden Services” and can be identified from regular websites.
- Think of this as the vast repository of information that doesn’t show up in a typical internet search.
Accessing the deep web can be done safely and legally by following these steps:
- Download a Secure Browser: To access the deep web, you will need to download a secure browser, such as Tor Browser. This software allows you to navigate the deep web securely and anonymously.
- Install VPN: For added security and privacy, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before connecting to the internet. This helps to encrypt your data and hide your real IP address.
- Access .onion Sites: Many deep web sites use the .onion domain. You can find directories of .onion sites through forums or various deep web resources.
- Stay Within Legal Boundaries: Be mindful not to access illegal content or engage in unlawful activities while on the deep web.
Safety Precautions
When exploring the deep web, it’s crucial to consider your safety:
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Stay anonymous by avoiding personal data like your name, address, or financial details.
- Beware of Scams: The anonymity of the deep web can attract scams and fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of sites.
- Use Strong Passwords: If you create accounts, ensure you use complex, unique passwords.
- Stay Updated: Keep your software up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.
FAQs about the Deep Web
What can you find on the deep web?
The deep web hosts academic databases, private databases, forums, and niche communities. Some content is perfectly legal and useful, like government resources or academic publications.
Is it illegal to access the deep web?
No, accessing the deep web is legal. However, you must avoid illegal activities or accessing unlawful content once you are in.
Do I need technical skills to navigate the deep web?
Basic computer skills are sufficient for navigating the deep web. However, knowledge of cybersecurity best practices is beneficial for keeping safe.
Is using the deep web safe?
While there are risks involved, following safety precautions can help make your experience on the deep web safer. Use VPNs, stay anonymous, and do not share personal information.
Conclusion
Exploring the deep web can be an intriguing experience, offering information and resources not found on the surface web. However, it’s important to proceed with caution, respect legal boundaries, and prioritize your safety as you delve into this vast and hidden part of the internet.
