The internet is a vast place, but what lies beyond the surface web is an even more mysterious realm known as the deep web. Delving into the deep web can be an intriguing and eye-opening experience for those who are curious about exploring its hidden corners. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of accessing the deep web safely and securely.
- However, the deep web can also host illegal content such as pirated media.
- They are there to sell services such as pay-to-kill (assassin services), sexual abuse of all types, prostitutes, banned-drug sellers, weed-sellers, etc.
- The dark web is known as a place where illegal goods and services can be bought and sold, and for that reason, it’s earned a reputation for being a little seedy and salacious.
- According to Dataprot, a rough estimate is that the surface web makes up only 5% of the internet and the rest is made up of the deep web.
- After extensive tests, we’ve found NordVPN to be best suited for accessing the dark web on a phone as it’s mobile-friendly, secure, and offers specialized dark web servers.
Then the deep web is right under the water – it’s less accessible, but basic swimming skills would be enough to get there. Meanwhile, the dark web is part of the iceberg deepest in the water – you’d need special diving equipment to reach it. Some alleged services like the professional “hitmen” may just be scams designed to profit from willing customers.
Understanding the Deep Web
If the PGP cannot be verified, the original owner has not made the site you’re viewing, and it’s likely a scam site that’s built to capture user information. Some websites have multiple links available, which can all be verified using a PGP signature. Dark.direct is a site is hosted by a journalist and privacy activist researching Tor. It features links to marketplaces, cryptocurrency exchanges, forums, and other directories (like Tor.Taxi). When navigating the dark web, we suggest using a trusted search engine like DuckDuckGo.onion. The absolute best VPN for the dark web is Private Internet Access, because its zero-logs policy has been proven multiple times by subpoenas and real-world cases.
Download Tor from its official website
Before we begin our journey, let’s first understand what the deep web really is. The deep web refers to all the websites and content that are not indexed by search engines such as Google or Bing. These unindexed pages make up the majority of the internet, covering everything from private databases and academic resources to online banking portals and government archives.
Although it’s frowned upon, many people outside the United States use such tools to access American content on Netflix and other streaming sites. For example, only you can access your online bank account with your password. To access the surface web, you only need an internet connection and a web browser. There might be slight differences in the page layout depending on your geographical location or device. But whether you’re in Japan, the United States, or Sweden (perhaps not always China), anyone can go directly to the video.
Step 1: Download a Tor Browser
The Tor browser is an essential tool for accessing the deep web. It provides anonymity and ensures your online activities remain hidden from prying eyes. To get started, follow these simple steps:
Can I access websites on the dark web on my phone, iPad, or Chromebook?
- Go to the official Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org) to download the Tor browser.
- Choose the appropriate version based on your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Install the Tor browser like any other software application.
While Tor by itself is a robust and secure privacy tool, combining it with a VPN is an ironclad way to ensure that your privacy isn’t compromised. Additionally, using Tor with a VPN lets you access the Tor Network in situations and locations where it is blocked. Whistleblowers, journalists, and activists also use dark web tools — especially if they live in countries with repressive political regimes. The dark web has been vital for social change and market decentralization. The platform is dedicated to keeping the community well-informed and up-to-date with the constantly evolving Cyber World. The other benefit of using a VPN is to prevent hackers from stealing your identity and or personal files and photos from your computer.
If you use the widest definition of the deep web, then it’s a vast ocean of websites. With how mythologized the deep web and dark web have become, you’d be excused for thinking it’s difficult or dangerous to access. In reality, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about accessing either, and doing so is surprisingly simple. Keep reading this guide to learn more about what these terms actually mean, and how you can find your way into the underbelly of the internet. If you’ve followed the news in the last two decades, you’ve probably heard stories and seen headlines about the deep web or dark web.
Step 2: Launch the Tor Browser
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Once you have successfully installed the Tor browser, launch it and wait for the connection to establish. This may take a few moments as the Tor network routes your internet traffic through various relays to maintain anonymity.
Step 3: Accessing the Deep Web
Now that you have the Tor browser up and running, follow these precautions to access the deep web safely:
Dark web vs. Deep web: Security
- Do not enable any browser plugins or extensions, as they can compromise your anonymity.
- Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources to prevent potential malware infections.
- Disable JavaScript in the browser settings to enhance privacy and security.
Within a website, you can use the website’s search feature to find content that the web crawler wasn’t able to index. A website may have lots of material that’s located by searching for a keyword (e.g. on the example.com blog). Web crawlers don’t enter words into input fields like search boxes, so they may never get to this material. This is particularly true of information-heavy sites, like government resources or online publication sites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it illegal to access the deep web?
A: No, accessing the deep web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the deep web, such as buying/selling illegal goods or services, is against the law.
Q: Can I be traced while using the Tor browser?
A: The Tor browser provides a high level of anonymity, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities. However, it’s important to note that no system is completely foolproof, so practicing caution is always advisable.
Q: Are there any legitimate reasons to explore the deep web?
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A: Absolutely! The deep web contains valuable resources like academic papers, legal documents, and whistleblower platforms that can contribute to research, journalism, and activism. It’s essential to use the deep web responsibly and ethically.
Q: How can I protect my personal information while accessing the deep web?
A: To protect your personal information while browsing the deep web, avoid providing any identifiable details about yourself and refrain from engaging in risky behavior or disclosing sensitive information.
With these guidelines in mind, you are now equipped to embark on your journey into the depths of the internet. Remember to exercise caution, respect the law, and make the most of the knowledge and information available on the deep web.
